Oduduwa News

A fire outbreak on Wednesday gutted parts of the Great Nigeria Insurance House, a multi-storey plaza on Martins Street in the Lagos Island area of Lagos State.

The fire reportedly started at about 5 p.m. in the building, which is mainly used as a warehouse for clothing materials, with offices and shops also operating within the complex.

The Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, Mr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, said preliminary findings showed that the fire originated from an office on the fourth floor before spreading to other parts of the building.

He explained that the LASEMA Shark Response Team arrived to find the structure already engulfed, with the fire escalating to higher floors, while rescue and firefighting operations were still ongoing.

Also speaking, the Controller-General of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Mrs Margaret Adeseye, said the fire had affected up to the fifth floor of the building but confirmed that no casualties had been recorded.

She added that firefighters were working to contain the blaze and prevent further spread, while the cause of the fire remained unknown as of press time.

A founding member of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Bisi Akande, has disclosed that late former President Muhammadu Buhari informed him that he never instigated ex-Vice President Yemi Osinbajo to contest against now President Bola Tinubu in 2022.

During the APC primary election in 2022, Tinubu emerged as the party’s flagbearer while Osinbajo came a distant third.

Osinbajo is widely believed to be a political protege of Tinubu after he served under him as Commissioner of Justice and Attorney General while the now President was governor of Lagos State.

There are speculations that Tinubu was instrumental in Osinbajo’s emergence as Vice President to Buhari.

However, Akande while featuring on Edmund Obilo’s podcast, State Affairs, said Osinbajo never stepped down for Tinubu because it was his right to contest in the primary election.

Akande said: “I wanted everybody to be free to contest the election but I don’t want bitterness, I wanted them to talk on issues and not one to destroy another because I wanted one of them to emerge in the end, I wanted a Yoruba President.”

On convincing Osinbajo to step down for Tinubu, he said, “After several meetings, I told them we want only one and I want any of you to voluntarily step down.

“On the evening of the primary, some came to me that they were going to step down and they stepped down, it wasn’t too late.

“Osinbajo did not step down and I didn’t discuss it with Tinubu thereafter. Osinbajo has every right to contest and he did and I don’t blame anybody for contesting elections.”

On if Buhari was against Tinubu, Akande said: “He (Buhari) didn’t tell me so because I put many questions to him, he wanted me to see that he was not the one who instigated Osinbajo to contest against Tinubu and he made it clear that in his own culture when your mentor is interested in one position, you don’t contest with him but when Osinbajo came he was surprised and only wished him well.”

Akande’s claim is almost the same to claims in Buhari’s biography, ‘From Soldier to Statesman: The Legacy of Muhammad Buhari’, authored by Dr Charles Omole, that the late former president didn’t support Osinbajo’s presidential ambition.

The book quoted Buhari as saying he never supported Osinbajo’s ambition in 2022 because he never knew him.

Buhari was said to have stated that he knew the ex-Vice President through Tinubu.

A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has announced the inauguration of a 17-member Caretaker Committee for Oyo State, further deepening the party’s internal leadership crisis.

The faction said the caretaker committee would oversee party affairs in the state pending the conduct of fresh congresses, insisting the move is in line with efforts to restore order and reposition the party. It follows similar actions by the group in other states where existing party executives were dissolved.

However, the development has intensified tensions within the PDP, as rival party leaders have continued to reject the authority of the Wike-backed faction, describing its actions as unconstitutional and illegitimate. The opposing camp maintains that the party’s recognised leadership remains intact.

The members of the committee is as highlighted below:

1. Prof Abdulrahman Akinoso – Chairman
2. Mr Adio daudaTolani – member.
3. Hon Ali Hammed Okesola – Member
4. Prince Adewale Lukuman Adewale – Member
5. Mr Tunde Sikiru Adeniran – Member
6. Alhaja Risikat Kola Popoola – Member
7. Hon Kabiru Adesokan- Member
8. Hon Yekini Adebisi Toyosi – Member
9. Hon Rotimi Adewuyi – Member
10. Hon Musbau Olayowola – Member
11. Hon Oyewole Olaosebikan – Member
12. Hon Abideen Olarewaju – Member
13. Comrade Akinloye Oyeniyi- Member
14. Chief Bili Muraina – Member
15. Hon Dauda Ramon Bamibeke-Member
16. Barr Babatunde Akinola -Member
17. Dr Biola Olanipekun- Secretary

The unfolding dispute has raised concerns among political observers about the PDP’s unity and preparedness ahead of future elections, particularly as parallel party structures continue to emerge across several states.

The Oore of Otun-Ekiti and Paramount Ruler of Mobaland, His Royal Majesty Oba Adekunle Adeagbo, has firmly debunked reports alleging that the Ooni of Ife conferred the chieftaincy title of Okanlomo of Yorubaland on any individual, describing the claim as false and misleading.

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Akogun Banjo Ayinde, the Oore reacted to what he termed “media attacks” allegedly emanating from the Alaafin’s palace against the House of Odùduwà. He stressed that the influence and royal territories of the Ooni of Ife, as the Arole Odùduwà, extend beyond Yorubaland into other parts of Africa, including the Itsekiri of Delta State, the Benin Kingdom, Ga and Ashanti kingdoms in Ghana, the Luo of Uganda, and other Odùduwà-linked communities across the continent.

The statement categorically denied that the Ooni, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has ever conceived, discussed, or installed anyone as Okanlomo of Yorubaland. It challenged anyone in possession of verifiable historical or cultural evidence to present such proof publicly. According to the Oore, while the Ooni possesses unquestionable ancestral and spiritual authority to bestow territorial titles when necessary, his reign has been focused on broader objectives of unity, peace, and development among Odùduwà descendants worldwide.

Clarifying further, the Oore noted that since ascending the throne, the Ooni has carried out only three official territorial chieftaincy installations — Odole Oodua, Iyalaje Oodua, and Yeye Oodua — all rooted in deep spiritual and ancestral traditions. He added that the Ooni’s leadership philosophy prioritizes socio-economic development, citing major investments and projects across Yorubaland that have created thousands of jobs for youths.

The statement also cautioned against what it described as outdated struggles for emperorship, noting that constitutional democracy has long eroded such notions. It urged the public to seek clarity on any Supreme Court judgments being referenced in the controversy, warning against attempts to drag the sacred stool of the Ooni into disputes that do not concern it.
Reaffirming the Ooni’s position as the natural father and spiritual head of the Odùduwà race, the Oore of Moba emphasized that leadership is earned through service, wisdom, and acceptability, not through force or threats. The House of Odùduwà, he concluded, remains committed to peace, unity, and prosperity across Yorubaland and the wider African space.

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has announced a major reform to Nigeria’s tax identification system, confirming that the National Identification Number (NIN) issued by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) will now automatically serve as the Tax Identification Number (Tax ID) for individual Nigerians. The service made the clarification as part of a public awareness campaign on its social media platforms, aimed at addressing public concerns over recent tax law provisions that require a Tax ID for certain financial and economic transactions.

Under the new policy framework, registered businesses and corporate entities will also no longer be required to obtain a separate Tax Identification Number from the FIRS. Instead, businesses’ Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) registration numbers will now act as their official Tax IDs. This change is intended to streamline the tax identification process and reduce the need for additional documentation or separate registration procedures.

FIRS explained that this shift is part of comprehensive reforms under the Nigeria Tax Administration Act (NTAA), scheduled to take effect from January 2026. The NTAA mandates the use of a Tax ID for specified transactions — including the opening and operation of bank accounts — but stressed that the concept of a Tax ID is not new. It has been in place since the Finance Act of 2019, and the current reforms serve to unify and strengthen its application across the tax system.

According to the agency, the unified Tax ID system will eliminate multiple identifiers previously issued by federal and state tax authorities, thereby simplifying the process of taxpayer identification, reducing duplication, and closing loopholes that facilitate tax evasion. Individuals will not need any physical card for the Tax ID, as the NIN is a unique number already linked to their identity in government databases. Similarly, companies will use their existing CAC registration numbers directly as their tax identifiers.

FIRS also urged Nigerians to disregard misinformation circulating about the new policy and reiterated that the reforms are designed to improve transparency, efficiency, and fairness in tax administration. By aligning tax identifiers with existing national identity systems, the government aims to make it easier for taxpayers to comply with obligations while enhancing revenue mobilization and reducing bureaucratic hurdles.

Ibadan, Oyo State – Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has made it clear that while Nyesom Wike can choose to support President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid, he himself will not. Makinde disclosed this during a media chat, expressing surprise at Wike’s declaration during a recent meeting with the president and other political figures.
The governor said he was shocked when Wike reportedly told Tinubu he would “hold the PDP for him against 2027.”

Makinde emphasized that Wike’s decision is his own, but he has chosen to remain loyal to his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and will not participate in organising support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State.

Makinde stated that despite efforts to privately persuade Wike to reconsider, the minister insisted on his position. As a result, Makinde confronted Wike directly and reaffirmed that he would not align with Tinubu or the ruling party in the next election. His stance underscores a commitment to PDP principles and political independence.

Highlighting the broader implications, Makinde said his position reflects a desire to preserve democracy and party loyalty, stressing that individual political choices should not undermine the PDP. He described his refusal to support Tinubu as consistent with his duty to uphold democratic values and ensure the survival of his party.

Makinde’s remarks signal deepening divisions within the PDP, with Wike’s alignment with the APC drawing criticism from party loyalists. As Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections, the governor’s stance highlights ongoing debates over political alliances, party loyalty, and the independence of key PDP figures.

An Ogun State High Court sitting in Ijebu-Ode has rejected an application for interim injunction filed by Fuji musician, Otunba Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (K1 De Ultimate), seeking to halt the ongoing process for the selection of a new Awujale of Ijebuland.

The court declined to restrain the Ogun State Government, Governor Dapo Abiodun, and other respondents from continuing with steps relating to the vacant Awujale stool, ruling that the request for interim relief lacked sufficient merit.

K1 had approached the court alleging violations of chieftaincy laws and his constitutional rights in the succession process, urging the court to suspend all actions pending the determination of his substantive suit.

While refusing the interim injunction, the court ordered an accelerated hearing of the main suit, fixing a new date to ensure the matter is resolved promptly as the contest over the revered Awujale stool continues.

Former presidential candidate and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential hopeful, Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has intensified consultations ahead of the 2027 general election, holding separate high-level meetings with former President Olusegun Obasanjo and former Military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (rtd.).

The closed-door meetings, held on Monday, are part of Dr. Hashim’s ongoing nationwide engagements with elder statesmen and key national figures to discuss the future direction of Nigeria.
Sources familiar with the consultations said Dr. Hashim assured both former leaders of his capacity to tackle Nigeria’s security challenges, rebuild national unity, stabilise the polity, and restore economic prosperity. He reportedly stressed that Nigeria urgently needs purposeful, inclusive, and unifying leadership to avert deeper national fractures.

Both Obasanjo and Babangida, though non-partisan, are widely regarded as influential elder statesmen who remain deeply invested in Nigeria’s unity and stability, having played defining roles in the country’s political and military history.

Dr. Hashim arrived at President Obasanjo’s residence in Abeokuta at about 11:00 a.m. and departed roughly an hour later. He subsequently travelled to Minna, where he met with General Babangida aboard a Hawker 800 jet with registration number 5N-BZP.

During the Minna meeting, Dr. Hashim reportedly appealed to Babangida’s historic role in preserving Nigeria’s unity, referencing the sacrifices made during the civil war.

“General, you still carry in your body the wounds of the war fought to keep Nigeria one. Many of your colleagues were not fortunate to survive that struggle. If Nigeria is allowed to disintegrate today through incompetent leadership, then the sacrifices of patriots like you would have been wasted,” Hashim was quoted as saying.
He emphasised that the 2027 election must be centred on national rescue, warning that continued leadership failure could further endanger the country’s cohesion and stability.
Dr. Hashim was accompanied on the visits by the Chairman of the North Central Renaissance Movement, Professor Nghargbu K’tsɔ, as well as other aides.

Political observers view the consultations as a strategic move by Dr. Hashim to position himself as a national consensus-building figure ahead of what is expected to be a highly consequential 2027 presidential election.

Human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, has petitioned the Department of State Services (DSS) over the alleged torture and death of Chief Lukmon Suleiman Ojora Arounfale, the Baba Oba of Oyotunji Village in the United States, following a visit to the Alaafin of Oyo’s palace.

According to the petition, the incident occurred during a palace visit in April 2025, where a disagreement reportedly arose over traditional coronation practices linked to Oyotunji Village. Falana alleged that the disagreement escalated into a violent assault on the chief and members of his entourage by palace aides.

The petition claimed that Chief Arounfale, who was elderly, sustained serious injuries during the alleged assault and later died days after the visit. It further alleged that the victims were detained by police, forced to write statements, and compelled to apologise before being released.

Falana noted that although the Inspector-General of Police reportedly ordered an investigation, no arrests or prosecutions have followed. He therefore urged the DSS to carry out a fresh investigation and ensure accountability under the laws of Oyo State.

Nine individuals have been arrested by the Oyo State Environmental Task Force for illegally dumping waste on road medians in parts of Ibadan. The arrests followed early morning and overnight enforcement operations carried out by Environmental Health Officers of the Ministry of Environment. The offenders were fined and sentenced to community service as part of the penalties for the offense committed.

The offenders were apprehended at the Akala Expressway and the Leventis axis of the city during routine surveillance aimed at curbing environmental abuse and promoting public sanitation.

Speaking with journalists after the operation, a Director in the Ministry of Environment, Mrs. Areo, said the state government would not hesitate to clamp down on individuals who deliberately deface the environment through unlawful waste disposal. She stressed that enforcement activities would be intensified to safeguard public health and preserve the aesthetics of the state.

Mrs. Areo urged residents to shun indiscriminate dumping of refuse and make use of approved waste collection and disposal channels, reminding the public that maintaining a clean and healthy environment is a collective responsibility.