Oduduwa News

The Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN, has dismissed recent claims that Nollywood actor Olanrewaju James, popularly known as Baba Ijesha, was acquitted of sexual offences involving a minor.

Addressing journalists in Lagos on Sunday, Pedro described the reports as “false, misleading, and irresponsible,” warning that they distort the official judicial record and could mislead the public. He specifically referenced a social media post by actor Yomi Fabiyi, later shared by an online publication, which falsely suggested Baba Ijesha had been exonerated and that the entire case was a sham.

Pedro emphasized that “no such clearance ever occurred at any stage of the judicial process” and provided a clear summary of the litigation history:

• On July 14, 2022, the Lagos State High Court convicted Baba Ijesha of sexual assault and indecent treatment of a child for incidents that occurred in 2021, sentencing him to five and three years respectively, to run concurrently.

• The Court of Appeal, Lagos Division, on June 28, 2024, set aside convictions related to alleged offences from 2013–2014 but upheld the 2021 conviction and sentence.

A subsequent appeal to the Supreme Court was struck out on May 29, 2025, due to procedural incompetence.

A final motion for leave to file a fresh appeal was dismissed on October 9, 2025, leaving the Court of Appeal’s affirmation of the 2021 conviction intact.

Pedro clarified that Baba Ijesha’s release was solely because he had served his full sentence, not because he was acquitted. “Mr. Olanrewaju James was not cleared of sexual assault or indecent treatment of a child,” he stressed.

Pedro concluded by reaffirming the state’s commitment to child protection, upholding criminal convictions, and ensuring that judicial outcomes are accurately reported.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sounded the alarm over the growing number of university graduates entering Nigeria’s labour market without sufficient employment opportunities.

Speaking (via a representative) at the 36th convocation of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), he urged universities to overhaul their curricula to prioritise employability, entrepreneurship, and job creation.

Tinubu emphasized that the government cannot absorb all graduates and called for stronger university-industry partnerships, more research funding, and a policy focus on science, technology, and innovation.

He also encouraged young graduates to tap into the agricultural value chain as a “goldmine” for jobs. To support this vision, he highlighted reforms such as increased funding from TETFund, the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFund), and the Tertiary Institutions Staff Support Fund (TISSF).

Amid deepening tensions within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), former presidential candidate and founding member of the party, Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has urged immediate reconciliation and a return to the party’s original principles, warning that Nigeria’s democracy is at stake.

Hashim issued the statement on Sunday as a faction of the PDP proceeded with a controversial National Convention in Ibadan, Oyo State, despite a string of contradictory court orders and even a subsisting court judgment restraining the faction from holding the Convention. The development has further exposed the widening cracks within the major opposition party.

In his intervention, Hashim reminded Nigerians of the party’s historic origins 27 years ago, describing the founding of the PDP as one of the most remarkable demonstrations of political maturity in the Country’s history. He noted that the party’s formation brought together over 13 political associations, each robust enough to stand independently, united through dialogue, broad consultation, and a deep spirit of inclusion.

According to him, the founding leaders deliberately created a platform capable of preventing military adventurism, safeguarding the unity and indivisibility of the Nigerian State, and promoting genuine Federalism.

He emphasized that this inclusive and consultative spirit was the reason the PDP secured almost two-thirds of elected positions during the December 1998 local government election, an early success that helped stabilize Nigeria’s democratic order.

Hashim stressed that the current path of fragmentation, court induced confusion, and exclusionary politics is a dangerous departure from the party’s foundational ideals.

“Inclusion, not exclusion, is the tradition of the PDP,” he warned. “We must strive to bring all sides back to the table to save the PDP and save Nigeria’s democracy.”

He insisted that the party’s revival depends on genuine unity and purposeful reconciliation, urging leaders to commit to a single watchword, “We must not leave anyone behind.”

Hashim added a scriptural reminder, noting that the Bible teaches that “to every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1). He stressed that this is not the season to expel members, it is the season to reconcile and bring new members, it is the season to save the PDP in order to save Nigeria’s democracy.

As the PDP continues to navigate legal disputes, factional activities, and internal distrust, Hashim’s intervention adds pressure on party stakeholders to abandon parallel structures and return the party to a cohesive and credible opposition force, one capable of safeguarding Nigeria’s democratic future.

The National Convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expelled the Minister of the FCT and former Governor of Rivers State, Barr. Nyesom Wike; former Governor of Ekiti State, Mr Ayodele Fayose and the embattled former National Secretary of the PDP, Senator Samuel Anyanwu.

The convention also expelled the former National Legal Adviser of the party, Mr Kamaldeen Adeyemi Ajibade, SAN; Senator Mao Ohuabunwa; George Turner and Hon Umar Bature.
Former Deputy Chairman (South) of the PDP, Chief Olabode George, who moved the motion for the expulsion of Wike and others, declared that the decision came against the backdrop of various activities they engaged in aimed at destroying the party.

Earlier, the Secretary of the National Convention Organising Committee, Senator Ben Obi, had put the question to the delegates on whether or not the convention should be an Elective Convention and also raised a motion to make it an Elective Convention, with Mr Emmanuel Enoidem, SAN seconding the motion.

Similarly, Governor Seyi Makinde moved a motion for the ratification and confirmation of Executive Committees and Structures in states, which were produced through congresses at all levels that were in compliance with the party’s constitution and monitored by INEC and security agencies, exempting Imo, Abia, Enugu and Rivers states. Mr Daniel Obiechina Okechukwu seconded the motion.

The convention also moved a motion to dissolve the current NWC of the party, while it equally amended some sections of the party’s constitution.

The Court of Appeal in Lagos has upheld the five-year jail term imposed on Nollywood actor Olanrewaju James, popularly known as Baba Ijesha, for sexually assaulting a minor in 2021. The appellate court, however, set aside some portions of his earlier convictions relating to alleged incidents said to have taken place between 2013 and 2014, ruling that the testimonies provided for those years were hearsay and legally insufficient.

Delivering the judgment, Justice Folashade Ojo, alongside Justices Abdullahi Bayero and Paul Bassi, affirmed that the prosecution successfully proved the key offence committed in April 2021. The court held that eyewitness accounts in the 2021 incident were credible and consistent, thereby justifying the trial court’s decision to convict him for indecent treatment of a child and sexual assault.

The court further noted that Baba Ijesha’s confessional statements, made during the 2021 investigation, were admissible and carried substantial evidential weight. Claims by the defence that the actor was coerced into confessing were rejected, as the appellate court found no supporting evidence of duress or intimidation in the record.

On the other hand, the panel dismissed the convictions linked to events purported to have occurred several years earlier, stating that the testimonies relied upon were not firsthand accounts and failed the legal test of direct evidence. This partial victory for the actor, however, does not affect the overall duration of his imprisonment.

With the ruling, Baba Ijesha will continue to serve the concurrent sentences of five and three years handed down by the Domestic Violence and Sexual Offences Court in 2022. The judgment reinforces the appellate court’s stance that while some charges were unproven, the core 2021 offence was established beyond reasonable doubt.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national convention has officially commenced today at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan, following a decisive court ruling that cleared all legal obstacles. An Oyo State High Court earlier granted an interim order preventing interference with the convention’s timetable and instructed INEC to monitor the process, providing the legal backing the party needed to proceed.

Despite internal tensions, the PDP National Working Committee, led by Umar Damagum, insisted on holding the convention as scheduled. This resolve comes amid claims from some factions suggesting postponement and ongoing disagreements linked to recent legal disputes within the party.

Meanwhile, several state chapters, including Enugu and Oyo, expressed full readiness and support. The Enugu chapter confirmed that all logistics, including transportation and delegate materials, were in place, while the Oyo State PDP hailed the court’s approval as a victory for democracy and stability within the party.

As the convention unfolds, attention is focused on how the PDP will navigate its internal divisions and whether today’s gathering will set a stronger foundation ahead of the 2027 elections. The event is expected to draw thousands of delegates, making it a crucial moment in the party’s ongoing bid for national repositioning.

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, mni, FAS, fspsp, has charged fresh graduates of the university to go forth with confidence, seize every opportunity that comes their way, lead the change Nigeria needs, and claim their rightful place at the top.

He gave the charge during the second day of the 2025 Convocation ceremonies when graduands were admitted to First Degrees in the Faculties of Agriculture, the Social Sciences, Veterinary Medicine, Technology, Law, Economics & Management Sciences and Renewable Natural Resources.

Professor Adebowale encouraged them to utilise the skills and knowledge they acquired while in pursuit of their academic goals to propel themselves forward, even in uncertain times.

He told them to believe in Nigeria’s rich history and potential to become one of the world’s leading nations and become a beautiful part of the nation’s history.

He reiterated that the University has towered highest in its countless contributions to human capital development, research outputs, and community service across the world through its staff both academic and non-teaching, and particularly through its quality alumni.

The Vice-Chancellor noted that the University, which had confered its degrees upon accomplished individuals, is still proudly graduating a new generation of innovative entrepreneurs, skilled professionals, visionary leaders, and talented change makers into the world.

The commencement speaker, Mrs Bola Olajomi-Otubu, MD/CEO Beige Spaces Limited, an alumna of UI, warned the graduands that life after UI will test their resolve and determination to build their dreams, that there will be days when their plans will collapse like an un-reinforced building and that there will be seasons of delay, disappointment, or doubt.

She, however, admonished them that in those moments, they should remember their foundation and the lessons they learned within the university’s great walls, have faith in themselves, and sail above the tide.

Mrs Olajomi-Otubu narrated that her journey has been full of such tests, and that she has moved from the bottom to the top at different times to build a career that presently employs close to 60 professionals by leveraging the strong foundation that UI gave her.

She explained that through her journey to prominence from nothing, she learnt a few lessons along the way about practical wisdom, which she advised the graduates to imbibe and carry into the next season of their lives.

She urged them to choose “the hard and the right” over “the easy and the quick,” warning that real success is not microwaved.

She, also charged the graduates to be still in the midst of chaos, build and not just hustle, build community as currency, challenge stereotypes, find purpose to stay anchored through the tough times and stand on the shoulders of giants.

She advised them to be builders of the future and always remember that they are builders of dreams, systems, businesses, and nations, saying that every great structure begins with one decision to believe.

Mrs Olajomi-Otubu emphasized the need for the graduates to believe that their story matters, that they can rise from challenges to purpose, and that their purpose, their “whys?” would keep them focused and anchored to determine the how.

The speaker submitted that the future belongs to those who are bold, who build brick by brick, choice by choice, and faith by faith; and those who dare to believe that nothing is impossible.

The convocation ceremony witnessed the presentation of prizes and awards to best graduating students of various categories at faculty and departmental levels.

Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) has unveiled its own smartphone and smartwatch brand, OAK-io, during the Symposium on AI & Robotics in Clinical Practice. The event highlighted the university’s growing drive toward technology-led innovation in healthcare, education, and national development.

OAK-io is a spin-off company from OAU’s ICT-Driven Knowledge Park, created to deliver smart devices tailored to Africa’s fast-evolving digital and AI landscape. The launch marks a major milestone in the university’s efforts to transform academic research into market-ready technological products.

The newly introduced OAK-io smartphones and smartwatches are designed for Africa’s needs, featuring AI-enabled tools, strong data security, durability, and affordability. The devices also integrate health-monitoring capabilities and smart-learning features suited for students, professionals, and institutions.

According to university officials, the OAK-io initiative demonstrates OAU’s commitment to leading innovation from within academia, bridging the gap between research and real-world application. The products are expected to support both clinical practice and broader digital transformation across sectors.

The launch positions OAU as a key contributor to Nigeria’s tech ecosystem, showcasing the institution’s capacity to develop homegrown solutions that address local challenges while aligning with global technological trends.

The Federal Government has entered into a 30-year concession agreement with Quaint Energy for the development and operation of the 6-megawatt Ikere Gorge Hydropower Project in Oyo State, marking a major step toward expanding Nigeria’s renewable energy capacity and ensuring sustainable power generation.

The agreement, signed on Wednesday, underscores the government’s commitment to leveraging public-private partnerships to enhance energy infrastructure and accelerate the nation’s transition to cleaner sources of power.

Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, who witnessed the signing ceremony, described the initiative as a strategic milestone that will not only boost electricity supply in Oyo State but also contribute to Nigeria’s broader renewable energy and rural electrification goals.

According to Adelabu, “The Ikere Gorge Hydropower Project represents our dedication to energy diversification and sustainability. It will create jobs, power surrounding communities, and improve energy access in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for the power sector.”

Under the concession arrangement, Quaint Energy will be responsible for the rehabilitation, operation, and maintenance of the hydropower facility. The project is expected to provide clean and reliable electricity to nearby communities, support local industries, and strengthen the regional grid network.

Officials from the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) noted that the agreement aligns with Nigeria’s long-term energy diversification agenda, aimed at reducing dependence on fossil fuels and fostering inclusive economic growth across the country.