Oduduwa News

Tension gripped the Idi-Ikan area on Tuesday as parents, teachers, and concerned residents staged a protest at the Baptist Church, Idi-Ikan, Ibadan following the demolition of Baptist Basic School 1 by the church authorities. The demonstrators accused the church leadership of acting unilaterally without adequate consultation or consideration for the welfare of pupils and staff affected by the action.

Eyewitnesses said the protesters, carrying placards and chanting solidarity songs, gathered within and around the church premises, demanding explanations for the sudden demolition of the school buildings. Many expressed shock and anger that an institution meant to promote education and moral values could allegedly displace young learners without clear alternative arrangements.

Parents of affected pupils lamented that the demolition has disrupted academic activities and placed an additional burden on families, especially amid the current economic hardship. Some alleged that their children were sent home abruptly, with no formal communication on relocation plans or timelines for resumption of classes.

Teachers and community leaders who joined the protest called on the Baptist Mission and relevant education authorities to urgently intervene. They stressed that Baptist Basic School 1 has served the Idi-Ikan community for decades, providing affordable education to children from low-income households, and warned that the loss of the school could worsen the number of out-of-school children in the area.

In response, representatives of the church authorities reportedly appealed for calm, stating that the demolition was part of a broader redevelopment plan. They assured stakeholders that discussions were ongoing and that provisions would be made to ensure pupils continue their education, though no specific timeline or alternative facility was immediately announced.

A fire outbreak occurred at the popular Arena Oshodi Market in Lagos State, triggering panic among traders and residents in the surrounding area.

Oduduwa News gathered that the fire broke out suddenly earlier yesterday, forcing traders to flee the market in a bid to salvage their goods, while thick smoke billowed into the sky. The incident caused temporary disruption of commercial activities in the area.

Emergency responders, including firefighters were alerted immediately to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading to nearby shops and buildings.

It was learnt that goods worths millions were lost to the inferno.

• Urges NEC to rise above factional interests to save Nigeria’s democracy

A former Presidential Candidate and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has said the lingering leadership crisis rocking the party can be resolved within one week if its leadership embraces political solutions rather than prolonged legal battles.

Hashim made this assertion during a meeting with the PDP National Chairman, Ambassador Tanimu Turaki (SAN), as part of ongoing consultations aimed at achieving an out-of-court resolution to the party’s internal dispute.

The former presidential hopeful, who was also among the conveners of the PDP in 1998 and its first elected Deputy National Publicity Secretary, said resolving the crisis politically would better serve the survival of the party and the health of Nigeria’s multiparty democracy.

According to him, the party already possesses the constitutional authority required to resolve the impasse without resorting to litigation.
“There are more than enough legitimate members of the National Executive Committee (NEC) to convene a meeting and resolve this crisis within one week,” Hashim stated.

He cited Sections 3(1) and 3(4) of the PDP Constitution, which empower two-thirds of NEC members to convene a meeting, stressing that the majority of NEC members were elected before the disputed Ibadan convention and therefore retain unquestionable legitimacy.

Hashim further explained that although the tenure of some members of the National Working Committee (NWC) expired on December 8, the pre-Ibadan NEC members remain constitutionally empowered to intervene and take corrective action in the interest of the party.

“What is required now is courage and responsibility,” he said.
“NEC members must rise above factional interests and stand for posterity, for the party, and for the nation.”
He warned that continued internal paralysis could weaken the PDP’s capacity as a credible opposition party and ultimately undermine Nigeria’s democratic balance.
“We can fix this problem, and we should,” he added.

Responding, the PDP National Chairman, Ambassador Tanimu Turaki (SAN), thanked Dr. Hashim for the visit and his commitment to party unity. He assured that the leadership under his watch remains open to reconciliation, stressing however that such efforts must not compromise the unity, stability, and continued existence of the party.

The meeting, which held at Turaki’s Asokoro residence in Abuja, was also attended by the Deputy National Chairman and the National Youth Leader of the party.

No fewer than eight shops were destroyed by a fire outbreak in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, leading to the loss of goods and properties valued at several millions of naira.

The incident occurred on Monday at a shopping complex located within the Sango Police Divisional Headquarters area. Eyewitnesses said the inferno spread rapidly through the affected shops before emergency responders could bring the situation under control.

As of the time of filing this report, the exact cause of the fire remains unknown. Authorities have commenced investigations to determine the origin of the blaze and assess the full extent of the damage.

Confirming the incident, the Special Adviser to the Oyo State Governor on Fire Service Reform and Agency Chairman, Hon. Moroof Adebayo Akinwande, said personnel of the state fire service were promptly mobilised to the scene to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading to nearby structures.

He assured residents and business owners that the state government would continue to strengthen fire prevention and response mechanisms, while urging the public to observe safety precautions to reduce the risk of similar incidents.

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has confirmed that the road traffic crash involving Nigerian-born British boxing star, Anthony Joshua, was caused by excessive speeding and wrongful overtaking. The accident reportedly occurred along the Sagamu axis of the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway and resulted in the tragic loss of two lives.

According to the FRSC, preliminary investigations revealed that one of the vehicles involved was travelling at a dangerously high speed and attempted an illegal overtaking manoeuvre, leading to a fatal collision. The impact of the crash was severe, causing instant deaths at the scene and leaving several others injured.

FRSC officials disclosed that emergency responders were immediately deployed to the location following distress calls. The injured victims were rescued and taken to nearby medical facilities for urgent treatment, while the deceased were evacuated to a mortuary. The Corps added that traffic along the busy highway was temporarily disrupted as rescue and clearance operations were carried out.

Reacting to the incident, the FRSC reiterated its warning to motorists against reckless driving behaviours, especially speeding and wrongful overtaking, which remain leading causes of road crashes in Nigeria. The Corps stressed that no journey is worth risking lives and urged drivers to adhere strictly to traffic regulations.

Anthony Joshua was said to be involved in the crash but details regarding his condition were not fully disclosed at the time of this report. However, authorities confirmed that investigations are ongoing to establish all circumstances surrounding the incident and determine possible legal actions.

The FRSC used the unfortunate incident to renew calls for road users to exercise patience, caution and discipline, particularly on major highways, noting that preventable human errors continue to claim innocent lives across the country.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has stirred fresh political debate after recounting his version of events surrounding Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde’s political journey and rise within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Speaking bluntly, Wike contrasted political influence with financial strength, insisting that power—not money—remains the ultimate currency in Nigerian politics.

Wike disclosed that at the time Makinde reportedly made his first $1 million, he (Wike) was already the chairman of one of the most influential local government areas in the country. According to the former Rivers State governor, he deliberately chose political power over becoming a contractor, stressing that authority and control of political structures mattered more than wealth. “I didn’t choose to be a contractor. I chose to have power, and I have the power,” Wike declared.

Tracing Makinde’s political history, Wike recalled that the Oyo governor first contested for the Senate in 2007 under the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) but lost. He added that in 2013, influential figures allegedly approached him to hand over the Oyo State PDP structure to Makinde, a request he said he flatly rejected. Instead, Wike claimed he supported Senator Teslim Folarin, whom he believed was better positioned at the time.

Following that setback, Wike stated that Makinde defected to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) to contest the governorship election but failed again, despite his financial resources. He described the episode as proof that money alone could not guarantee political success or grassroots acceptance.

According to Wike, the turning point came in 2019 when political stakeholders eventually agreed to hand over the PDP structure to Makinde. By then, Wike said, he was already deeply rooted in politics without the backing of vast personal wealth. He emphasized that while Makinde reportedly had significant financial resources, he was still moving around in search of political structures to actualize his ambition.
The FCT minister’s remarks have since generated reactions within political circles, with supporters and critics offering differing interpretations of his claims. While some see the comments as a reminder of the importance of grassroots politics, others view them as part of the ongoing power tussle and rivalry among leading figures within the PDP.

Wike’s comments underscore the long-standing debate in Nigerian politics over the influence of money versus political structure, loyalty, and grassroots control—an argument that continues to shape alliances, elections, and leadership battles across the country.

World-renowned British-Nigerian heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua was on Monday involved in a serious road accident in Makun area of Ogun State, along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. The crash reportedly involved a vehicle in Joshua’s convoy and a stationary truck.

According to eyewitness accounts and emergency responders, two people lost their lives on the spot as a result of the collision, while several others sustained injuries of varying degrees. The incident occurred near the Sagamu interchange, a busy section of the highway.

Anthony Joshua himself was said to have escaped with minor injuries and received immediate medical attention at the scene. He was later confirmed to be in stable condition, easing fears among fans locally and internationally.

As of the time of filing this report, Joshua’s management team has not issued an official statement, while the Federal Road Safety Corps and other relevant authorities have commenced investigations to determine the exact cause of the crash.

The Olawale PRL Foundation is set to host its 3rd Annual Empowerment Program, a life impacting humanitarian initiative aimed at restoring hope, supporting lives, and empowering the future of vulnerable groups within our society.
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‎This year’s program, convened by the Founder of the Olawale PRL Foundation, continues the foundation’s commitment to social responsibility, inclusion, and sustainable empowerment for those who need it most.
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‎‎The empowerment program is specifically designed to reach out to widows, women, youths, and persons living with disabilities, providing them with support, resources, and renewed confidence to thrive despite life’s challenges.
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‎Over the years, the Olawale PRL Foundation has remained consistent in delivering people centred interventions that go beyond charity focusing instead on empowerment, dignity, and long-term impact.
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‎The Founder of the Olawale PRL Foundation invites members of the general public, community stakeholders, partners, and beneficiaries to be part of this impactful gathering,the program promises meaningful engagement, support initiatives, and a shared commitment to uplifting lives and strengthening social bonds.
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‎As the year draws to a close, this empowerment program stands as a reminder that collective compassion and purposeful leadership can transform lives and communities.

Former Oyo Lawmaker, Hon. Abdul-Rasak Abdulahi popularly known as “Omo Sheu” Is Dead
A former member of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Abdul-Rasak Ademola Abdullahi, popularly known as Omo Sheu, has passed away.

Hon. Abdullahi, who represented Ibadan South East State Constituency 1 in the 9th Oyo State House of Assembly, died on Sunday night after a prolonged battle with a kidney-related illness.

During his tenure in the Assembly, “Omo Sheu” was widely regarded as a grassroots politician with strong ties to his constituents. He was known for his commitment to community development and his consistent advocacy for improved social services in Ibadan South East.

His death has plunged the political landscape of Oyo State, particularly Ibadan South East, into mourning. Colleagues, constituents, and party members have continued to pay tribute to him, describing him as a dedicated and compassionate public servant.

The family is yet to announce details of his burial arrangements.

A Nigerian mathematician, Joshuai Adeleke, has earned international recognition for his outstanding contributions to nuclear energy research through advanced mathematical modeling. His work has significantly enhanced the understanding of complex nuclear systems, positioning him as a rising figure in the intersection of mathematics, physics, and energy science.

Adeleke’s research focuses on developing sophisticated mathematical frameworks that improve the accuracy of nuclear energy simulations, reactor safety analysis, and energy efficiency optimization. By applying high-level computational techniques and theoretical models, his studies help scientists better predict nuclear behavior, reduce operational risks, and advance the design of safer and more sustainable nuclear energy systems.

Beyond nuclear energy, his contributions extend to theoretical physics and materials science, where his models are being used to study radiation effects on materials, energy transfer mechanisms, and structural stability under extreme conditions. These applications are critical to improving the longevity and performance of materials used in nuclear reactors and other high-energy environments.

The recognition has been widely applauded within academic and scientific communities, with experts noting that Adeleke’s work underscores the growing impact of African scholars in global scientific innovation. His achievement is also seen as an inspiration to young Nigerian researchers, highlighting the vital role of mathematics in solving some of the world’s most complex energy and sustainability challenges.