Oduduwa News

The Royal Group (Egbe Omo Oba Alade Ile Ibadan), on Monday, commenced activities marking its 21st anniversary with a formal press conference in Ibadan, reaffirming its commitment to community development, cultural preservation and social welfare across Ibadanland.

Speaking during the briefing, held as part of the week-long anniversary celebration, the Club President, Prince Kamikun Akewula, said the organisation remains focused on strengthening social bonds and enhancing private participation in sustainable development. He noted that the anniversary theme, “Repositioning Ibadan: Strengthening Community Bonds and Enhancing Strategic Private Participation for Sustainable Development” reflects the vision of the club since its founding in 2004.

Prince Akewula highlighted the group’s achievements over the past two decades, including youth empowerment programmes, cultural promotion, and interventions across health, education and social welfare. He added that the Royal Group is also unveiling the club house project as part of its long-term plan to establish a permanent hub for that also be use as resource center for engaging Ibadan youths.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the 21st Anniversary Planning Committee, Prince Musa Busari-Akere, said the celebration would feature free-medical outreaches, charity visits, games, thanksgiving services and the grand finale celebration slated for Kakanfo Inn. He called for stronger support from public and private institutions, including philanthropists committed to advancing the growth of Ibadanland.

In continuation of the anniversary’s humanitarian activities, members of the club on Tuesday visited the Agodi-Gate Correctional Centre, where they donated food items, toiletries and other welfare materials to the inmates.

During the visitation, the club also paid the fines of two inmates to facilitate their immediate release, a gesture the leadership described as part of its mission to restore hope and support reintegration.

Speaking at the facility, Prince Akewula said the visit was in line with the club’s culture of giving back to society. “Our anniversary is not just a celebration; it is a reminder of our responsibility to uplift our communities and support those in vulnerable conditions,” he said.

Officials of the Correctional Service appreciated the club for its support, noting that such interventions play a vital role in improving inmate welfare.

The Royal Group’s 21st anniversary also continues through the week with free medical outreach at Osengere Community in Egbeda LG on Wednesday, Sports Games at Ibadan House on Thursday, Jumat service at Yusrhullahi Irorun Oluwa at Bashorun on Friday, Grand finale cultural celebration at Kakanfo Inn and thanksgiving service at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Yemetu.

A mild drama unfolded at the Ooni of Ife’s 10th coronation anniversary when First Lady Oluremi Tinubu interrupted Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, cautioning him to stop singing and conclude his remarks.

Governor Adeleke, known for blending songs into his speeches, had begun singing during his address when Mrs. Tinubu approached him and firmly stated: “I give you five minutes to finish your speech. The music is enough.” Moments later, she reiterated her warning, saying, “Enough with the music, or I’ll switch off the microphone.”

The exchange, caught on video, quickly spread across social media, sparking mixed reactions. While some viewers defended the First Lady’s insistence on decorum at the formal event, others criticised the public reprimand of a sitting governor.

The incident occurred before top dignitaries, traditional rulers, and political leaders present at the ceremony. Neither Governor Adeleke nor the First Lady has issued an official statement regarding the moment.

The tussle for the vacant Awujale of Ijebuland stool has taken a dramatic turn as the Fusengbuwa Ruling House has asked popular fuji musician, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, also known as K1 De Ultimate, to provide concrete proof of his royal lineage before he can be considered for the throne.

In a statement issued by the chairman of the ruling house, Abdulateef Owoyemi, aspirants are required to submit a detailed seven-generation genealogy tracing their descent from the Fusengbuwa royal line. The directive followed Ayinde’s formal expression of interest in the kingship position, in which he claimed descent from the Oba Jadiara branch of the family.

The ruling house emphasised that only bona fide descendants would be screened and forwarded to the kingmakers, stressing that traditional institutions must adhere strictly to established succession rules. The verification exercise has become necessary due to rising public interest and the sensitive nature of the stool.

Responding to the controversy, Wasiu Ayinde defended his heritage, insisting that his paternal and maternal roots are traceable to Ijebu royalty. He noted that his long-standing cultural commitments and traditional titles conferred on him by the late Awujale further confirm his legitimacy.

The ruling house has set a deadline for all interested candidates to submit the required documents, after which eligible contenders will be screened. The final selection process is expected to proceed to the kingmakers and subsequently to the Ogun State Government for ratification.

The development has stirred widespread debate across Ijebuland, with opinions divided over Ayinde’s eligibility and the future of the revered throne.

Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Gani Adams, has raised fresh concerns over the security architecture in the South-West, stating that the Amotekun Corps, despite its strong presence in the region, lacks the sophisticated weapons needed to confront terrorists and heavily armed criminals.

Speaking while assessing Nigeria’s current security challenges, Adams noted that many criminal groups operating across the country wield advanced rifles and military-grade weapons, placing regional security outfits at a disadvantage. He explained that Amotekun operatives remain committed to safeguarding communities but are insufficiently equipped for high-risk confrontations.

Adams argued that the limitations of Amotekun highlight the urgent need for the establishment of state police across Nigeria. According to him, insecurity can be significantly reduced within six months if state police structures—properly armed, trained, and legally empowered—are introduced nationwide.

He aligned with the long-standing position of Southern governors on decentralising the policing system, stressing that state policing is essential for grassroots intelligence gathering and rapid response to local threats. Adams added that concerns over potential political abuse should not overshadow the immediate priority of protecting lives and restoring safety in all regions.

He called on the Federal Government to urgently review the legal framework governing sub-national security outfits, warning that without stronger firepower and adequate support, groups like Amotekun may be overwhelmed by the growing sophistication of criminal networks.

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, was on Sunday conferred with the chieftaincy title of Yeye Asiwaju Gbogbo Ile-Oodua by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, during the grand finale of activities marking his 10th coronation anniversary in Ile-Ife.

The ceremony, held at Afewonro Park, Enuwa Square, featured tributes from the Ooni, who described the First Lady as a woman deeply rooted in Yoruba culture and tradition. He recalled her support over the past decade, noting that she stood by him “through thick and thin” when he ascended the throne in 2015.

Oba Ogunwusi said the title, endorsed by traditional rulers across Yorubaland, was a recognition of Senator Tinubu’s nurturing role. He also thanked President Bola Tinubu for releasing the First Lady to complete the chieftaincy rites.

Responding, Senator Tinubu expressed deep gratitude for the honour, describing it as humbling and divine. She praised the Ooni’s visionary and progressive leadership, which she said has brought renewed pride and global visibility to the Yoruba race.

The First Lady concluded with a message of hope, declaring that 2026 would be “a year of joy, honour, and restoration,” with Nigerians set to partake in renewed national glory.

The Federation of Oyo State Students’ Union (FOSSU National) has elected a new set of executives to steer the affairs of the union for the next administration.

The election was held on Saturday December 6, 2025, at the Federal College of Education (SPED-Special), Oyo, Oyo State.

Comrade Mufutau Ahmed, a student of Lead City University, Ibadan, emerged as the new President after securing 17 votes against Adetunji Sultan who gathered 8 votes out of 25 total votes.

The Federation of Oyo State Students’ Union (FOSSU National) has elected a new set of executives to steer the affairs of the union for the next administration cycle.

The election was held on Saturday December 6, 2025, at the Federal College of Education (SPED-Special), Oyo, Oyo State.

Comrade Mufutau Ahmed, a student of Lead City University, Ibadan, emerged as the new President after securing 17 votes against Adetunji Sultan who gathered 8 votes out of 25 total votes.

In other executive positions:

• Vice President (Internal): Comrade Mustapha Faidat – 17 votes.
• Vice President (External): Comrade Olatunbosun David – Unopposed
• General Secretary: Olayiwola Stephen – 14 votes
• Assistant General Secretary: Babarinde Peace – 12 votes
• Welfare Director: Aako-Bisi Olamide – 15 votes
• Sports Director: Ojo Emmanuel – 14 votes
• Social Director II: Comrade Aleem Aishat – 15 votes
• Treasurer: Adelere Ridwan – 12 votes
• Public Relations Officer I: Akinade Ayobami – 15 votes
• Other executive positions were also returned unopposed.

At the legislative arm:

• Senate President: Comr. Yekeen Sodiq Honest – 15 votes
• Deputy Senate President: Adeoti Saheed – 24 votes
• Senate Clerk: Ipadeola Toheeb – 15 votes

Other legislative positions were equally unopposed.

The Electoral Chairman, Tiamiyu Olayinka (Principle) of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), declared the winners and commended the peaceful conduct of the process. He charged the newly elected executives to uphold the mandate and trust of the student body.

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, has unveiled the Ile-Ife campus of Ojaja University as part of his 10th coronation anniversary celebrations. The monarch described the institution as a legacy-driven project aimed at national development rather than profit-making. He urged investors and stakeholders in the education sector to prioritize long-term societal impact over commercial gain, insisting that quality education remains central to securing Nigeria’s future.

The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, who attended the ceremony, commended the Ooni’s vision and investment in youth development. He described the establishment of the university as an enduring contribution to Nigeria, noting that projects that advance education and empowerment are the true measure of leadership legacy. The Sultan encouraged other traditional and community leaders to support similar initiatives that strengthen national unity and progress.

According to the university’s Pro-Chancellor, the institution is designed to serve as a “cultural embassy,” blending academic excellence with African heritage, leadership development, and innovation. He explained that the campus will focus on fields such as entrepreneurship, agriculture, science and technology, culture, and creative studies, with the aim of shaping a new generation of competent and globally competitive graduates.

The Vice-Chancellor added that Ojaja University is committed to producing skilled graduates capable of driving sustainable development, rather than “half-baked” degree holders lacking practical competence. With the joint endorsement of two of Nigeria’s most influential traditional rulers, the launch of the university is seen as a significant step toward strengthening education, cultural identity, and youth empowerment across the country.

…Welcomes Gen. Musa’s Appointment as Defence Minister

Presidential aspirant and internationally renowned businessman, Dr. Gbenga Hashim, has urged Northern political and social elites to take responsibility for the intensifying insecurity in the region. He also applauded the appointment of General Christopher Musa as Minister of Defence, describing it as a crucial opportunity that must yield concrete results.

In a statement issued on Sunday
Hashim said he closely followed Musa’s Senate screening and was impressed by what he called the nominee’s sincerity, clarity and commitment to national service.

“I watched General Musa’s Senate clearance session. He sounded like someone genuinely committed to Nigeria. I hope he receives the full executive support needed to succeed in this critical assignment,” he said.

Hashim cautioned that Nigerians—and global security observers—are increasingly losing patience with political promises, stressing that citizens now expect decisive, immediate action to halt killings, kidnappings and the territorial ambitions of extremist groups in Northern Nigeria.

“This is not the season for symbolism. This is the season for action. Nigerians want to see immediate steps. This appointment must not become another publicity stunt. We want to see policies, programmes and results,” he warned.

He called on both the executive and the National Assembly to fast-track legislation enabling state and local government policing structures, insisting that no lasting security reform is possible without a strong local security framework.

Hashim further argued that the North must acknowledge the internal governance failures that have fuelled extremist recruitment across the region.

“That extremists are finding recruits in their thousands is not accidental. It is the product of deep poverty caused by decades of governance failure at state and local government levels. While the Sahel crisis has contributed, poor local governance has compounded the problem,” he stated.

Reflecting on the First Republic, he contrasted the era’s integrity-driven leadership with what he described as the opulence and detachment of many present-day Northern leaders.

“In the days of Sir Ahmadu Bello, Aminu Kano, Joseph Tarka and Sir Kashim Ibrahim, the North was safer, more united and governed with honesty and discipline. Today, too many of our leaders live like oil sheikhs in the midst of mass poverty,” he lamented.

Hashim concluded with a bold call for leadership renewal across Northern Nigeria.

“It is time for the North to replace leaders who live like oil sheikhs amidst poverty and continue to hold onto power through ethnic and religious manipulation,” he said.

The Oyo State Police Command has confirmed the abduction of Ibukun Otesile, the President of Junior Chamber International (JCI) Ibadan Elite. She was kidnapped on Thursday night in front of her residence in the General Gas area of Akobo, Ibadan.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, Adewale Osifeso, the incident occurred around 8:00 p.m. and officers have begun investigations to track down the perpetrators and secure her release. Otesile, a mother of two and daughter of Pastor Olalekan Babatunde of Jesus Is King Ministries, was reportedly taken by gunmen who waylaid her at the gate of her home.

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), family members, and community groups have raised alarms and called for urgent intervention from security agencies. They appealed to the police and other operatives to ensure her safe and speedy rescue.

As of the time of filing this report, no group has claimed responsibility for the abduction, and no ransom demand has been made public. Police authorities assure the public that efforts are ongoing to bring the situation under control.

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Saturday hosted members of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF), turning the state into a spectacle of culture and political camaraderie as several All Progressives Congress (APC) governors appeared in the iconic Eyo regalia.

The governors, who were in Lagos for a strategic engagement, paid homage to the state’s rich tradition by donning the all-white Eyo attire, complete with hats and symbolic staff. The display added a cultural flourish to the meeting and drew admiration from observers and residents who described it as a proud moment for Lagos heritage.

Governor Sanwo-Olu expressed delight at welcoming his colleagues, saying the gesture reflected unity within the party and respect for Lagos’ cultural identity.

The visit is expected to strengthen cooperation among APC governors while projecting the vibrancy and cultural uniqueness of Lagos State.