Oduduwa News

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has signed the ₦4.444 trillion 2026 Budget of Shared Prosperity into law, following its passage by the Lagos State House of Assembly.

The governor said the 2026 appropriation is designed to strengthen governance, keep Lagos competitive, and ensure inclusive development across the state, noting that residents should feel the impact of government policies regardless of their location or occupation.

According to Sanwo-Olu, the budget prioritises education, healthcare, security, and infrastructure, with significant investments earmarked for the construction and upgrading of schools, improvement of healthcare facilities, and enhanced security architecture. He added that the spending plan also focuses on practical interventions aimed at improving the overall quality of life of Lagosians.

The governor acknowledged that the state is entering the year amid serious challenges, citing the Balogun Market fire incident and the ongoing but necessary works along the Ebute Metta coastline. He said these developments underscore the urgent need for continuous improvement in infrastructure and service delivery.

“This budget gives us the capacity to respond better to emergencies and to prepare Lagos for sustainable growth,” Sanwo-Olu stated.

He explained that the 2026 fiscal plan will focus on renewing infrastructure, expanding transportation networks, supporting agriculture, empowering micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), creating jobs, and driving economic growth that benefits a wider segment of the population.

The governor assured residents that the state government remains committed to responsible spending and value for money, stressing that accountability and efficiency will guide the implementation of the budget.

“Lagosians deserve nothing less,” Sanwo-Olu affirmed.

Afrobeats superstar Tiwa Savage has openly shared how her preference for having a girl child affected her emotional connection with her son, Jamil Balogun, after his birth in 2015.

In a heartfelt conversation on the FlowWithKorty podcast, the 45-year-old singer revealed that she was deeply disappointed when she discovered she was expecting a boy — a moment that brought her to tears.

Savage explained that this disappointment, along with the physical and career challenges she faced after childbirth, made bonding with Jamil difficult during his early years. She recalled that her body didn’t “snap back” quickly, which impacted her confidence and even led to losing a major endorsement deal. At the time, she admitted she felt like her son “destroyed” her career.

“Honestly, I didn’t bond with my son for the first year or two. I always wanted a girl,” she said, adding that her son used to cry a lot, compounding her struggle.

However, Tiwa emphasized that with time, their relationship transformed. Today, she describes Jamil as her best friend and is intentional about raising him to be kind and respectful, especially toward women — a lesson shaped by her own life experiences.

She also reflected on her past relationships, noting that aside from one late partner, her romantic life has been challenging.

The Ogun State Police Command has filed a six-count charge against a social media blogger, Adetoun Onajobi, popularly known as @justadetoun, over alleged cyberbullying and the publication of false information against the Ogun State Government and the state governor.

The charges, which are now pending before the Federal High Court, Abeokuta Division, are said to be brought under provisions of the Cybercrimes Act.

According to a press release issued on Monday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, the suspect allegedly used various internet-enabled platforms to publish what the police described as false accusations and bullying content targeting the Ogun State Governor.

The police stated that Onajobi was invited on January 2, 2026, to respond to allegations arising from her online activities.

However, she reportedly failed to honour the invitation. Instead, her lawyer wrote to the police, claiming that she was medically indisposed and unable to attend the interview.

A medical report was attached to the letter, detailing health challenges allegedly suffered by the blogger.

The Command disclosed that discreet investigations later revealed that the medical report was falsified.

The doctor who purportedly issued the report was arrested and, during interrogation, allegedly admitted that the document was fabricated at the instruction of Adetoun Onajobi during a phone conversation facilitated by her lawyer.

Following the confession, the doctor was arraigned before an Ogun State Magistrates’ Court on charges of conspiracy, uttering a false document, and obstructing the course of justice.

The police further stated that Onajobi has since remained evasive, rebuffing subsequent invitations, and that her current whereabouts are unknown.

“The Ogun State Police Command remains resolute in its duty to tackle all forms of crime, whether violent, white-collar, or digital, while ensuring full respect for the constitutional rights of all persons,” the statement read.

It added “While free speech is constitutionally protected, it does not extend to criminal conduct.

The Command also disclosed that it is trailing other suspects allegedly connected to the dissemination of false information aimed at obstructing police investigations.

DSP Babaseyi noted that having failed to honour her earlier undertaking to appear before the police, the Command would “exhaust all lawful means” to apprehend Adetoun Onajobi and produce her before the court to answer the charges filed against her.

Presidential aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Gbenga Hashim, has declared that the All Progressives Congress (APC) will be removed from power in the 2027 general elections, insisting that no legal or administrative maneuvers can derail Nigeria’s multiparty democracy.

Hashim, a long-standing figure in Nigeria’s pro-democracy movement, alleged that the ruling APC is engaging in legal and institutional actions aimed at weakening opposition participation ahead of the next election cycle. He described the situation as part of a broader pattern that raises serious concerns about the future of democratic competition in the country.

According to him, such developments mirror past attempts to undermine political pluralism in Nigeria, efforts he said were ultimately defeated by the collective will of the people.
“We have travelled this road before under Abacha’s dictatorship, and it ended in victory for the forces of genuine democracy, while the plotters of one-man rule were disgraced,” Hashim stated.

The PDP chieftain reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to multiparty democracy, noting that the nation’s founding fathers deliberately chose political pluralism at independence and embedded it in the country’s constitutional framework.

“Our founding fathers opted for multiparty democracy, and by the grace of God, that legacy will be preserved. No group, no matter how clever or determined, will succeed in destroying Nigeria’s democratic system by the Grace of God ” he said.

Hashim warned against any drift toward authoritarianism, drawing parallels with the political history of Zaire under the late Mobutu Sese Seko, where prolonged one-man rule eroded democratic institutions.
“One-man rule or one-party rule will not happen here. This is Nigeria. We will not allow anyone to reduce our democracy to a tragic parody, as was the case with Zaire under Mobutu Sese Seko,” he added.

He also expressed concern over what he described as selective administrative decisions in the political party registration process. Hashim alleged that while some qualified political associations have reportedly stalled in the process, others perceived to be aligned with the ruling party have received interim recognition.
Describing these trends as warning signs of democratic backsliding, he called on Nigerians and the international community to remain vigilant in defending democratic norms.

Hashim urged “lovers of democracy across the world” to consider lawful and targeted accountability measures against individuals allegedly working to undermine Nigeria’s multiparty system. He noted that such measures, where supported by credible evidence and due process, could include travel restrictions and the freezing of assets.

He emphasized that his concerns extend to the conduct of political actors and institutions, stressing that democracy can only be safeguarded through transparency, accountability, and strict adherence to constitutional principles.

Hashim concluded by expressing confidence that, despite current challenges, Nigerians would rise to defend democracy and remove the APC from power peacefully, constitutionally, and through the ballot in 2027.

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have finally apprehended a long-wanted drug kingpin, Lekan Jimoh, also known as “Kanmo-Kanmo,” twelve years after he allegedly orchestrated the brutal killing of three NDLEA officers in Ogun State.

Jimoh was tracked down and arrested on Friday, January 16, 2026, in Owode town, Ogun State, following credible intelligence and a tactical operation by NDLEA units.

During the operation, officers recovered 69 kilograms of skunk, a potent strain of cannabis, from his hideout. Jimoh had been on the NDLEA’s most-wanted list since June 15, 2014, after he allegedly mobilised armed thugs to resist arrest and killed three officers—including Rabiu Usman Kazaure and two others—who were attempting to detain him at his base.

Despite previous encounters with NDLEA teams—such as an August 2023 raid on his Ado-Odo residence where 1,922 kilograms of skunk were seized and Jimoh escaped—law enforcement maintained the pursuit.

The arrest is being hailed as a major breakthrough for the agency’s commitment to justice and its long-running effort to ensure that no fugitive remains beyond the reach of the law, regardless of how long they evade capture.

NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi reaffirmed that the agency would sustain its war against drug crime and fugitive kingpins, while also continuing nationwide operations to disrupt illicit drug distribution networks.

Popular Oyo State-based broadcaster and media personality, Oriyomi Hamzat, has officially declared his intention to contest the 2027 Oyo State governorship election under the platform of the Accord Party.

Hamzat made the declaration in a widely circulated video on social media, where he confirmed his readiness to enter the political arena after years of active engagement in humanitarian work, media advocacy, and grassroots mobilization across the state. His announcement has since generated widespread reactions among residents, political stakeholders, and his large followership.

According to him, the decision to run for governor was driven by a strong desire to reposition Oyo State through people-oriented governance, transparency, and inclusive development. He emphasized that his years of interaction with ordinary citizens through broadcasting have exposed him to the real challenges facing the state, including unemployment, insecurity, poverty, and inadequate social services.

Hamzat stated that he chose the Accord Party because it aligns with his vision of providing an alternative platform outside the dominant political parties. He described the party as one that offers room for fresh ideas, credible leadership, and genuine service to the people, particularly at the grassroots level.

The broadcaster, who is widely known for his influence in Ibadan and other parts of Oyo State, assured supporters that his campaign would focus on youth empowerment, improved healthcare, education reform, and economic opportunities for small businesses. He also called on the electorate to actively participate in shaping the future of the state through peaceful and issue-based politics.

With this declaration, Oriyomi Hamzat becomes one of the early entrants into the 2027 Oyo governorship race, a contest expected to attract significant attention as political activities gradually intensify across the state.

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has approved a compensation of ₦5 million each for the families of forest guards recently killed at the Old Oyo National Park. He also announced full scholarships up to the university level for the children of the deceased officers.

The governor made the announcements on Friday during an on-the-spot assessment visit to Oloka Village in Oriire Local Government Area of Ogbomoso, where the incident occurred. He commiserated with the affected families and residents, assuring them of the state government’s commitment to justice, welfare, and improved security.

Governor Makinde further promised the rehabilitation of the Ikoyi-Ile–Oloka road under the Rural Access and Agricultural Market Project (RAAMP) to ease movement and boost economic activities. He also pledged to improve telecommunication services by facilitating the installation of telecom masts, alongside the provision of boreholes and solar-powered street lights in the community.

The governor said the state would sustain a joint security operation in the area and disclosed plans to write to military authorities in Abuja to request the establishment of a military base in Oloka to further strengthen security.

Describing security as a collective responsibility, Makinde urged residents to support government efforts by providing timely information to security agencies whenever they notice suspicious activities. He also commended service commanders for their dedication and commitment to protecting lives and property.

“I decided to come here personally to assess the environment and understand the challenges facing our security agencies, especially communication,” the governor said. “Whatever is expected of government to ensure your safety, we will do it. We pray such a tragic incident will not happen again, and we ask God to uphold the families left behind.”

There are indications that the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, may approach the court to challenge the emergence of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasidi Ladoja, as Chairman of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs.

Governor Seyi Makinde on Thursday inaugurated Ladoja as chairman of the council at the House of Chiefs Secretariat in Ibadan, following the passage of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs (Further Amendments) Bill, 2025, by the House of Assembly.

However, the Alaafin was conspicuously absent from the ceremony, a development that has fueled speculation of an impending legal battle.

Speaking at the event, Makinde explained that the chairmanship of the council would be rotational among the Olubadan, the Alaafin and the Soun of Ogbomosoland, with each monarch serving a two-year term.

Sources close to the Alaafin’s palace told newsmen that Oba Owoade deliberately stayed away from the inauguration and may contest the decision in court.

One of the sources said the late Alaafin, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, had previously gone to court to assert his position as permanent chairman of the council, adding that his stance was never successfully challenged.

Another palace insider explained that attending the inauguration would have been “shameful” for the current Alaafin, noting that legal action remained a strong possibility unless there was an intervention.

A separate source alleged that lingering tensions dating back to the reign of the late Alaafin, particularly over the impeachment of Ladoja during his time as governor, may have contributed to the current disagreement.

The source added that with Oba Lamidi Adeyemi now deceased, Ladoja’s emergence as Olubadan had altered the balance of influence within the traditional institution.

It was further alleged that political interests may be influencing the unfolding dispute, raising the prospect of a legal showdown over the leadership of the council.

The Alaafin’s Palace has refuted claims by Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, that he consulted with three foremost traditional rulers in the state—the Alaafin of Oyo, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, and the Soun of Ogbomosoland—before announcing a rotational chairmanship of the State Council of Obas and Chiefs.

In a press release dated January 15, 2026, the palace stated that at no time did His Imperial Majesty, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Engineer Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, hold any meeting with Governor Makinde or with the other two traditional rulers on the matter. The palace emphasized that any suggestion of such consultation is inaccurate.

The statement further clarified that the Alaafin neither discussed nor gave any form of endorsement to the idea of a rotational chairmanship among the three monarchs. According to the palace, no categorical statement supporting the arrangement was made by the Alaafin to the governor or to any party.

Reaffirming its stance, the palace noted that the position of the Alaafin and the entire Oyo community on the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs had already been clearly articulated in a formal memo submitted to the governor by the Oyo Council of Elders.

The press release was signed by Bode Durojaiye, Director of Media and Publicity to the Alaafin, who reiterated the Alaafin’s status as the Paramount Ruler of Oyo Kingdom and the Superior Head of Yorubaland.

…Eyes Oyo Central Senatorial Seat

In a seismic shift in the political atmosphere of Oyo State, the immediate past Director General of the Oyo State Government Liaison Offices in Abuja and Lagos and former President of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, NYCN, Hon. Wale Ajani, has announced his defection to Accord Party.

Recall that few days ago, Hon Ajani had announced resignation from the membership of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

In his new political trajectory, Ajani will be joining forces with celebrated broadcaster and activist, Oriyomi Hamzat, under the ‘Òyó N’ Pe O Movement,’ to formally declare for Accord Party tomorrow, January 17, at the Liberty Stadium, Ibadan.

The much-anticipated event is set to draw over 30,000 supporters from across Oyo State, with more than one million people expected to watch the declaration online.

This epoch declaration marks the beginning of a mass mobilization movement, aimed at returning governance to the people and disrupting the entrenched status quo of self-serving leadership.

Hon. Ajani, who had previously contested for the Oyo Central senatorial seat in 2023, but stepped down following directives from Governor Seyi Makinde, emphasized his deep understanding of the plight of young people in the state, drawing on his experience as a former NYCN President.

He said, “As a former President of the NYCN, I have witnessed firsthand the immense challenges confronting our youths – from soaring unemployment rates to the rising tide of crime and drug abuse. In Oyo State alone, youth unemployment hovers around 37 per cent, contributing to escalating insecurity and social vices. Our young people deserve better – opportunities, empowerment, and hope for a brighter future.”

Recent data reveals that Oyo State continues to grapple with alarming rates of youth unemployment, fueling a surge in crime and drug abuse. Reports indicate that over 120,000 young people in the state are actively seeking jobs, while cases of substance abuse and related crimes have risen by 25 per cent in the past three years.

Hon. Ajani declared, “Accord Party, in alliance with Oriyomi Hamzat and the ‘Òyó N’ Pe Ọ́’ Movement, has come to liberate Oyo indigenes and residents. No more government of the oppressor, for the rich and by the rich. We are committed to restoring hope, creating jobs, and ensuring that governance works for everyone, not just a privileged few.”

The expectant declaration for the Accord Party at Liberty Stadium on January 17 is widely expected to alter the political landscape of Oyo State, as Accord Party rallies support and presents a credible alternative ahead of the 2027 elections.