Oduduwa News

Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, on Sunday reaffirmed his commitment to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and called for unity among members during the party’s congress held at Adamasingba, Ibadan.

Addressing party stakeholders, delegates, and supporters, Makinde urged members to put aside personal interests and work collectively to strengthen the PDP ahead of future elections. He noted that the party remains the best platform to deliver good governance and sustainable development to the people of Oyo State and Nigeria at large.

The congress, which attracted leaders of the PDP across the state, provided an opportunity for members to review the party’s performance, strategize for upcoming polls, and renew their loyalty to the party’s leadership.

Makinde emphasized that his administration would continue to prioritize the welfare of citizens, improve infrastructure, and sustain policies that enhance growth and stability in the state.

The event was attended by top PDP chieftains, party faithful, and representatives from across the state, who pledged their commitment to the governor’s leadership and the success of the party.

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has warned that attacks on government enforcement officials will attract strict consequences, urging residents to obtain planning permits before starting any construction.

Speaking through his Deputy Chief of Staff, Sam Egube, at a stakeholders’ forum organized by the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA) in Oregun, the governor described planning permits as the “birth certificate of a building,” vital for safety and orderly development.

Sanwo-Olu commended LASPPPA’s grassroots campaigns but condemned the obstruction and harassment of officials, stressing that cutting corners will lead to legal action. He assured that his administration is simplifying approval processes while enforcing compliance.

Commissioner for Physical Planning, Olumide Oluyinka, highlighted the low rate of approved buildings, while Permanent Secretary Gbolahan Oki cited recent demolitions at the Trade Fair Complex as a warning against illegal structures.

Traditional and professional leaders, including the Bajuilaye of Lagos, Chief Ayodele Oyekan, and former Commissioner Toyin Ayinde, urged collaboration between residents, government, and institutions to promote sustainable development.

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has declared a nationwide strike over the alleged mass dismissal of more than 800 workers by the Dangote Refinery.

In a directive issued to its members, the union ordered the immediate suspension of crude and gas supply to the refinery and directed international oil companies to cut supply in solidarity. The strike action is being rolled out in phases, with field operations withdrawn from Sunday, September 28, while all services in companies, institutions, and government agencies are to be suspended from Monday, September 29.

PENGASSAN accused the refinery of violating labour laws by replacing dismissed Nigerian workers with expatriates, describing the action as unfair and against international labour standards. The union warned that the industrial action could disrupt power generation nationwide, as gas-fired plants depend heavily on the supply now being cut off.

Meanwhile, the House of Representatives has appealed to PENGASSAN to suspend the strike, while the Dangote Refinery denied any mass sack, insisting the move was part of a reorganisation plan and that most of its workforce remains Nigerian.

A foremost traditional ruler in Ogun State, the Olu of Kemta, Oba Adetokunbo Tejuosho, has criticised Fuji star Taye Currency over his performance at the coronation of the 44th Olubadan, Oba Rashidi Ladoja.

Oba Tejuosho described the singer’s lyrics, particularly the line “Were la fi n wo were” (madness is cured with madness), as “disgusting and uncultured,” stressing that a coronation is a sacred and solemn event, not an arena for careless entertainment.

The monarch faulted the choice of artiste for the ceremony, insisting that musicians invited to such historic occasions should project dignity and cultural respect.

The performance has since sparked mixed reactions among Nigerians, with some defending Taye Currency as a “son of the soil,” while others agreed it was inappropriate for the traditional event.

The newly crowned 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to fast-track the creation of Ibadan State before the year 2027.

Oba Ladoja made the call while addressing a large gathering of indigenes and dignitaries shortly after receiving the Staff of Office from Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, in Ibadan on Friday.

The monarch, who described the demand as a long-standing aspiration of the people, said Ibadan’s population, landmass, and historical significance make it deserving of statehood. He urged the President to use his office to ensure the request becomes a reality within his administration’s tenure.

“Ibadan has contributed immensely to the development of Nigeria, and it is time our long dream of having Ibadan State is realized. We ask President Bola Tinubu to make this happen before 2027,” the Olubadan declared.

The call for Ibadan State has been a recurring agitation by traditional leaders, political stakeholders, and socio-cultural groups in Oyo State over the years. Oba Ladoja’s renewed push is expected to rekindle debates on state creation in Nigeria.

Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, was agog on Friday as High Chief Rashidi Ladoja was officially crowned the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland. The historic coronation, held at Mapo Hall, attracted dignitaries from across Nigeria, including top government officials, traditional rulers, political leaders, and indigenes of Ibadan both at home and abroad.

The ceremony was marked by cultural displays, royal processions, and traditional rites that affirmed the new monarch’s authority. Residents trooped out in their numbers, shutting down markets and business activities in honour of the revered stool.

In his inaugural speech, the Olubadan pledged to promote peace, unity, and development across Ibadanland and Oyo State at large. He called on sons and daughters of Ibadan to work together to sustain the city’s rich heritage and ensure progress.

Governor Seyi Makinde described the event as a moment of pride for the people of Oyo State, assuring that his administration would continue to support the traditional institution.

The coronation of Olubadan is seen not just as a cultural milestone but also as a unifying moment for the ancient city, which remains one of the largest traditional kingdoms in West Africa.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has accused the Presidency of sponsoring fabricated stories to tarnish his image.

This is coming as a clarification for an earlier publication declaring his readiness to “prioritize the Yorubas” if elected president.

Atiku, in a statement issued by his media aide Paul Ibe, dissociated himself from one Kola Johnson, who has allegedly been issuing statements in his name.

The statement stressed that Atiku, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), “has never engaged Kola Johnson as a media consultant, aide, or associate.”

“Our findings point directly to the Presidency, which in its desperation to smear opposition leaders, has resorted to hiring faceless mercenaries to fabricate fake stories and circulate unauthorized statements on Atiku,” the statement read.

It described as “particularly offensive” a false claim credited to Johnson that an Atiku administration would be dominated by a single ethnic group, saying it was part of a propaganda project to ridicule him.

Atiku urged Nigerians and media houses to disregard such publications, warning that only statements released through the Atiku Media Office, signed by Paul Ibe or his Special Assistant on Public Communications, should be considered authentic.

He further cautioned editors and journalists to remain vigilant against what he described as “propaganda schemes of the Tinubu administration.”

The Oyo State House of Assembly has formally received and approved the notice of early resumption from leave submitted by the Executive Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde.

The Governor returned to duty ahead of schedule to personally participate in and oversee the coronation ceremony of the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja.

During its plenary sitting on Thursday, 25th September 2025, the Assembly presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Muhammad Abiodun Fadeyi, on behalf of the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin read and acknowledged the Governor’s resumption letter.

Governor Makinde, who had initially informed the House of his annual leave from August 29 to September 29, 2025, stated in his letter that due to the historic and culturally significant coronation of the new Olubadan, he deemed it necessary to cut short his vacation and resume duty.

“I shall resume duty tomorrow, 26th September 2025, and hereby assume the full functions of the office of Governor of Oyo State,” the letter read in part.

The Governor also expressed appreciation to the Deputy Governor, Barr. Bayo Lawal, for serving as Acting Governor during his absence and announced that the Deputy Governor would now return to his substantive role.

Members of the House welcomed the Governor’s decision and expressed support for his commitment to the cultural heritage of the state.

The plenary unanimously adopted the resumption notice and commended Governor Makinde for showing leadership and honouring a momentous occasion in Ibadanland’s history.

The session also reaffirmed the House’s support for traditional institutions and lauded the proactive steps taken by the Executive to ensure a smooth coronation ceremony.

Tragedy was averted on Wednesday, September 24, when a two-storey building under construction collapsed at 4 Modupeola Street, near Mangoro Bus Stop in the Alimosho area of Lagos State.

Emergency officials confirmed that one person sustained injuries while five others were rescued from the rubble.

Reports indicate that the structure, originally a bungalow, was being converted into a two-storey building when its rear section suddenly gave way.

Authorities have since cordoned off the site to prevent further danger, while investigations into the cause of the collapse are underway.

Oduduwa News will continue to provide updates as officials probe the incident.

One Injured, Five Rescued as Two-Storey Building Collapses in Lagos

Tragedy was averted on Wednesday, September 24, when a two-storey building under construction collapsed at 4 Modupeola Street, near Mangoro Bus Stop in the Alimosho area of Lagos State.

Emergency officials confirmed that one person sustained injuries while five others were rescued from the rubble.

Reports indicate that the structure, originally a bungalow, was being converted into a two-storey building when its rear section suddenly gave way.

Authorities have since cordoned off the site to prevent further danger, while investigations into the cause of the collapse are undergoing.

Vehicular and business activities were paralysed across parts of Lagos on Wednesday after hours of heavy rain caused flash floods.

Flood-prone areas like Maryland, Lekki, Ogba, and Ikorodu were worst hit, with homes, shops, and roads submerged.

Videos on social media showed residents wading through waterlogged streets and motorists struggling to drive through flooded roads.

In Maryland, a canal overflow cut off Olatunji Street from the Mende community, leaving residents stranded.

Chinasa Nnadi, a resident, said flooding had become a yearly problem. “Some people even relocate because it is too much,” she said.

Another resident, Kalu, said his shop was overrun. “Water entered my shop and destroyed my goods,” he lamented.

Church member Christiana said floodwater damaged instruments. “We will spend a lot fixing or replacing them,” she added.

The floods also worsened traffic. Cars broke down on major roads, and commuters spent hours in gridlock.

Environment Commissioner, Tokunbo Wahab, said Lagos remained vulnerable because it is a coastal city. He blamed illegal structures and poor refuse disposal for worsening the floods.

He assured residents that drainage projects, pumping stations, and enforcement against infractions were ongoing, while urging Lagosians to cooperate by keeping the environment clean.