Oduduwa News

Protest erupted at Babasanya-Araka, Area, Ede, Osun State, on Saturday after a Chief Imam simply identified as Kadiri was caught raping an eight-year-old girl(name withheld) after sending her on errand.

Oduduwa News learnt incident occurred around 12 noon, when the girl’s mother was looking for her daughter, who had left home and failed to return home in time.

An eyewitness, Oladele Oluwatosin, a postgraduate student of Redeemer’s University, Ede, told The Oduduwa News: “I was around the area with my colleagues of Group II for the DevComm campaign when the incident happened. We suddenly heard noise at the junction of Babasanya which attracted residents of the area.

The mother of the girl caught the Chief Imam in a mosque around the area. The mother said her daughter was crying and she was bleeding from her private part.”

Another eyewitness Eyitayo said: “Some of the followers of the Chief Imam wanted to help him escape but angry residents resisted it. The victim was taken to Babasanya Hospital where it was confirmed that the girl had been defiled

There was a large crowd at the hospital, the Chief Imam was locked in a room at the hospital and some residents called Amotekun who later took him to their office after which he was handed over to the police at ‘B’ Division, Ede.”

A video of the Chief Imam obtained by Newsmen, Kadiri confessed that he had canal knowledge of the girl after he sent her on an errand.

He said: “We lived together in the compound, I know her father and mother. I sent her to help me buy groundnuts and when she returned I defiled her.”

Osun police spokesperson Abiodun Ojelabi confirmed the incident.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun I Area Command, has handed over a major drug seizure to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), underscoring ongoing interagency collaboration in the fight against drug trafficking.

Speaking during a press briefing at the Command’s headquarters in Idiroko on Thursday, 3 July 2025, the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Godwin Otunla, revealed that the consignment of cannabis, concealed in a Mercedes Benz truck, was intercepted following credible intelligence.

“Upon initial examination, the truck was suspected to be conveying prohibited items. Further inspection revealed several parcels of cannabis sativa, commonly known as marijuana, cleverly hidden in fabricated compartments—also known as a false bottom,” he said.

He added that a thorough search, conducted under Section 226 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, uncovered 2,693 parcels of the illicit substance, weighing a total of 1,450kg, with a duty-paid value of ₦172,920,000. One suspect was arrested in connection with the seizure.

The seized consignment and the suspect were formally handed over to the Commander of the NDLEA Idiroko Special Command, Williams Ekundayo.

Ekundayo commended Customs for the successful operation. “This is a commendable seizure that will go a long way in protecting our youths from the devastating effects of drug abuse,” he remarked.

While praising the strategic leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, Comptroller Otunla congratulated him on his recent election as Chairperson of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Council.

“This prestigious global recognition reflects the CGC’s visionary leadership and commitment to service reform and modernisation,” he said.

“I am also pleased to announce that the Command has just taken delivery of 13 operational vehicles allocated by the CGC to enhance our enforcement capabilities. We are deeply grateful to him and the entire management team for their continued support,” he added.

The recent political utterances and actions of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, particularly his open embrace of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a so-called alternative platform, represent not just a political shift, but a blatant betrayal of trust, legacy, and the man who made him.

For decades, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu was not only Ogbeni Aregbesola’s political benefactor; he was his backbone, mentor, and unwavering supporter. From commissioner to governor and beyond, every stage of Ogbeni Aregbesola’s political rise bore the imprint of Tinubu’s sacrifice and support. To now turn around and attack the very foundation that built him, under the guise of “issue-based politics” is both disingenuous and dishonorable.

Ogbeni Aregbesola’s veiled rhetoric against the current administration and his call to “ask if Nigerians are better off today” is hypocritical. He was a key figure in the APC government for years. He sat in council, shaped policies, and influenced governance. If the people are truly worse off today, then he bears a part of that responsibility, not an escape route through a new platform.

It is politically dishonest to paint the ADC as a messianic force while ignoring the opportunistic nature of its sudden alliances. Nigerians are not fools. They know the difference between genuine opposition and a desperate attempt to remain relevant after falling out with one’s political base.

Loyalty, legacy, and truth still matter in politics. Aregbesola’s move is not one of courage or conviction, it is a calculated act of ingratitude toward a man who gave him everything.

Nigeria needs builders, not betrayers. History will remember who stood firm during the storms and who jumped ship when their personal ambitions were no longer being served.

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has dismissed the emerging opposition coalition aiming to unseat President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections, describing it as a distraction built on bitterness and lacking in ideology.

Speaking to journalists on Friday, the governor urged President Tinubu not to be distracted by the political maneuverings of parties like the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and others in the coalition. He insisted that Nigerians are already witnessing the benefits of Tinubu’s bold reforms and will not be swayed by what he called a “regressive agenda.”

“Nigerians will never go back to Egypt,” Sanwo-Olu declared. “The target is to distract the Commander-in-Chief and derail the social and economic gains that we can see and feel, but President Tinubu knows the game and will never fall for their bait.”

He highlighted several achievements of the Tinubu administration, including a stabilised foreign exchange market, the launch of the student loan scheme, increased state revenues following fuel subsidy removal, ongoing tax and wage reforms, and a rise in oil production.

“President Tinubu is not only a builder of men but a visionary leader whose impact is evident across the nation,” he said.

When asked about the influence of ADC and similar opposition groups, the governor dismissed them as inconsequential: “They are bound together by their illogical resentment against President Tinubu, not by any edifying ideology. They will run out of steam.”

Sanwo-Olu advised the President to remain focused on his agenda: “Millions of well-meaning Nigerians across party lines support him. The focus should remain on delivering results, deepening reforms and building a stronger Nigeria. Any attempt to shake that foundation will be futile.”

The Ondo State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of a 26-year-old man, Gabriel Pius, for allegedly stabbing his brother, Abu Simon, to death during a domestic dispute in Idanre.

Commissioner of Police, Afolabi Wilfred, made the disclosure on Friday during a press briefing at the Command Headquarters in Akure.

According to the Commissioner, the incident occurred on June 27, 2025, at about 8:00 p.m., when Gabriel Michael, another family member, reported the incident to the police.
Preliminary investigations revealed that a heated altercation between the two brothers led to the fatal stabbing of the 22-year-old victim.

Lawal said detectives from the Idanre Division responded swiftly and arrested the suspect, who has since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for further investigation.

“The suspect will be charged to court upon the conclusion of the investigation,” the Commissioner added.

He also urged residents of the state to remain vigilant and law-abiding, while continuing to support the police with credible information to help maintain peace and order.

The Osun State chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has firmly rejected any suggestion of joining the African Democratic Congress (ADC), labeling the party as merely a coalition platform ahead of the 2027 general elections.

State PDP Chairman, Sunday Bisi, made the party’s stance clear during a telephone interview, stating that Governor Ademola Adeleke remains fully committed to the PDP.

“We (Adeleke and his supporters) remain with the PDP. We are in the PDP; we are not going anywhere. I can assure you, we are not going anywhere,” Bisi asserted.

He also dismissed efforts by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to court PDP members into the ADC, stressing that the Osun PDP is united and unwavering in its allegiance.

The Oyo State House of Assembly has directed its Standing Committee on Basic Education to investigate the procedure and method adopted in promoting students across the public secondary and primary schools in Oyo State.

The House gave this directive following a motion moved at the plenary by the lawmaker representing Kajola State Contituency, Hon. Musbau Azeez on the need for the government to strictly enforce its policy on academic promotion requirements of a minimum of 80% class attendance and 50% pass mark in at least five subjects as a prerequisite for promotion in public schools.

In his presentation, the lawmaker revealed that failure to enforce this government existing policy has contributed significantly to poor students’ performance in national examination such as the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).

“Examination statistics have shown that a large number of public schools students from Oyo State record below – average results in WAEC and JAMB, a situation that is often traced to weak academic foundations caused by indiscriminate promotions “

He added further that despite the existing policy, mass promotion is still being practised in many public secondary schools, whereby students are promoted regardless of their academic performance or attendance.

He declared that students promoted without merit are likely to lack the academic competence to cope with more advanced subjects, thereby leading to repeated failure and low self – esteemed.

“The culture of mass promotion erodes its integrity and credibility of the State’s education system, enforcing the minimum benchmark of 80% attendance and 50% pass in assessments will encourage seriousness, academic discipline and proper preparation for external examinations.” The Lawmaker stated

The Oyo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) wishes to clarify recent political developments concerning coalition movements within the state and beyond.

Following emerging news and political alignments, it has come to our notice that certain coalition forces have chosen to operate on the African Democratic Congress (ADC) platform. We wish to make it unequivocally clear that the PDP is not a part of this coalition and has no affiliation with their activities or objectives.

The PDP in Oyo State remains a united, focused, and formidable party, fully committed to the leadership and vision of His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde. Our structures are intact, our direction is clear, and our loyalty is unwavering.

We urge all party Chairmen, Council Chairmen, Political Officer holders, Leaders, Elders, Supporters and all our stakeholders across the state to remain vigilant and proactive.
Kindly attend to the concerns of party members under your jurisdiction, manage any internal issues diligently, and work tirelessly to close any ranks that appear open. Now more than ever, we must ensure that no member is pushed away by our actions or inactions.

This is a crucial moment for the PDP family in Nigeria. Let us all remain united and committed to the growth and success of our great part.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has appointed former Minister of Interior and ex-Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, as its Interim General Secretary, as it officially unveiled itself as the national coalition platform ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In his acceptance speech at the unveiling event in Abuja, Aregbesola declared that political power should not be viewed as a trophy to be seized, but as a responsibility to be borne in service of the people.

“Power is not a prize to be seized, but a responsibility to be shouldered. It is not a throne to occupy, but a burden to bear with honour,” Aregbesola said, outlining a new vision for politics in Nigeria.

He stressed that the ADC will not be another party of opportunism, but one built on principles of good governance, character, and competence. According to him, Nigerian politics must shift from personality-centered alliances to ideologically rooted institutions committed to national development.

Aregbesola lamented the current political landscape, where parties frequently merge and split without ideological direction, driven instead by the ambitions of individuals.

“That is not the kind of party we must be. That is not the kind of party I will serve,” he said, adding that his mission is to build a party with “a clear ideological compass”—one anchored in democratic values, social justice, and accountability.

He emphasized the party’s commitment to education, security, prosperity, and consistent engagement with citizens—not just during elections, but daily.

Aregbesola’s emergence as Interim General Secretary of the coalition marks a significant shift in Nigeria’s opposition space, with many now watching the ADC’s next moves closely ahead of 2027.