Oduduwa News

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has come under heavy criticism for allegedly withholding the discharge certificate of Rita Ushei, popularly known as Raye, after she successfully completed her mandatory one-year national service.

Amnesty International has kicked against decision made by National Youth Service Corps NYSC for its decision to deny her a service certificate over her previous stance in condemning economic hardship in the country.

Observers say the decision may be linked to Ushei’s outspoken criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies, which she aired on social media. In March, her viral TikTok video highlighting the widespread hardship and inflation triggered by the government’s policies sparked online debate — and also drew threats to her life.

Rights advocates argue that the NYSC’s action amounts to an abuse of power and an attack on the constitutional right to freedom of expression. They maintain that expressing discontent over government policies is not a crime, and authorities should focus on tackling the economic crisis rather than silencing critics.

Since May 2023, policy changes have pushed millions of Nigerians — especially those on low incomes — deeper into poverty, making it increasingly difficult to afford food, healthcare, and education. Critics say punishing a citizen for speaking out only deepens concerns over intolerance and shrinking civic space in Nigeria.

The attention of the Ogun State Government has been drawn to a press statement issued by the Media Office of the Senator representing Ogun East and a former Governor of Ogun State, His Excellency, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, on Saturday, August 9 and titled “Political Persecution as Governor Abiodun Issues Quit, Demolition Notices on Daniel’s Properties in Ogun State.”

The statement written in extremely bad taste and with intent to cause disaffection and foment chaos in the state alleges that Governor Dapo Abiodun posted Notices of Contravention, Quit and threats of demolition on the Asoludero Court Sagamu private residence of Gbenga Daniel,the Conference Hotels Limited, Sagamu and the hotel Annex of the former Governor of Ogun State, with intent to illegally demolish those properties.

The statement framed the said notices purportedly received on Friday, August 8, as a clear demonstration of “malicious and vindictive abuse of power, hiding behind a newly-enacted law retroactively to target a political opponent.” Nothing can be further from the truth.

Of course, in what has become a familiar pattern, Senator Daniel and his Media Office have been ascribing political motives to a routine procedure, suggesting that they have something to hide and do not mind using underhand tactics to achieve their sinister objectives.

Contrary to the blatant distortions of facts and egregious purveyors of falsehood been propagated by the statement in question, the Ogun State Government is not engaged in any untoward move against Otunba Gbenga Daniel in anyway.

The fact of the matter, quite simply, is that in his holistic approach to development efforts across the length and breadth of Ogun State, His Excellency, Governor Dapo Abiodun, has embarked not only on building new communities as exemplified by the affordable housing estates and the yellow roof revolution but also on the redevelopment of Ogun State’s towns and cities through urban renewal. This, he started with Ibara GRA in Abeokuta, the state capital, and is being extended to Sagamu and Ijebu-Ode GRAs. This initiative involves the auditing of existing developments within these areas in order to determine the permit status of all types of developments, including houses, schools, hospitals and other commercial buildings. This is a statutory and due process requirement which will provide information for any government intervention. And this informed the development audit exercise currently being carried out simultaneously both in Ijebu-Ode and Sagamu GRAs.

Otunba Gbenga Daniel’s building happens to be within the Sagamu GRA and among those that were served notices as required under the Town Planning Law and Regulation of Ogun State. Many other structures were also similarly served. The exercise is a continuous one until the objective of government for the exercise is achieved. This process is not new. It had been in existence and operated even during his tenure as Governor of the State. The GRA is a government designed and allocated estate and it is subject to regulatory and oversight functions of governmet in perpetuity. All Otunba Gbenga Daniel needs to do, like every other person’s in similar situation that have been served with such notices in that neighbourhood, is to present his planning permit and land title to the relevant government Agency office for verification within the time specified in the notices rather than resorting to cheap blackmail. There are no exemptions under the law except as permitted by that Law.

Did the distinguished senator not conduct a check around the neighbourhood before hastily rushing to the media to demonise Governor Dapo Abiodun and his administration, as usual? The statement in question jumped the gun by saying that the Government is focusing on Senator Daniel. That is a barefaced lie. It is the duty of the Government to carry out audits and for someone who has been in office as Governor and who is now a Senator to be crying wolf is highly unfortunate. It seems that Senator Gbenga Daniel and his crew will do anything they can to drag the name of Governor Dapo Abiodun into every issue imaginable just to score cheap political points. This is not a hallmark of statesmanship, a topic that the distinguished senator likes to talk about with flourish; it is a dark tactic.

Nobody is bigger than the State. Senator Gbenga Daniel is distinguished no doubt, but he is not bigger than Ogun State. He should submit himself unreservedly to the same laws he once swore twice to uphold. He should refrain from elevating every issue of his contact with government institutions to a personal vendetta by Governor Abiodun, who obviously holds him in high esteem. Since his referenced buildings must have conformed with government regulations, there should not be any problem. The distinguished Senator knows the law and has presumably abided by it, so why is he crying foul instead of simply complying with lawful directive, supremely confident in the knowledge that he has done no wrong, and knowing the rights afforded him by the Constitution and the courts?

No one should assign impure motives to a routine procedure. If anyone is after Senator Gbenga Daniel, it is certainly not the Governor of Ogun State.

Fuji music legend, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as K1 De Ultimate, has apologised over the controversy surrounding an incident involving him at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on August 5, 2025.

In a statement personally signed on Friday, the veteran singer expressed regret but maintained that contrary to some reports, the flask he carried on the day contained only water and not alcohol.

“The incident that occurred at the local wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport was, to say the least, unfortunate,” he said.

K1 revealed that he suffers from chronic dehydration, a condition that requires him to stay constantly hydrated on the advice of his doctor.

“This is why I always carry a water flask with me,” he explained, adding, “Contrary to the negative narrative being circulated in some quarters, the flask contained only water, not alcohol.”

He further clarified that the flask was empty during two separate security checks and was only filled with water at the airport lounge before he proceeded to the tarmac.

He stressed that he had not boarded the aircraft at the time, “let alone being deboarded,” and said his account could be verified through CCTV footage.

The Fuji maestro apologised to the Presidency, the Ministry of Aviation, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, ValueJet, and Nigerians at large.

“I acknowledge and deeply regret the concerns that arose from the incident. It was never my intention to cause any disruption or violate aviation protocols,” he stated.

Reaffirming his patriotism and long-standing commitment to Nigeria, K1 said, “My unwavering patriotism and loyalty to the Federal Republic of Nigeria have never been in doubt. I would never do anything to tarnish the image I’ve built over the past five decades.”

He appreciate his fans for their support and reiterating his dedication to his role as a cultural ambassador for Nigerian music.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has warned members endorsing President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid to desist or face disciplinary action.

In a statement on Friday, National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba said the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) was alarmed by persistent public support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate from some prominent members.

The NWC described such endorsements as “anti-party activities” in breach of Section 10(6) of the PDP Constitution, which prohibits aligning with rival parties to undermine the PDP.

“These activities have caused division, disaffection and the loss of members, with the potential to weaken our electoral chances if unchecked,” the statement read. It added that violators risk sanctions under Section 59(1) of the constitution.

The party urged members to remain loyal ahead of its national convention, scheduled for November 15–16, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State.

Notable PDP figures have recently backed Tinubu, including Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, who pledged to deliver Rivers State for the president in 2027, despite the APC securing less than 10 per cent of votes there in 2023.

In Ogun State, PDP chairman Abayomi Tella and 2023 governorship candidate Ladi Adebutu endorsed Tinubu during a by-election rally, while Osun State PDP caucus, led by Governor Ademola Adeleke, adopted him as its preferred candidate on July 22.

The Osun endorsement sparked rumours of Adeleke’s possible defection to the APC ahead of 2026, though he insists he remains committed to the PDP.

All markets in Ibadanland were ordered closed on Friday morning as the late Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, is buried.

Oba Olakulehin, the 43rd Olubadan, died on July 7, 2025, two days after his 90th birthday.

He will be buried today, August 8, at the St Peter’s Cathedral, Aremo, Ibadan.

The babaloja General of Oyo State, Alhaji Yekeen Abass, in a statement on Thursday, directed that all markets be shut from 5 am to 12 noon on Friday, to honour the departed monarch.

The closure, according to Abass, was to pay last respects to the revered traditional ruler who, he said, “diligently served the country, the state and, most importantly, Ibadanland.”

He stated, “Traders and artisans in Ibadan will continue to remember the late monarch for maintaining peace and creating an enabling environment for marketers in the ancient city.

“Let me, therefore, advise the market leaders in Ibadanland to ensure strict compliance with the directive in their various markets.”

Abass also prayed for the soul of the departed king and asked God to grant the royal family the fortitude to bear the loss.

Meanwhile, the final burial ceremony began on Thursday with a lying-in-state at the historic Mapo Hall in Ibadan South East Local Government Area.

Present at the solemn ceremony were members of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, Mogajis (family heads), religious leaders, both Christian and Muslim, traditional worshippers, and other dignitaries.

The Special Adviser to Governor Seyi Makinde on Interfaith Affairs, Femi Ibikunle, described the late Olubadan as “an astute and articulate traditional ruler.”

He said, “The late Oba Olakulehin always had the people’s interest at heart. He was hardworking and accommodating, and his tolerance of all religious groups helped ensure peace during his reign.”

Also speaking, the President of the Ibadan Mogajis, Chief Asimiyu Ariori, said the late monarch lived a meritorious life, leaving an indelible impact on Ibadanland.

On behalf of the family, the first son of the late king, Sunmbo Owolabi, expressed gratitude to CCII, Mogajis, and all indigenes of Ibadan for their support.

He prayed that the city would “continue to wax stronger.”

Later in the evening, a Christian wake was held at the Olubadan Palace in Oke-Aremo, within the Ibadan North Local Government Area, as part of the continuing rites of passage.

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has ordered that Fuji legend King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as Kwam 1, be placed on a no-fly list over his role in disrupting a ValueJet flight at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

The directive, announced via Keyamo’s official X handle on Thursday, August 7, 2025, followed an incident two days earlier where the musician reportedly obstructed a ValueJet aircraft from taxiing to the runway, sparking safety concerns.

Citing reports and video evidence submitted by aviation authorities, the minister accused Kwam 1 of repeatedly standing in front of the aircraft after a disagreement with airline staff. He described the act as a serious breach of international aviation safety standards.

“In the circumstance, I have also directed the NCAA to place Kwam 1 on a no-fly list pending further and full investigation,” Keyamo wrote. “All airlines, both domestic and international, should immediately be informed of this directive.”

Keyamo also warned that any airline that violates the order risks having its operating licence withdrawn. He criticised what he called selective enforcement of regulations, insisting that both the artiste and the flight crew must face consequences for the safety breach.

Before the directive, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) had suspended the pilot and flight captain involved for proceeding to taxi while the tarmac was not cleared, but the minister said this measure was not enough.

The incident, which occurred during boarding for Flight VK 201 to Lagos, began when Kwam 1 allegedly attempted to carry an undeclared flask containing alcohol onboard. Despite warnings from Aviation Security (AVSEC) personnel, he reportedly refused to comply and later poured the contents on a security official, escalating the confrontation.

The musician was eventually removed from the tarmac by AVSEC operatives and released after preliminary questioning, as investigations into the matter continue.

Operatives of the Ibadan Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested fifty-five (55) suspected internet fraudsters in a sting operation.

The suspects were arrested at K Hotel in Itori, Ewekoro area of Ogun State on Wednesday, July 6, 2025 following credible and actionable intelligence available to the Commission regarding their suspected fraudulent internet activities.

The suspects are Ogunniyi Oluwaseun, Babalola Ibrahim, Dada Qowiyu, Kunle Ajayi, Rufai Suleman, Babajide Shedrack, Oloyede Toheeb, Monday Joseph, Akinbode Babatunde, Oyedipe Micheal, Adekunle Jeremiah, Mustapha Muyideen, Mike Opeyemi, Bale Abayomi, Odukoya Samuel, Joseph Oyegunle, Bakole Abayomi, Babalola Micheal, Tajudeen Adeyemi, Ogunsola Habeeb, Amao Samson, Amuleya Matthew, Aroleyun Ifeoluwa, Babalola Ayomide, Popoola Oluwaloseyin, Mayowa Fasola, Muhammed Bahil, Asiru Qoyim and Babatunde Qudus.

Others are: Akande Ibrahim, Ojerinola Tumininu, Adedokun Hassan, Ogundele David, Opakunle Ayomide, Adeniyi Isreal, Yusuf Sikiru, Jimoh Olamilekan, Tosin Abiodun, Bamiduro Afeez, Lamina Usman, Bakare Farouq, Ilori Michael, Segun Titiloye, Anifowose Musa, Idowu Peter, Laisi Ibrahim, Olaofe Emmanuel, Akeem Obabunmi, Afolabi Micheal, Afolabi Idris, Bamidele Ibrahim, Godwin Joshua, Adeeko Ayoola, Owoeye Kolawole and Mutiu Olude.

Items recovered from the suspects include six exotic cars, two locally- made pistols, one motorcycle, several mobile phones and laptops, incriminating documents, eighty-nine unclaimed phones among others.

They have given useful information to the Commission and will be charged to court soon.

Amnesty International has strongly condemned the arbitrary detention of human rights activist and journalist Omoyele Sowore who has been detained by the Nigeria Police Force since yesterday.

According to statement made available by Nigeria Police Force, Sowore was invited to the Force Headquarters in connection with an allegation of defamation and forgery levelled against him.

Omoyele Sowore and his team of followers stormed the Headquarters to answer the invitation but was subsequently arrested and detained.

In a statement made available to newsmen, Amnesty International said the Nigerian authorities must immediately and unconditionally release Sowore and drop all bogus and politically motivated charges against him.

“The authorities should listen to critics instead of seeking to gag them through outright abuse of power.

“Nigerian authorities must allow Sowore to freely exercise his rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.

“Apart from putting him through sham trials based on bogus charges, Sowore has been subjected to series of human rights violations.

Meanwhile, the former Nigeria’s Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has also joined voices in condemning continuous incarceration of the Publisher of Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore.

In a statement made available via his official X handle, Atiku Abubakar was quoted as saying:

“The treatment of Omoyele Sowore by the IGP Monitoring Team is a shameful abuse of power. It is wrong, unlawful, and must be condemned by all who believe in justice.

“Sowore’s only offence is speaking out against injustice, nepotism, and misrule. For that, he was reportedly attacked at dawn, beaten, had his arm broken, and sprayed with chemicals by policemen acting on petitions from the IGP’s own office.

“This is personal vendetta, not policing.

“Even the Nigeria Police Regulation forbids this. Regulation 367 states:
“No police officer shall institute any legal proceeding in his own personal interest or in connection with matters arising out of his public duties.”

“The IGP cannot be a complainant and still deploy the force to carry out his grievance.

“This is not about Sowore alone, it is an attack on every Nigerian who dares to speak truth to power”.

Earlier this year, Oluwasegun David had the distinct honor of meeting with the Nigerian High Commissioner to Canada, alongside the CEO of Kuumba Community Housing Canada—a Pan-African non-governmental organization—to address a growing concern shared by many in the diaspora: the rapid erosion of Nigerian languages and culture among our children, especially as global migration trends continue to rise.

During this conversation, he opined that one fact became painfully clear: younger generations, both at home and abroad, are becoming increasingly disconnected from their native languages, cultural heritage, and traditional identities. The consequences of this cultural drift are profound.

In a statement made available to Oduduwa News, Oluwasegun David was quoted as saying:

“Our children, who should proudly carry the torch of our heritage, are at risk of growing up without a deep understanding of who they are and where they come from. This is not just a cultural concern—it is a national crisis that demands immediate and sustained attention.

“In response, I have taken a step toward addressing this challenge by developing a Yoruba-language educational resource, gearing up for a book launch titled: Yoruba Learning Foundation Part 1 ( Ipinle Èdè Yorùbá fún Ọmọdé , with plans to expand into other Nigerian languages. This project leverages the power of art and storytelling to make language learning engaging, accessible, and culturally relevant for children in Nigerian families across the world.

“Through interactive, visually rich materials, the initiative seeks to reconnect children with their roots—making heritage a living part of their everyday learning.

“However, individual efforts alone are not enough. What we need is a nationwide movement—a coordinated response that brings together public institutions, private sector stakeholders, artists, educators, and technology innovators.

“I therefore urge the Nigerian government to place urgent emphasis on transforming our education system by embedding art, culture, creativity, and innovation at its core. Immediate action is needed in the following areas:

1. Integrating digital tools and creative methods into early childhood education to promote indigenous language and cultural learning.
2. Developing and distributing culturally relevant educational content in Nigerian languages for children, both within the country and in the diaspora.
3. Fostering collaboration between artists, technologists, and educators to bridge the gap between tradition and innovation.

“We must understand that our children are more than just students—they are the architects of Nigeria’s future. If we fail to instill cultural literacy and creative confidence early on, we risk nurturing a generation detached not only from its heritage but also from its full potential.

“The tools to bring this vision to life already exist. The urgency cannot be overstated. Now is the time to act—before we lose our languages, and with them, the stories, values, and identity that define us as a people.

“Let us be bold. Let us act. The time is now.

Oluwasegun David (OD) is a Nigerian based in Canada and the Author of the proposed book launch.