Oduduwa News

The Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has congratulated Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, on the occasion of his 92nd birthday, describing him as a global icon whose contributions to literature, culture, democracy, and humanity remain invaluable.

In a congratulatory message, the Ooni commended Professor Soyinka for dedicating his life to the pursuit of truth, justice, intellectual excellence, and the preservation of African heritage through his exceptional literary works and unwavering advocacy for good governance.

The revered monarch noted that Soyinka’s achievements have brought immense honour not only to the Yoruba race but also to Nigeria and the African continent at large, inspiring generations of writers, scholars, and leaders across the world.

Oba Ogunwusi described the Nobel Laureate as a symbol of courage, resilience, and wisdom whose voice has consistently stood for justice, freedom, and the defence of democratic ideals.

The Ooni prayed that Almighty God would continue to bless Professor Soyinka with sound health, long life, divine strength, and greater fulfilment as he continues to impact humanity with his wisdom and wealth of experience.

“On behalf of the House of Oduduwa and the entire Yoruba people, I heartily congratulate our revered elder statesman and literary giant, Professor Wole Soyinka, on his 92nd birthday. We celebrate his remarkable life, his enduring legacy, and his immeasurable contributions to humanity.

“We pray that God grants him many more years in good health, longevity, peace, and abundant fulfilment. May his life continue to inspire present and future generations,” the monarch stated.

Professor Wole Soyinka, Africa’s first Nobel Prize winner in Literature, remains one of the continent’s most influential literary figures and public intellectuals, with decades of contributions to literature, education, human rights, and democratic development.

Governors from the South-West region, alongside political leaders, traditional rulers, religious clerics, and other eminent Nigerians, on Tuesday converged to offer special prayers in honour of Nigeria’s late former President, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, celebrating his life of service, patriotism, and commitment to national unity.

The remembrance prayer session, held as part of activities to honour the late elder statesman, brought together dignitaries from different walks of life who reflected on Buhari’s enduring legacy and his contributions to the development, stability, and democratic growth of Nigeria.

The gathering featured prayers led by Islamic clerics, who sought Allah’s mercy for the departed former President and prayed for peace, unity, and prosperity across the country. Participants also observed moments of reflection, describing Buhari as a leader whose administration was driven by discipline, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to the Nigerian project.

Speaking during the event, the attendees noted that Buhari devoted a significant part of his life to public service, first as a military leader and later as a democratically elected President, leaving behind a legacy that would continue to shape the nation’s history.

They said although opinions about his administration may differ, Buhari’s dedication to preserving Nigeria’s unity and strengthening democratic institutions remains a notable aspect of his leadership.

The gathering also provided an opportunity for participants to reflect on the values the late President stood for, including discipline, accountability, patriotism, and selfless service, urging Nigerians, especially the younger generation, to uphold these virtues in building a stronger nation.

Special prayers were offered for Allah (SWT) to forgive Buhari’s shortcomings, admit him into Aljanah Firdaus, grant strength and comfort to his family, and continue to bless Nigeria with peace, security, unity, and sustainable progress.

The dignitaries concluded by urging Nigerians to remain committed to national cohesion, mutual understanding, and collective development, stressing that the greatest tribute to the late former President would be a united and prosperous Nigeria built on justice, discipline, and responsible leadership.

The Headmaster of Nomadic Basic School, Igbojaye, in Itesiwaju Local Government Area of Oyo State, Mr. Owoade Matthew Kolawale, has regained his freedom after spending days in the custody of his abductors.

Oduduwa News gathered that the kidnappers allegedly released the headmaster after collecting a ₦5 million ransom and unspecified food items from his family and sympathisers.

Reliable sources in the community confirmed that Mr. Owoade was released unharmed and has since reunited with his family, bringing relief to residents of Igbojaye and the entire Itesiwaju Local Government Area.

The headmaster was abducted on Saturday while returning from his farm. His motorcycle was later recovered in a nearby bush, prompting fears that he had been forcibly taken away.

Oduduwa News had earlier reported that the abductors established contact with the victim’s family and initially demanded a ₦30 million ransom for his release. However, it was gathered that after negotiations, the ransom was reduced, and the victim was eventually freed after the payment of ₦5 million alongside food supplies.

As of the time of filing this report, security agencies have yet to issue an official statement confirming the circumstances surrounding his release.

Residents have expressed gratitude over the safe return of the headmaster but renewed calls on the Oyo State Government and security agencies to intensify efforts to curb the rising wave of kidnappings and other criminal activities in the Oke-Ogun axis of the state.

Warn of Withdrawal of Support and Votes Ahead of Osun Governorship Election

Accord Elders and Stakeholders in Osun State have issued a seven day ultimatum to Governor Ademola Adeleke to publicly endorse the Accord Party’s presidential candidate, Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, warning that failure to do so will compel members to withdraw its political structures, supporters and votes from his re-election campaign.

The resolution was reached at a meeting held on Monday, July 13, where party leaders and influential grassroots mobilisers from across Osun State unanimously agreed that Governor Adeleke must, on or before July 21, 2026, publicly identify with the Accord Party’s presidential project or forfeit the political support of the forum.

Speaking on behalf of the leaders were Alhaji Abass Olaniyi, Accord chieftain and political mobiliser (Ede North); Elder Timothy Ponle, apex political leader (Boripe Local Government); Hon. Mrs. Folasade Owojori (Ife East Local Government); and Hon. Mrs. Apeke Adewale (Oriade Local Government).

The stakeholders, many of whom moved with both Governor Adeleke and Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) into the Accord Party, said the party’s governorship and presidential projects are inseparable and must be pursued with equal commitment.

According to them, it is politically unacceptable for any candidate to seek electoral victory on the platform of Accord Party while distancing himself from the party’s presidential candidate.

They also demanded that Governor Adeleke formally invite Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim to Osun State within the next two weeks to lead the party’s presidential campaign and demonstrate his commitment to the Accord Party at the national level.

“We left PDP to build Accord into a formidable political platform. The party cannot be good enough for a governorship ambition and suddenly become irrelevant when it comes to its presidential candidate. Loyalty to the party must be complete and reciprocal,” they declared.

The stakeholders warned that failure to comply with the July 21 deadline would leave them with no alternative but to commence consultations with other governorship candidates ahead of the August 2026 election.

“Our members are spread across all local government areas of Osun State. We have invested our structures, time and political capital in building the Accord Party. We cannot, in good conscience, mobilise our supporters for a governorship candidate who refuses to mobilise for the party’s presidential candidate.”

They emphasized that its position is intended to strengthen, not weaken, the Accord Party by ensuring that every candidate contesting on its platform remains committed to the party’s collective vision and national leadership.

They reaffirmed its unwavering support for the presidential aspiration of Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim and urged all Accord Party members across Osun State to remain united behind the party’s national project as preparations intensify for the 2026 governorship and 2027 presidential elections.

Ademola Adeleke has invited the European Union to monitor the forthcoming Osun State governorship election, saying the move is aimed at strengthening transparency, credibility, and compliance with the Electoral Act during the poll.

The governor made the call while receiving representatives of the European Union in Osogbo, where he reiterated his administration’s commitment to peaceful, free, and fair elections in the state.

Adeleke said the presence of international observers would boost public confidence in the electoral process and help ensure that all stakeholders conduct themselves in line with democratic principles.

Barely 24 hours after the successful rescue of abducted pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, suspected gunmen have demanded a ₦30 million ransom for the release of Mr. Owoade Matthew Kolawale, Headmaster of Nomadic Basic School, Igbojaye, in Itesiwaju Local Government Area.

Mr. Owoade was reportedly abducted on Saturday evening while returning from his farm in Igbojaye, a community in the Oke-Ogun axis of Oyo State. His motorcycle was later discovered abandoned in a nearby bush, raising fears that he had been forcibly taken away by his abductors.

Sources within the community disclosed that the kidnappers have now established contact with the victim’s family, demanding a ransom of ₦30 million before he can regain his freedom.

The latest incident has heightened concerns over the resurgence of kidnapping in parts of Oke-Ogun, despite ongoing security operations aimed at tackling criminal activities across the region.

The abduction comes barely a day after security forces secured the release of dozens of pupils and teachers who had spent weeks in captivity following their abduction in Oriire Local Government Area, a development that had raised hopes of improved security across the state.

Oduduwa News had exclusively reported the abduction of the headmaster on Sunday, revealing that he was whisked away by armed men while returning home from his farm in Itesiwaju Local Government Area.

As of the time of filing this report, security agencies had yet to issue an official statement on the ransom demand or ongoing efforts to rescue the victim.

Residents have appealed to the Oyo State Government and security agencies to intensify efforts to secure Mr. Owoade’s safe release and strengthen security across the Oke-Ogun zone to prevent further attacks.

A tragic lone-vehicle accident claimed the lives of at least three persons and left about five others with varying degrees of injuries in the early hours of Monday at Alabebe, along the Iwo Road–Bank Olodo axis of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

The fatal crash, which occurred at about 12:30 a.m., involved a Toyota Camry carrying several occupants.

Eyewitnesses said the vehicle lost control before crashing through a gate erected in front of a building. The impact also brought down a billboard and a concrete utility pole before the car eventually plunged into a roadside drainage.

The force of the collision left the vehicle completely mangled, with the Toyota Camry damaged beyond recognition.

The injured victims were reportedly rescued from the wreckage and taken to a nearby hospital for medical treatment, while the remains of those who lost their lives were evacuated from the scene.

The cause of the accident has yet to be officially confirmed, although investigations are expected to determine the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident.

Fresh concerns over insecurity have emerged in Oyo State following the abduction of Mr. Owoade Mathew, popularly known as Onaiye, the Headmaster of Nomadic Basic School, Igbojaye, in Itesiwaju Local Government Area.

The incident, which reportedly occurred on Friday, has plunged the victim’s family, colleagues, the education community, and residents of Itesiwaju into anxiety and uncertainty.

Reacting to the development, concerned education stakeholders and community leaders in Itesiwaju Local Government strongly condemned the abduction, describing it as a disturbing attack on education and community peace. They called for the immediate and unconditional release of the school headmaster.

In a statement issued on Sunday and made available to Oduduwa News, the stakeholders appealed to the Federal Government, the Oyo State Government, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), local security outfits, and other relevant agencies to intensify efforts towards securing Mr. Owoade’s safe rescue and ensuring that those responsible are apprehended and prosecuted.

The stakeholders also urged traditional rulers, community leaders, religious organisations, youth groups, and residents of Itesiwaju Local Government Area to cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information that could assist ongoing rescue efforts.

They advised members of the public to remain calm, vigilant, and law-abiding while avoiding the circulation of unverified information capable of jeopardising security operations.

According to the statement, the latest incident further highlights the urgent need to strengthen security across communities in Itesiwaju Local Government Area and neighbouring areas.

The stakeholders called on the appropriate authorities to increase security patrols, improve intelligence gathering, enhance rapid response capabilities, and implement sustainable measures to safeguard lives and property.

They further appealed to Nigerians and people of goodwill to remember the abducted headmaster in their prayers, expressing hope that he would return safely to his family and community.

The group maintained confidence that through the combined efforts of government, security agencies, traditional institutions, and members of the public, Mr. Owoade Mathew would be rescued unharmed while lasting peace and security would be restored across Itesiwaju Local Government Area.

As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official statement from security agencies regarding the circumstances surrounding the abduction or ongoing rescue operations.

ILORIN — The Kwara State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly criticized Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq over his administration’s handling of the Woro kidnapping crisis, contrasting his approach with the recent successful rescue of abducted schoolchildren and teachers in neighboring Oyo State.

​While congratulating the Oyo State Government on the safe return of the 49 abductees, the Kwara opposition party expressed deep concern that 179 residents of the Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area—who were abducted during a deadly terrorist attack on February 3, 2026—remain in captivity more than five months later.

​In a statement issued by the PDP State Publicity Secretary, Olusegun Olusola Adewara, the party attributed the successful rescue operation in Oyo State to sustained public engagement, media pressure, and the responsive leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde. The PDP praised Makinde for collaborating closely with federal security agencies and treating public criticism as a mandate to intensify rescue efforts.

​Drawing a sharp contrast, the PDP accused Governor AbdulRazaq of failing to prioritize the rescue of the Woro victims, a group that reportedly includes pregnant women, nursing mothers, and children. The party lamented that the governor’s perceived inaction has left the affected communities feeling abandoned following a massacre that claimed nearly 200 lives.

​“While Oyo people celebrate the return of their citizens, Kwara State is left mourning under a government that simply does not care,” the statement read.

​The opposition party further condemned the Kwara State Government’s handling of public grievances. According to the PDP, peaceful demonstrators—including elderly women protesting the prolonged captivity of the Woro abductees—were recently assaulted by thugs outside the Government House in Ilorin.
​This, the party noted, was in stark contrast to Governor Makinde’s direct engagement with protesters in Oyo State, where he publicly addressed demonstrators, explained the government’s rescue strategies, and assured them of the victims’ eventual safe return.

​The PDP commended civil society groups, the media, and social media activists, including the Ratel Movement led by VeryDarkMan, for sustaining pressure during the Oyo crisis. Concluding the statement, the party urged Governor AbdulRazaq to treat the Oyo rescue as an urgent wake-up call and called on Kwara stakeholders to persistently demand accountability for the Woro victims still languishing in terrorist camps.

ABUJA — Presidential candidate of the Accord Party for the 2027 general election, Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has commended Nigeria’s security agencies for the successful rescue of victims abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State after about 50 days in captivity.

He said the operation demonstrates that the country’s security forces possess the capacity to defeat criminal gangs when given consistent political support.

In a statement issued at the weekend, Hashim described the rescue as a significant victory for the nation and argued that Nigeria’s security challenges stem less from the competence of its armed forces than from the need for sustained political direction and unwavering leadership.
“We have never doubted the ability of Nigeria’s Defence Forces to secure the country. What has often been lacking is clarity of purpose and unwavering political leadership,” he said.

The former presidential candidate cited the Nigerian military’s distinguished record in international peacekeeping missions, particularly in Liberia and Sierra Leone, where Nigerian troops, operating under the Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group (ECOMOG), played leading roles in ending prolonged conflicts and restoring peace.

According to him, the successful rescue in Oriire should serve as a model for a coordinated nationwide campaign against kidnappers, bandits and other violent criminal groups terrorising communities across the country.

“The same determination that secured the freedom of the Oriire victims must now be deployed across every community where innocent Nigerians remain in captivity, including parts of Kwara l, Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina,Benue,Nassarawa Plateau and Kebbi states. No family should be left to suffer when the state has the capacity to act,” he stated.

Hashim, who is also Co-Chair of the Movement for Democratic Renewal (MDR), urged the Federal Government to provide sustained strategic direction and stronger political backing for the nation’s security agencies. He also called on the security chiefs to replicate similar rescue operations across all affected parts of the country until every kidnapped victim is freed and criminal networks are dismantled.

“Above all, we must now take the fight to all terrorists occupying different parts of our country through an integrated strategy aimed at bringing an end to the terrorist war on our land,” he added.

He congratulated the officers and men of the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS) for their courage, professionalism and sacrifice, describing the successful operation as a major boost to public confidence in Nigeria’s security institutions.

Hashim also congratulated the rescued victims and their families, while praying for their speedy physical, emotional and psychological recovery from their 50-day ordeal.