Oduduwa News

The national caucus leaders of the Yoruba sociopolitical group, Afenifere, on Friday paid a solidarity visit to lawyer and author, Mr Dele Farotimi, at the Ado-Ekiti Correctional Centre to deliver a private message from their national leader, Chief Adebanjo and to enquire about his wellbeing.

Farotimi, a member of the national caucus of Afenefere, is being remanded in prison amidst a suit against him for allegedly defaming the founder of the Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti (ABUAD), Chief Afe Babalola.

According to a statement by the Deputy Secretary General, Alade Rotimi-John, the Afenifere leaders expressed their disappointment at “the travesty occasioned by the chief magistrate who presided over the case on Tuesday when he declined to see the need to give urgent attention to an application for bail for a bailable offence, particularly since it is already a deeply disturbing miscarriage of justice for Mr Farotimi to have been remanded in the correctional centre in the first place.”

The statement said, “Afenifere will wait to consider its next line of action after the ruling of the chief magistrate on December 20.

“The national caucus leaders of Afenifere in attendance at the correctional centre today (Friday) included Chief Supo Shonibare, Basorun Segun Sanni, Mrs Nike Olujembola, Mrs Toyin Falade, Pastor Olayemi Olajuyinnu and Mr Tunde Babarinde, among others.”

The leader of the UK’s Conservative Party, Kemi Badenoch, has stated that she identifies as Yoruba rather than broadly as “Nigerian.”

Speaking with The Spectator in an interview, she explained that her limited connection to northern Nigeria, which she described as a haven for Islamism and Boko Haram, influences her perspective.

According to her, “I find it interesting that everybody defines me as being Nigerian. I identify less with the country than with the specific ethnicity [Yoruba].

I have nothing in common with the people from the north of the country, the Boko Haram where Islamism is.”

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has emphasized that there is no “magical solution” to Nigeria’s ongoing electricity challenges, attributing the issues to decades-old infrastructure.

During a visit from German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, he noted that while Siemens Energy is making efforts, improvements will take time due to aging transmission lines.

Tinubu also highlighted reforms aimed at decentralizing power generation and distribution, encouraging foreign investment in alternative energy sources.

He assured that the government is committed to utilizing Nigeria’s resources for rural electrification and enhancing the power sector.

The leader of the United Kingdom’s Conservative Party, Kemi Badenoch, has reiterated her controversial stance on Nigeria, stating that she will not shy away from speaking candidly about her homeland. This declaration follows criticism from Nigeria’s Vice-President Kashim Shettima over her characterization of the country as a “socialist nation brimming with thieving politicians and insecurity.”

In a statement issued through her spokesperson, Badenoch emphasized her commitment to addressing issues with honesty and realism rather than polishing Nigeria’s global image.

“Kemi is not interested in doing Nigeria’s PR; she is the leader of the opposition in the UK,” the spokesperson said. “She tells the truth. She tells it like it is. She’s not going to couch her words, and she stands by what she says.”

Born Olukemi Adegoke in Nigeria, Badenoch has often highlighted her Nigerian heritage but has also been openly critical of the country’s governance and systemic challenges. Her remarks have sparked mixed reactions both in Nigeria and abroad, with some lauding her forthrightness and others accusing her of perpetuating negative stereotypes.

Badenoch’s comments come amid heightened scrutiny of Nigeria’s political and social landscape. Vice-President Shettima’s rebuke underscored the sensitivity of such remarks from someone of Nigerian descent now holding a prominent position in British politics.

Kemi Badenoch, who adopted her surname after marrying her Scottish husband, Hamish Badenoch, has built a reputation as a straightforward and often polarizing figure. As the first person of Nigerian origin to lead a major UK political party, her comments carry significant weight, amplifying debates on issues of governance, corruption, and national identity.

While the controversy continues to unfold, Badenoch’s refusal to soften her stance demonstrates her commitment to her principles, even at the risk of alienating a segment of her Nigerian audience. Whether this approach will bolster her political career in the UK or strain relations with her country of origin remains to be seen.

The Gateway International Agro-Cargo Airport, situated along the llisan-Iperu route in Ogun State, has received approval for commercial operations from Nigerian aviation regulatory bodie

In a statement released on Wednesday, the agencies praised the airport’s advanced infrastructure, calling it “world-class” and a “point of pride for Ogun State.”

They pointed out essential facilities such as the control towins, athe amonitori are compliant wity, treativince standards.

The airport is also touted to be among the finest in West Africa.

“There has been notable enhancement in the facilities since my previous visit.

The infrastructure here is comparable to any standard airport around the world,” said Aerodrome and Airspace Stendates ate cAo
Mohammed lauded the quality of work carried out under Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration, stressing the importance of acknowledging the successful completion of the project.

Operatives of Ibadan Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested twenty-three (23) suspected internet fraudsters.

The internet fraudsters were arrested at Akobo area of Ibadan in Oyo State following credible intelligence linking them with suspected involvement in fraudulent internet activities.

Items recovered from them include eight exotic cars, laptops, phones and a play station game, among others.

The suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.

The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) and Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) have demanded the immediate release of detained human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi and the dropping of all charges against him, including criminal defamation. In a joint statement, the groups criticized President Tinubu’s administration for “targeting journalists, activists, and human rights defenders,” calling for an end to the use of repressive laws like the Cybercrime Act to stifle dissent.

They urged the government to ensure the protection of media and civil society, respect court rulings, and repeal laws that restrict freedom of expression, emphasizing that such actions violate Nigeria’s constitution and international human rights obligations.

The groups also called on the international community to pressure Nigerian authorities to halt repression, protect media freedom, and investigate human rights violations.

The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the November 16 governorship election in Ondo State, Agboola Ajayi on Monday said he had filed a petition at the Ondo State Election Petition Tribunal against the victory of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa. This development came 24 days after the governorship poll.

The Independent National Electoral Commission declared Aiyedatiwa of the All Progressives Congress as the winner of the election, having polled a total of 366,781 votes to defeat his closest rival, Ajayi, who had 117,845 votes.

Speaking with journalists at the PDP Secretariat, Akure, the state capital, Ajayi disclosed that his legal team had filed the petition at the election tribunal, with the hope of getting justice from the court.