Former Ekiti State Governor, Segun Oni, has formally defected from the Social Democratic Party (SDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), marking another major shift in the state’s political landscape. The former governor re-registered as an APC member in his hometown of Ifaki-Ekiti, Ido/Osi Local Government Area.
Oni, who governed Ekiti State between 2007 and 2010, contested the 2022 governorship election on the platform of the SDP, where he finished second. He described his return to the APC as a “homecoming”, saying the decision was taken in the overall interest of peace, unity and development in the state.
According to him, his defection was influenced by the inclusive leadership style and developmental agenda of the APC-led administration in Ekiti. He pledged to work with Governor Biodun Oyebanji and other party stakeholders to further strengthen governance and political stability in the state.
APC leaders and supporters have hailed Oni’s defection as a major political boost, especially as the party prepares for the 2026 Ekiti governorship election and the 2027 general elections. Political observers believe the move could significantly enhance the APC’s grassroots strength and consolidate its dominance in Ekiti State.
A moment of apparent tension between two foremost Yoruba monarchs, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade I, and the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja (Arusa I), has stirred conversations across social media following an inter-faith gathering held in Oyo State on Monday.
The incident occurred at the 2026 Inter-Faith Gathering at the Grand Space, near the Oyo State House of Assembly, which drew top government officials, traditional rulers, and religious leaders from across the state.
Eyewitnesses and a video now circulating online showed the Alaafin extending his hand in greeting as the Olubadan approached. However, the gesture was seemingly not reciprocated, creating an awkward moment that quickly caught the attention of attendees.
The Olubadan was seen exchanging greetings with Governor Seyi Makinde and other dignitaries before proceeding directly to his seat without acknowledging the Alaafin.
The development has since generated widespread reactions among netizens, with many debating protocol, respect, and the long-standing hierarchy of traditional institutions in Oyo State. As of press time, neither palace has issued an official statement on the incident.
Fuji music icon, Alhaji Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as K1 De Ultimate, has formally written to Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, over his alleged exclusion from the succession process to the revered Awujale of Ijebuland stool.
In the letter, which was made available to journalists, Ayinde expressed concern over what he described as his omission from considerations linked to the Awujale traditional institution, despite his lineage and longstanding ties to Ijebuland.
The musician reportedly appealed to the governor to intervene in the matter, stressing the need for fairness, due process, and strict adherence to customary laws guiding succession to the prestigious stool. He noted that the Awujale institution is a symbol of unity, culture, and heritage among the Ijebu people and warned that perceived exclusion could generate unnecessary controversy.
Ayinde, an indigene of Ijebuland, is said to have grounded his petition on historical records and family lineage, arguing that he is entitled to be considered whenever issues relating to the stool arise. He urged the state government to ensure transparency in all traditional matters to preserve peace and confidence in the chieftaincy system.
While details of the succession process were not exhaustively outlined in the petition, sources close to the development said the letter was written as a precautionary step, aimed at forestalling actions that could permanently shut out eligible contenders.
As of the time of filing this report, the Ogun State Government had not officially responded to the petition. Efforts to reach government officials for comments were also unsuccessful.
The Awujale of Ijebuland stool remains one of the most prominent traditional institutions in Yorubaland, and any issue surrounding its succession often attracts widespread attention from cultural stakeholders, indigenes, and observers across the country.
The development has continued to generate reactions, particularly among Ijebu sons and daughters, with many calling for calm and urging all parties to allow due process to prevail in the interest of peace and tradition.
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has intervened in the protracted Onido of Ido stool crisis by setting up a panel of inquiry to investigate the lingering dispute over the traditional leadership of Ido township in Ido Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The crisis, which has lasted for nearly two decades, is marked by rival claims to the Onido stool, with three individuals reportedly laying claim to the traditional title. This development has continued to fuel tension, division, and instability within the community.
Oba Ladoja, while urging all parties involved to maintain peace and order, announced that the panel would be inaugurated at the Olubadan Palace, Oke-Aremo, Ibadan.
The monarch’s decision was conveyed in a statement signed by his media aide, Adeola Oloko. Although the statement did not disclose the names or composition of the panel members, it noted that the committee would commence work immediately after its inauguration.
According to the statement, the panel is mandated to investigate both the remote and immediate causes of the Onido stool crisis, which has defied resolution for about 19 years. The committee is also expected to make far-reaching recommendations that will guide the Olubadan and the Ibadan Traditional Council in bringing the long-standing dispute to a final and peaceful resolution.
The intervention followed renewed concerns raised by stakeholders from Ido town, who, two days earlier, lamented the worsening state of affairs surrounding the traditional institution. They said the town had remained in a “delicate situation” since 1997 due to the emergence of multiple claimants to the Onido stool.
According to the stakeholders, the crisis has been compounded by repeated appointments and counter-appointments, deepening divisions within the community and undermining unity and development.
The three individuals at the centre of the dispute were identified as Oba Benjamin Ademola Ishola Orobiyi, Tajudeen Akinola, and Muritala Babalola, each reportedly claiming legitimacy to the Onido title.
Worried about the implications of the prolonged crisis for peace and grassroots governance, the stakeholders had appealed to Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, and the Olubadan of Ibadanland to urgently intervene and restore order to the traditional institution.
The setting up of the panel by Oba Ladoja is seen as a response to that appeal and an exercise of his authority as the prescribed and consenting authority on all chieftaincy matters within Ibadanland.
The move signals a decisive step towards resolving the Onido stool crisis, which has remained a source of instability in Ido for years.
The Oyo State Police Command has arrested 11 suspects in separate operations linked to the killing of a young man in Atisbo Local Government Area and the kidnapping of two minors in the Iwéré-Ìlè axis of the state.
The Oyo state Police Public Relation Officer, DSP AYANLADE Olayinka, disclosed this in a statement on behalf of the Command on Sunday, January 11.
The arrests followed what the police described as swift, intelligence-led responses aimed at curbing violent crime and restoring public confidence.
According to the Command, two minors, Hadu Abubakar, 15, and Sadari Abubakar, 14, both from Akinsapon Village near Ayétòrò-Ìlè, were abducted by suspected gunmen on Friday, January 9, 2026.
The incident was reported to the Iwéré-Ìlè Division at about 9am.
Police operatives, working with other security partners, were immediately mobilised.
The coordinated operation led to the rescue of the two boys, who were reunited with their family, and the arrest of four suspects.
Items recovered during the operation included two cutlasses, a sander stick and the sum of ₦15,700. Police said two of the suspects sustained injuries during the operation and are receiving treatment under close security, while the others are in custody.
The suspects according to the police statement, have confessed to the crime.
The statement stated further that the Commissioner of Police, Femi Haruna, has ordered the transfer of the suspects to the State Anti-Kidnapping Squad for further investigation.
Similarly, the Command also recorded a breakthrough in a murder case in Atisbo Local Government Area, where seven suspects were arrested over the death of a 20-year-old man, Seidu Amisu.
Preliminary findings, according to the police statement, revealed that the incident occurred at the Budo Fatti area of Ofiki Village following an argument over cattle rearing.
The disagreement reportedly escalated into a physical confrontation, during which one of the suspects allegedly assaulted the victim, leading to his death.
Police said the suspects later attempted to conceal the crime by secretly burying the victim with the help of others. Acting on credible intelligence, operatives from the Ago-Are Division arrested all seven suspects, who are now in custody and cooperating with investigators.
The Commissioner of Police has directed that the murder case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Homicide Section, for detailed investigation.
Reaffirming the Command’s stance, Haruna said the police would not tolerate any form of criminality in the state and assured residents of sustained efforts to protect lives and property.
He also expressed appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, the Oyo State Government and Governor Seyi Makinde for their support, while urging members of the public to continue to provide timely and credible information to security agencies.
Police said all suspects would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
The Ondo State Police Command has arrested 25 suspected cultists and recovered a vehicle and motorcycle during a cult initiation in Uso, Owo Local Government Area.
The command’s spokesperson, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said in a statement on Sunday in Akure, the state capital, that the arrested suspects are members of the Neo Black Movement group.
He explained that the arrest was made on Thursday, January 8, after the command received credible intelligence from a concerned citizen that the group was planning to initiate new members.
“Acting swiftly on the information, operatives of the command were mobilised and deployed using intelligence-led tactics to disrupt the planned initiation.
“The operation resulted in the arrest of 25 suspects, drawn from Ondo, Osun, Edo, and Lagos states, at the scene of the initiation.
“During the operation, one Toyota Highlander SUV and one unregistered Daylong motorcycle were recovered from the suspects.
“The arrested suspects are currently in police custody and have confessed to their involvement in cult-related activities. They will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations,” Jimoh said.
He added that the state Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, commended the swift response, professionalism, and dedication of the operatives involved.
According to him, the CP noted that the command will leave no stone unturned in its sustained fight against cultism across the state and thanked the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, for his strategic leadership and support, which has significantly enhanced the command’s anti-cultism operations.
“The CP advises youths to shun all forms of cultism and emphasises that there is no gain in engaging in such acts, as they only lead to grave consequences.
“He reassures residents of Ondo State of the command’s proactive commitment to maintaining a peaceful and crime-free environment and urges members of the public to continue providing credible and actionable information that will aid the police in preventing and combating crime across the state,” Jimoh said.
The Lagos State Government has ordered an investigation into the alleged medical negligence that led to the death of Nkanu Nnamdi, the 21-month-old son of renowned Nigerian author, Chimamanda Adichie, at a private hospital in Lagos.
The toddler, one of Adichie’s twin sons, died last Thursday after a brief illness.
In a statement, the Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Health, Dr Kemi Ogunyemi, described the death of a child as a profound tragedy.
Ogunyemi said that Governor Sanwo-Olu had directed the Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency to immediately commence a thorough, independent and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
According to her, HEFAMAA has already visited the facility involved and begun a comprehensive review of all allegations and reports relating to the case.
“In line with this commitment, the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has directed the Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency to immediately commence a thorough, independent, and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident, with a view to unraveling the immediate and remote causes of the death.
“In line with this directive, HEFAMAA has since commenced investigation and has visited the facility involved as part of the ongoing inquiry. The agency will conduct a comprehensive review of all allegations and reports relating to the incident,” she said.
She noted that the agency will also collaborate with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria and other relevant regulatory bodies to ensure a credible and professional investigation.
“The investigation will examine the allegations raised, including compliance with established clinical protocols, professional conduct, patient safety standards, and the roles and responsibilities of all parties involved.
“Findings of the investigation will be made public as soon as the process is concluded, in the interest of transparency and public accountability,” the statement added.
She equally assured Lagos residents that any individual or institution found culpable of negligence, professional misconduct or regulatory violations would be sanctioned in accordance with existing laws.
Adichie, in a statement on Saturday, alleged that her son’s death resulted from what she described as “criminal negligence,” accusing the anaesthesiologist involved of being “criminally negligent, fatally casual, and careless with the precious life of a child.”
According to the author, the child initially showed symptoms of a mild cold, which later deteriorated rapidly into a severe infection.
Birnin Kebbi was agog over the weekend as various support groups backing the presidential aspiration of Dr. Gbenga Hashim converged on the Kebbi State capital, intensifying grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The groups, operating under different platforms, declared Dr. Hashim as “their son” and pledged massive support for his ambition, while urging Nigerians across the country to rally behind what they described as a credible, inclusive and unifying leadership project.
Speaking at the gathering, members of the Gbenga Hashim Solidarity Movement and other allied organisations said the convergence was aimed at consolidating existing support structures, expanding community-level outreach, and strengthening political engagement across Kebbi State and beyond.
Leader of the Gbenga Hashim Solidarity Movement in Kebbi State, Muhammad Mustapha Yauri, said the people of the state, particularly those from Yauri Emirate, consider it a collective responsibility to stand firmly behind Dr. Hashim, who was born in Yauri, Kebbi State.
According to Yauri, Dr. Hashim’s late father was an indigene of Kebbi State, while his mother is of Yoruba extraction, a background he said symbolises national integration, unity and inclusiveness,qualities Nigeria urgently needs at this critical stage of its democratic journey.
Also speaking, Chief of Staff to Dr. Gbenga Hashim, Mr. Kamaldeen Sani Adebayo, described the presidential aspirant as a successful entrepreneur with business interests across several countries. He noted that although Dr. Hashim has never held public office, he is driven by a strong desire to give back to the nation through purposeful, transparent and people-centred leadership.
National Coordinator of the movement, Abdulrazaq Hamzat, commended supporters for their sustained commitment and growing enthusiasm, describing Dr. Hashim as a worthy son and brother whose background, competence and global exposure uniquely position him to offer transformative leadership to Nigeria.
Hamzat said Dr. Hashim, a renowned global businessman, possesses the requisite knowledge, experience and international networks to reset Nigeria’s development trajectory and place the nation on a sustainable path of economic growth, innovation and shared prosperity.
Earlier, the Kebbi State Coordinator of the Gbenga Hashim Solidarity Movement, Mustapha Yauri, assured supporters that mobilisation efforts would be intensified across all local government areas and social strata in the state to ensure widespread awareness and support for Dr. Hashim’s presidential ambition ahead of 2027.
In her remarks, a women leader at the event, Hajiya Hauwa, expressed optimism that a Gbenga Hashim presidency would prioritise the welfare of women, particularly those in rural communities, through inclusive governance, economic empowerment initiatives and expanded access to opportunities.
Malam Garkuwa, a coordinator from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former council chairman of Shanga Local Government Area in Kebbi State, paid glowing tributes to Dr. Hashim and called on supporters to intensify grassroots mobilisation to ensure the actualisation of his presidential ambition.
Similarly, Garba Mohammed, coordinator of another pro-Hashim support group, who was represented by Engr. Lawal, thanked the visiting delegation from Abuja and assured supporters that a Gbenga Hashim presidency would work for all Nigerians and tackle insecurity decisively.
The event also featured goodwill messages from leaders of various support groups and enthusiastic supporters, who expressed confidence in Dr. Hashim’s vision and looked forward to his visit to Kebbi State.
Political analysts who spoke on the development said Dr. Hashim’s multicultural background, private-sector success, national outlook and growing grassroots support across regions are among the factors that make him a strong contender for the presidency.
The Oyo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has resolved to take decisive legal steps to recover ₦11 million belonging to the union, currently in the custody of Alhaji Taofeek Akeugbagold.
The resolution was reached at the maiden congress of the newly elected NUJ leadership under the chairmanship of Comrade Akeem Abas, held on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at the Dapo Aderogba Hall, NUJ Press Centre, Ibadan.
Members of the congress expressed deep disappointment over Alhaji Akeugbagold’s continued failure to refund the union’s estate funds despite repeated assurances. Consequently, the congress unanimously mandated the union’s legal counsel to issue a final written demand, granting him seven days to pay the outstanding ₦11 million. It was further resolved that failure to comply would compel the union to initiate legal action to recover the funds.
In another major decision, the congress approved the reinstatement of four duly inaugurated chapels—32FM Chapel, New Media Chapel, Daar Communication Chapel, and Ajayi Crowder FM Chapel—which were excluded from participation in the December 9, 2025 NUJ election by the immediate past administration. The reinstated chapels are to be placed under close monitoring by the State Executive to ensure full compliance with the NUJ Constitution and operational guidelines.
The congress also raised serious concern over the deteriorating security situation in Oyo State, particularly the recent bandit attack on Old Oyo National Park in Oloka village, Oriire Local Government Area, which claimed the lives of five forest guards. The NUJ extended its condolences to the families of the victims and affected communities, while calling on the state government and security agencies to intensify efforts to safeguard lives and property.
Among its recommendations were the strict profiling and regulation of commercial motorcycle riders entering the state, enhanced border surveillance, and the deployment of additional security personnel to vulnerable and remote areas.
The congress further urged state-owned media organisations to step up public enlightenment on security challenges, especially the rising threat of one-chance operations, while advising residents to exercise caution in sharing personal information on social media.
The NUJ leadership expressed appreciation to members for their active participation at the congress and appealed for unity, cooperation, and commitment as the Abas-led administration works to defend press freedom, uphold professionalism, and protect the welfare of journalists in Oyo State.
The Lagos State House of Assembly has passed into law the ₦4.4 trillion 2026 Budget of Shared Prosperity, marking a major fiscal milestone for Africa’s largest sub-national economy.
The budget, officially titled the ₦4,444,509,776,438 2026 Budget of Shared Prosperity, was approved by lawmakers on Thursday, January 8, 2026, following weeks of deliberations and reviews.
According to details of the budget, over 52 per cent of the total expenditure has been earmarked for capital projects, underscoring the state government’s commitment to infrastructure-led development and inclusive economic growth.
Key priority areas of the 2026 budget include infrastructure and transport, education and healthcare, as well as economic growth and social development. The allocations are aimed at improving public service delivery, strengthening human capital development, and stimulating sustainable economic activities across the state.
The passage of the budget reflects the shared vision of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, to steer Lagos into what the government describes as a new era of shared prosperity.
