Oduduwa News

Governor Seyi Makinde has renewed his call for the establishment of state police, declaring that the creation of the Amotekun Corps became necessary because the Federal Government failed to approve state policing structures across the country.

Makinde spoke during the governorship, senatorial, House of Representatives and House of Assembly primaries of the Allied Peoples Movement held at the Watershed Event Centre, Ibadan, where the party formally presented its consensus governorship candidate, Bimbo Adekanmbi.

The governor lamented the worsening security situation in parts of the country, especially following the abduction of teachers and pupils in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, insisting that states should be constitutionally empowered to manage their own security architecture.

According to him, Amotekun was only introduced as an alternative because the demand for state police was not granted by the Federal Government.

Makinde said: “Before this administration came on board, there was nothing like Amotekun in Oyo. We wanted state police, but because we did not get it, we created Amotekun as an alternative arrangement.”

He further criticised the Federal Government’s approach to the issue, stating that Nigerians should not continue to wait endlessly for reforms controlled from Abuja. The governor argued that state Houses of Assembly should be empowered to establish and regulate state police structures independently instead of leaving the process solely in the hands of the Inspector-General of Police.

Makinde also assured residents that the “Omituntun” agenda would continue beyond his administration, declaring that “Omituntun 3.0” would deliver even greater development across Oyo State.

While congratulating the APM governorship candidate, Bimbo Adekanmbi, the governor advised him to build his own political identity and improve on the achievements of the current administration for the benefit of the people.

The Nigerian Association of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketers (NALPGAM) has raised concern over the continuous rise in the price of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), popularly known as cooking gas, blaming the development on persistent supply shortages across the country.

According to the association, the scarcity of LPG supply has triggered another increase in market prices, worsening the economic burden on households and small businesses that depend heavily on cooking gas for daily activities.

NALPGAM disclosed that the supply challenges are being caused by inadequate product availability from local sources, foreign exchange instability, high importation costs, and distribution bottlenecks affecting marketers nationwide.

Industry operators revealed that the price of refilling cooking gas cylinders has risen sharply in recent weeks, with many retail outlets adjusting prices upward due to difficulties in sourcing products. Consumers in several parts of the country have also lamented the sudden increase, saying the development is making cooking gas unaffordable for many families already battling rising food and transportation costs.

The association warned that if urgent intervention is not made by the Federal Government and relevant regulatory agencies, the situation could deteriorate further, leading to more hardship and forcing many Nigerians to return to the use of firewood and charcoal for cooking.

NALPGAM called on authorities to improve domestic LPG production and supply, stabilize foreign exchange policies affecting importation, and address logistics challenges within the gas distribution chain.

The marketers further stressed the need for policies that would encourage investments in the LPG sector, noting that stable supply remains critical to sustaining Nigeria’s clean energy transition and reducing dependence on unhealthy cooking alternatives.

Stakeholders in the energy sector have repeatedly emphasized that despite Nigeria’s vast natural gas reserves, inconsistent supply and infrastructure challenges continue to hinder the accessibility and affordability of LPG for ordinary citizens.

The management of Obafemi Awolowo University has expressed deep appreciation to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi and Moniepoint Chief Executive Officer, Tosin Eniolorunda following the university’s successful securing of a N1 billion innovation investment from Moniepoint Inc .

The investment forms part of a broader N3 billion educational and innovation support initiative announced by Moniepoint for three major Nigerian universities. The beneficiary institutions include Obafemi Awolowo University, University of Nigeria Nsukka and Ahmadu Bello University

Reacting to the development, the management of OAU described the investment as a landmark intervention capable of boosting innovation, entrepreneurship, technology research, and student development within the institution. The university also acknowledged the supportive role of the Ooni of Ife in advancing educational and developmental initiatives in Ile-Ife and beyond.

Speaking on the initiative, Tosin Eniolorunda, an alumnus of OAU, noted that the institution remains a significant part of his personal and professional journey.

“Ile-Ife will always be part of my history,” he stated while reaffirming his commitment to supporting innovation and youth empowerment through education.

The announcement has generated excitement among students, alumni, and stakeholders, many of whom described the development as a major boost for higher education and innovation in Nigeria.

Observers say the investment is expected to strengthen research opportunities, startup incubation, digital innovation, and enterprise development across the beneficiary institutions.

Accuses Tinubu Govt of Plot to Capture Opposition Parties

Former presidential candidate and chieftain of the Accord Party, Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has alleged that Nigeria is gradually sliding back into what he described as the “dark days” of the late General Sani Abacha era, accusing powerful political forces of attempting to cripple opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a strongly worded statement issued ahead of the Accord Party presidential primary scheduled for May 30, 2026, Hashim claimed that there were deliberate efforts by influential figures to weaken opposition platforms and prevent the emergence of credible challengers to the ruling establishment.

“Nigeria is being dragged back to the Abacha years,” he declared.

Hashim accused a top chieftain within the Accord Party of allegedly orchestrating internal manoeuvres aimed at destabilising the party and frustrating its ability to field a presidential candidate.

According to him, the development bears striking similarities to the political climate during the Abacha era, when all registered political parties were aligned behind a single power structure.

“We are seeing a replay of history, when political parties became tools for a self-succession agenda,” he said.

The former presidential candidate also linked the alleged plot to powerful figures within the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, insisting that the attempt to dominate the political space would ultimately fail.

“This coordinated plot by top officials will fail, just as the Abacha agenda failed,” Hashim stated.

He further accused the political establishment of systematically weakening opposition parties through what he described as manipulative legal and political strategies.

According to him, the process included the destabilisation of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the enactment of a “self-serving and obnoxious” Electoral Act, and the failure of some of its promoters to comply with the same provisions before aspects of the law were challenged in court.

“They weakened the opposition, wrote the rules to favour themselves, and still refused to play by those rules,” he alleged.

Despite the internal crisis within the Accord Party, Hashim maintained that the party’s presidential primary would proceed as scheduled.

“The presidential primary of the Accord Party is scheduled for Saturday, May 30. We are prepared to participate, and by the Grace of God, it will hold,” he said.

In a defiant tone, Hashim vowed that pro-democracy forces in the country would resist any attempt to undermine democratic values and political plurality.
“We shall not be discouraged. We shall not be intimidated. We fought for democracy, and by the Grace of God, we will defend it,” he declared.

The leadership of the Accord Party in Oyo State has congratulated the party’s governorship candidate for the 2027 general election, Hon. Kunle Busari, following his emergence at what it described as the legally recognised governorship primary election held in Ibadan.

The primary election, which took place at Ibadan Business School, Bodija, was conducted in a peaceful and orderly atmosphere with the presence of officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, and party stakeholders.

In a statement jointly signed by the Oyo State Chairman of Accord, Prince Kolade Ojo, and the State Secretary, Hon. Olayinka Dairo, the party leadership said Busari’s emergence reflected the collective will of party members and a victory for internal democracy.

According to the statement, officials of the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), as well as the Election and Party Monitoring (EPM) team led by Dr. Keshinro, monitored the exercise.

The Accord National Secretary, Hon. (Dr.) Adebukola Ajaja, alongside a large number of party faithful and stakeholders, was also present at the primary election.

The statement described Busari’s victory as “a triumph of the collective will over selfish and inordinate political ambition,” while insisting that the exercise recognised by INEC remains the authentic primary of the party.

“We are using this medium to felicitate the authentic ACCORD governorship candidate. This is a victory for all members of the party,” the statement read.

The party leadership further dismissed any parallel exercise, describing it as a “kangaroo arrangement” lacking legitimacy and recognition.

Reaffirming its commitment to internal democracy and party supremacy, the State Executive Committee maintained that the idea of sole candidacy is contrary to the democratic principles of the party, stressing that all aspirants must subject themselves to the will of delegates.

The executives expressed confidence that Hon. Kunle Busari’s name would eventually appear on the official list of candidates to be released by INEC for the 2027 governorship election in Oyo State.

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasheed Adewolu Ladoja, has reacted to growing claims by different politicians in Oyo State allegedly linking their 2027 governorship ambitions to his endorsement.

Speaking with Journalists at his residence on Wednesday, the monarch said politicians are free to associate themselves with him or claim his support, stressing that as a father figure to many political actors in the state, he cannot stop anyone from using his name politically.

Oba Ladoja, however, maintained that no endorsement alone can determine electoral victory, noting that the personal records, political strength, acceptability, and campaign strategies of aspirants would ultimately decide who emerges successful in the 2027 governorship race.

“Any of my sons can use my name and say I have endorsed them. It is only their work and how they market themselves that will stand them out and make them win. I’m a father to all of them,” the monarch said.

The Olubadan’s comment comes amid increasing political permutations and consultations ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Oyo State, with several aspirants across political parties reportedly intensifying efforts to gain public support and political relevance.

In recent months, supporters of some governorship hopefuls have repeatedly referenced their closeness to the revered Ibadan monarch as a perceived political advantage, fueling speculations over possible royal backing ahead of the contest.

However, Oba Ladoja’s clarification appears aimed at distancing the palace from partisan alignment while reinforcing his position as a father to all political stakeholders irrespective of party affiliations or ambitions.

The IJABALL Fan Base has strongly condemned what it described as false and misleading allegations linking Coach Daniel Ogunmodede to the relegation struggles of Remo Stars, insisting that the coach should not be solely blamed for the club’s decline.

In a statement signed by the group’s head, Comrade Anuoluwani Omidiji, the supporters defended Ogunmodede’s legacy and contributions to the club, describing him as one of the key architects of the modern Remo Stars structure and football philosophy.

According to the group, Ogunmodede served the club in several major capacities over the years, including Head Coach, Director of Youth Football Development, and a major contributor to the academy system that later evolved into Beyond Limits Academy.

The fans highlighted his achievements to include the club’s promotion to the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) in 2021, qualification for continental competitions, multiple strong league campaigns, and the historic 2024/2025 NPFL title triumph which made Remo Stars the first Southwest club to win the league since Julius Berger in 2000.

The statement also alleged that operational instability and technical interference contributed significantly to the club’s eventual decline.

The group cited incidents during the CAF Champions League campaign and league fixtures against Rivers United, Abia Warriors, and Mamelodi Sundowns as evidence of growing instability within the club’s football management structure.

IJABALL Fans further alleged that Ogunmodede suffered humiliation on October 25, 2025, when he was reportedly walked out of a training session despite arriving with his technical crew and players to prepare for an upcoming fixture.

According to the statement, the development disrupted dressing room confidence, technical coordination, and team stability at a critical stage of the season.

The fan group noted that Ogunmodede was later stepped down from active duties on October 30, 2025, while the club reportedly occupied sixth position on the NPFL table with three matches still outstanding.

The supporters also questioned the circumstances surrounding the appointment of Usman Abdallah as Technical Adviser in February 2026, claiming there was no official clarification regarding Ogunmodede’s employment status or transparent communication with supporters about the restructuring process.

While expressing continued respect for Remo Stars owner Kunle Soname, the group maintained that Ogunmodede remained loyal to the club because of his emotional attachment and commitment to its vision despite the difficult circumstances.

The IJABALL Fan Base therefore rejected narratives blaming the coach solely for the club’s relegation, insisting that administrative decisions, recruitment issues, squad instability, and technical restructuring all contributed to the downturn.

The group called on the media, football stakeholders, and the public to approach the issue with fairness, professionalism, and historical accuracy.

Former Ogun State Governor, Olusegun Osoba, says Peter Obi, Goodluck Jonathan and Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, are being positioned to divide President Bola Tinubu’s Southern votes in the 2027 general elections.

Osoba made this allegation on Sunday during the announcement of the result of the All Progressives Congress, APC, presidential primary at the Presidential Lodge, Abeokuta.

He charged party members not be carried away by the votes garnered by the President in the primary.

The elder statesman equally alleged that there is an underground plot to reduce Tinubu’s margin in the South ahead of the 2027 elections.

“I want to appeal to us all ahead of the coming election: let us not be caught off guard. Many people are saying we have no opponents, but that is a misleading narrative. The enemies are many.

As we approach the next election, there is a strong gang-up against us. They are plotting to field several candidates from our region in the South. Obi has emerged, Jonathan is quietly waiting in the background, and Makinde has been grandstanding. All these appear to be attempts to divide votes from the South,” he said.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun I Area Command, has intercepted a commercial luxury bus loaded with military camouflage uniforms and substances suspected to be Cannabis Indica, with the total seizure valued at approximately N259 million.

The interception, described as a major breakthrough in the command’s anti-smuggling operations, was carried out by operatives of the Ogun Area One Command following credible intelligence and sustained surveillance along one of the state’s strategic transit corridors.

According to Customs authorities, the luxury commercial bus was flagged and subjected to a detailed search after officers noticed suspicious movements and inconsistencies surrounding its cargo declaration.

Upon inspection, operatives discovered a cache of concealed military camouflage uniforms, allegedly hidden to evade detection, alongside large quantities of substances suspected to be Cannabis Indica, carefully packaged and stashed within compartments of the vehicle.

Officials said the seizure raises serious security concerns, particularly over the illegal movement of military-grade materials which could potentially be used by criminal elements to impersonate security personnel and perpetrate unlawful activities.

The Customs Area Controller of Ogun I Command described the operation as a testament to the command’s renewed commitment to securing Nigeria’s borders and combating smuggling, illicit trafficking, and threats to national security.

“This interception demonstrates our resolve to dismantle criminal networks involved in the illegal importation and movement of prohibited items. The concealment of military camouflage and suspected narcotics in a passenger vehicle is deeply troubling and underscores the sophistication of smuggling operations we are confronting,” the official stated.

The command disclosed that investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend all individuals connected to the illegal consignment, while the seized suspected narcotics are expected to be handed over to the relevant anti-drug enforcement authorities for further examination and prosecution.

The Nigeria Customs Service also reiterated its warning to smugglers and criminal syndicates to desist from illegal activities, emphasizing that intelligence-driven operations and inter-agency collaboration would continue to strengthen efforts to safeguard national security and economic stability.

Residents and transport operators have meanwhile been urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements, as security agencies intensify monitoring across key border communities and transport routes in Ogun State.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), reportedly backed by influential party leaders including Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde has welcomed the judgment of the Federal High Court in Abuja affirming the eligibility of former President Goodluck Jonathan to contest the 2027 presidential election.

The court’s ruling, delivered by the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court, held that Jonathan remains constitutionally qualified to seek the nation’s highest office despite having previously taken the presidential oath of office twice, effectively clearing a major legal hurdle ahead of the PDP’s presidential primaries.

In a statement issued by the party’s Interim National Working Committee and signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, the PDP described the judgment as a victory for constitutional order, democratic principles, and common sense.

According to the party, the court’s decision aligns squarely with the law, stressing that legal provisions cannot be applied retroactively to disqualify Jonathan from participating in the 2027 race.

The PDP also criticised the suit challenging Jonathan’s eligibility, describing it as vexatious and a gross abuse of judicial process, arguing that the matter should never have been brought before the court.

“The punitive cost awarded against the plaintiff is highly commendable and should serve as a deterrent to political irritants and busybodies who make themselves available for use by anti-democratic forces seeking to distract and derail the nation’s democratic process,” the statement read.

The party further revealed that it had already granted former President Jonathan a screening waiver, a move interpreted by political observers as a strong indication of internal consensus and strategic backing for his possible return to the presidential contest.

With the PDP’s primaries scheduled to hold on May 28, 2026, the court judgment is seen as significantly strengthening Jonathan’s pathway toward what party leaders have described as a potential “presidential rescue mission” for Nigeria.

The development is expected to reshape political calculations across party lines, as Jonathan’s possible return to the ballot could alter the dynamics of the 2027 presidential race and reignite national debate over leadership, continuity, and democratic renewal.