Oduduwa News

Veteran Nollywood actor Ganiyu Nofiu, widely known as Alapini, has voiced his deep disappointment over what he called the neglect of Yoruba entertainers who actively campaigned for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the 2023 general elections.

In a heartfelt interview shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday, Alapini accused the Tinubu-led government of turning its back on those who toiled tirelessly to secure electoral victory, particularly entertainers who mobilized grassroots support across difficult terrains.

“Will Seyi Tinubu say he’s blind and didn’t see us, the elders, when we campaigned?” Alapini questioned, his voice heavy with frustration. “We were over 100 that campaigned. We were going around both old and young filmmakers. Where others could not enter, we campaigned there. We were entering marketplaces as if we were mad patients.”

The veteran actor described how he and others visited markets, rural areas, and remote communities without funding, recognition, or security driven solely by loyalty to the Yoruba cause and belief in Tinubu’s candidacy.

His comments reflect growing resentment among grassroots campaigners and aging entertainers who feel sidelined despite their visible contributions. According to Alapini, many of his colleagues expected appointments, financial support, or at the very least, public acknowledgment, none of which has materialized more than a year after the elections.

The video has since sparked debate online, with some netizens echoing Alapini’s sentiments while others argue that political support should not come with expectations of compensation.

The Court of Appeal, Lagos Division, has nullified the final forfeiture order granted against properties linked to the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, handing a major legal victory to the embattled former apex bank chief.

In a split judgment delivered on April 9, 2025, and obtained by Lagos Reporters on Sunday, the appellate court ruled two-to-one in favour of setting aside the Federal High Court’s earlier decision that allowed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to permanently seize Emefiele’s assets.

The court also ordered a fresh trial of the matter at the lower court, citing procedural and legal concerns.

Back in November 2024, the Federal High Court in Lagos had approved the EFCC’s request for the final forfeiture of several high-value properties allegedly linked to Emefiele. These included:

Two fully detached duplexes at No. 17B, Hakeem Odumosu Street, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos;

A 1,919.592-square-metre undeveloped plot on Oyinkan Abayomi Drive (formerly Queens Drive), Ikoyi;

A bungalow at No. 65A Oyinkan Abayomi Drive, Ikoyi; and

A four-bedroom duplex at No. 12A, Probyn Road, Ikoyi.

The appellate court’s ruling reopens the legal battle surrounding Emefiele’s alleged assets and the EFCC’s efforts to tie them to financial crimes during his time in office.

Legal analysts say the retrial could either reinforce or unravel the government’s case, depending on how the evidence is re-presented in court

Governor Ademola Adeleke has warned radio stations in the state to desist from allowing incitement to violence and constant breach of the national broadcasting codes.

The Governor also cautioned opposition figures against inciting the public to violence on the recent judicial pronouncement on the local government leadership question.

In a statement on Sunday, the Governor expressed displeasure at the activities of some radio stations who allowed guests to incite the public to violence and also manifest disdain for lack of fair hearing to affected stakeholders.

The statement condemned refusal to caution guests who made libelous and sedition allegations against public officials while at the same time blocking the right to fair hearing for affected people.

The Governor has therefore directed the Commissioner for Information to summon the General Managers of all affected stations for a briefing before further action will be taken.

While drumming support for freedom of press, the governor said observance of broadcasting codes is key to responsible broadcast journalism, vowing to impose sanctions on any station that refuses to obey broadcast rules and codes.

Meanwhile, Governor Adeleke has cautioned opposition politicians against current trends of promoting violence in the wake of the recent pronouncement of the Court of Appeal.

He frowned at the recent interviews by some opposition politicians to take laws into their own hands, warning that law enforcement agencies will descend heavily on any trouble makers.

According to the Governor, the commitment of the administration to rule of law is unwavering, warning that those threatening violence to achieve political goals are enemies of the people.

The governor noted that the judicial process is the panacea to resolving political disputes, urging people of Osun state to remain peaceful and reject calls to violence by some opposition figures.

“We task our people to be law abiding. The local government question is being resolved without any further bloodletting. Those promoting violence will face the law at the right time”, the Governor was quoted as saying.

The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has suspended its controversial plan to hold national prayer and fasting sessions as a response to the worsening hunger crisis in Nigeria, Lagos Reporters can confirm.

The spiritual programme, revealed in a leaked circular dated June 11, 2025, had directed ministry staff—including directors and desk officers—to gather for weekly fasting and prayer sessions at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja. The initiative, titled “Divine Intervention for Protection and National Development,” was scheduled for June 16, 23, and 30.

“This is to invite all staff… to a solemn prayer session for God’s guidance and supporting the Government’s effort to achieve food security,” read the memo signed by the Director of Human Resource Management, Mrs. Adedayo Modupe O.

However, a follow-up memo from the same official announced the indefinite postponement of the programme without providing any reasons.

The move follows public outrage and online criticism that condemned the idea as tone-deaf and inadequate in the face of soaring food prices and deepening hardship across the country. Many Nigerians demanded concrete policy actions rather than religious symbolism.

Under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, food inflation has surged to over 40% year-on-year as of May 2025, according to the National Bureau of Statistics. The prices of essential staples like rice, yam, garri, and maize have more than doubled, worsening the living conditions of already struggling households.

Oyetola Vows to Revitalize APC in Osun, Despite Past Electoral Losses

Former Osun State Governor, Gboyega Oyetola, has expressed his determination to return the All Progressives Congress (APC) to power in Osun, despite the party’s previous losses in the state.

Oyetola’s resolve comes after his own defeat in the governorship election to Ademola Adeleke. The APC’s losses in Osun also led to the suspension of Aregbesola, allegedly for anti-party activities.

Undeterred, Oyetola pledged to provide leadership for the APC and work towards reclaiming power in 2026. He urged party members to engage in robust mobilization efforts and rally support for President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

The Ondo Police Command spokesperson, Olushola Ayanlade, on Wednesday, announced the arraignment of nine suspected cultists linked to recent violent clashes in Ondo City that resulted in the deaths of two individuals.

The development follows a previous arrest of 46 suspects during a coordinated anti-cult operation by the state command.

Ayanlade said the screening and identification processes led to the arraignment of nine individuals before the Chief Magistrate Court of Ondo State in Akure.

The suspects identified as Akinrimade Ayomide (23), Olanrewaju Adejuwon (31), Kunle Johnson (29), Sodiq Ibrahim (25), Franklin Akinrinsola (29), Adebusoye Sunkanmi (30), Fadayomi Ayoola (45), Akingbesote Eric (31), and Akomoleyin Akin (29) are facing a six-count charge related to cultism, homicide, and illegal possession of firearms.

The charges brought against them include:

“Conspiracy to commit a felony, including cultism, murder, and unlawful possession of firearms — contrary to Section 516 of the Criminal Code Law of Ondo State, 2006.

“Membership of banned cult groups such as Eiye, Ave, and Aiye confraternities — an offence under Section 1(1) of the Cultism and Similar Activities Prohibition Law of Ondo State, 2006.

“Culpable homicide, linked to the deaths of Fagbemi Guna Ayomide (25) and Sunday Adeyemi (32), stemming from violent rival cult clashes — as defined under Sections 316 and 319(1) of the Criminal Code.

“Unlawful possession of firearms, specifically by suspect Adebusoye Sunkanmi — in violation of Section 3(1) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act, 2006.”

Olushola stated that intelligence gathered during investigations linked one of the deceased individuals, 52-year-old Akinsiku Olabode, to both cult activities and drug trafficking.

“He had been using proceeds from his illicit drug trade to finance cult activities, sponsor initiations, and supply arms to his group — thus fueling the violence that has rocked Ondo City in recent weeks,” the statement said.

In response to the growing threat of cultism, the state command has reinforced its security efforts by deploying the Anti-Cultism Squad and Tactical Intelligence Response Squad (TIRS).

The teams are working alongside local police units to deepen the crackdown on cult-related violence and to ensure those behind Olabode’s killing are apprehended.

The Commissioner of Police applauded residents for their vigilance and cooperation. He reassured the public that other suspects still under investigation would face legal consequences.

“The Command remains committed to restoring public confidence and safeguarding lives and property in Ondo State,” the statement read.

The police urged citizens to continue reporting suspicious movements or criminal activities at the nearest station or via emergency line: 07032358284

Some female students from the Ogun State Institute of Technology, Igbesa, formerly Gateway Polytechnic, Igbesa, are in police net after allegedly beating a colleague over allegations of boyfriend snatching.

In a viral video posted on X platform on Wednesday, the students were seen flogging the victim with long, thick canes.

The students alleged that their mothers were aware of their actions and said they do not care about who the victim reported to after the beating.

The victim suffered visible injuries on her back and head.

Although some students tried to intervene, pleading with one of the attackers, identified as Lolade, to stop the assault, she refused, insisting that the beating was intended to teach the victim a lesson.

The Ogun State Police Command, while reacting to the video, said it has launched an investigation.

In a post on X on Wednesday, the command confirmed that the Igbesa Divisional Police Officer has taken over the case.

“The Ogun State Police Command is on top of the situation, and the DPO Igbesa has taken charge of the case,” .. read.

It was gathered that all the students involved in the assault have been arrested by the police.

“All the ladies involved in the assault are all presently in police custody,” .. said.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Thursday, conferred national honours on a distinguished list of Nigerians, both living and late, in recognition of their immense contributions to the advancement and preservation of democracy in Nigeria.

In a landmark ceremony, President Tinubu announced a series of honours, including posthumous awards and presidential pardons, stressing the importance of acknowledging those who sacrificed for democratic ideals.

“In this light, I announce the conferment of the posthumous national honour of Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) on Kudirat Abiola, the heroine of the June 12 struggle,” Tinubu declared during his address.

He also granted full presidential pardon to late environmental activist, Ken-Saro Wiwa and other nine Ogoni people that were killed by late Sanni Abacha.

Other posthumous recipients include:

Shehu Musa Yar’Adua (GCFR)

Prof. Humphrey Nwosu (CON)

Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu (CON)

Alhaji Balarabe Musa (CFR)

Pa Alfred Rewani (CFR)

Bagauda Kaltho (OON)

Chima Ubani (OON)

Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti (CON)

Alao Aka Bashorun (CON)

Chief Frank Kokori (CON)

Emma Ezeazu (OON)

Bamidele Aturu (OON)

Dr. Fredrick Fasehun (CON)

Prof. Festus Iyayi (CON)

Dr. John Yima Sen (OON)

Alhaja Sawaba Gambo (CON)

Dr. Edwin Madunagu (CON)

Dr. Alex Ibru (CON)

Chief Bola Ige (CFR)

Sen. Ayo Fasanmi (CON)

Sen. Polycarp Nwite (CON)

Dr. Nurudeen Olowopopo (CON)

In addition, the president honoured several living democracy advocates, including:

Prof. Wole Soyinka (GCON)

Prof. Olatunji Dare (CON)

Kunle Ajibade (OON)

Nosa Igiebor (OON)

Dapo Olorunyomi (OON)

Bayo Onanuga (CON)

Ayo Obe (OON)

Dare Babarinsa (CON)

Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah (CON)

Senator Shehu Sani (CON)

Governor Uba Sani (CON)

Barrister Femi Falana, SAN (CON)

Prof. Shafideen Amuwo (CON)

Barrister Luke Aghanenu (OON)

Senator Tokunbo Afikuyomi (CON)

Hon. Labaran Maku (OON)

Dr. Tunji Alausa (CON)

Mr. Nick Dazang (OON)

Hon. Abdul Oroh (OON)

Odia Ofeimun (CON)

Seye Kehinde (OON)

Barrister Felix Morka (CON)

Barrister Ledum Mitee (CON)

Hon. Olawale Osun (CON)

Dr. Amos Akingba (CON)

Prof. Segun Gbadegesin (CON)

Prof. Mobolaji Akinyemi (CFR)

Dr. Kayode Shonoiki (CON)

Prof. Julius Ihonvbere (CON)

Prof. Bayo Williams (CON)

Sen. Abu Ibrahim (CFR)

Sen. Ameh Ebute (CFR)

Pa Reuben Fasoranti (CFR)

The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially distanced itself from textbooks claiming that the Igbo people founded Ile-Ife — a historical claim that has sparked outrage, especially among Yoruba communities.

According to the Minister of Education, Professor Tunji Alausa, the government is taking this issue seriously and has launched a full investigation into how such misleading content found its way into approved curriculum materials.

“The history of our people must not be rewritten with falsehood,” a government official stated. “We will ensure this distortion is corrected and those responsible are held accountable.”

This move comes after several Yoruba cultural organizations raised alarm over what they described as a deliberate attempt to alter foundational narratives of Yoruba heritage.

he textbooks in question are being recalled, and the Ministry has vowed to consult with credible historians, traditional leaders, and educational stakeholders to ensure authenticity and accuracy in history education going forward.

Several protesters trooped out today, June 12 a symbolic event, marking the celebration of democracy day in Nigeria. The protesters who gathered in their number were seen carrying placards with various inscriptions in Lagos, Osun and Ondo.

Protesting against what they tagged as bad governance led by President Bola Ahmad TInubu, these protesters were chanting “endhunger, bad economy, high cost of food stuff in the market, and end insecurity”.

Report from Oduduwa News Correspondent who was at the scene of the protest in Lagos, said the protesters were very determined to register their displeasure against the prevailing economic crisis in the country despite the presence of heavy security men stationed across the flashpoints to prevent further break down of laws and orders.

Recall, similar protests were organized last year where Nigerians in their thousands took to the streets to demand an end to bad governance in the country. The protests which started peacefully were later hijacked by hoodlums who used the opportunity to commit arson and several other crimes across the country.