The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Rivers ALGON endorses President for second term

    Rivers ALGON endorses President for second term

    The 23 local government chairmen in Rivers State, under the auspices of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) and ward councillors, have formally endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the 2027 presidential election.

    The endorsement took place at the Conference Hall of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, where all the 23 chairmen, their deputies, councillors and other dignitaries were present.

    The chairmen took turns to celebrate the achievements of the President, particularly his love for Rivers and its people.

    The Chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Area, Charles Wobodo, hailed President Tinubu for driving significant infrastructural advancements and human-capacity development across the country.

    The local government chairman highlighted the positive impact of the subsidy-removal intervention programmes and expressed appreciation for the appointment of an Ikwerre son, Prof. Prince Chinedu Mmom, as the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Environment and Technology, Ogoni.

    He outlined other key achievements of the Tinubu administration, saying the milestones it has achieved informed his support for the President’s second-term bid.

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    Wobodo emphasised the need for continuity to ensure the consolidation of ongoing reforms and development projects.

    The Rivers ALGON Chairman and Chairman of Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, Awell Ihundah, hailed President Tinubu for appointing prominent indigenes of the state into key positions.

     He listed some of the appointees as Chief Nyesom Wike, Minister of the FCT; Boma Iyaye, Executive Director (Finance), NDDC; Dr. George-Kelly Alabo, Director-General, Border Communities Development Agency; Flag Amachree, Director of Energy, Office of the National Security Adviser; Chief Tony Okocha, Rivers State Representative on the NDDC Board; Chukwuemeka Aaron into the Federal Character Commission and OCJ Okocha (SAN) as Ambassador-designate

    Also, the ALGON Secretary and Chairman of Eleme Local Government Area, Chief Obarilomate Ollor, acknowledged President Tinubu’s interventions and appointments, saying they directly benefited Eleme Local Government Area.

    He named some of the appointees from the council, including Marcus Nle Ejii; the Executive Director (Works & Projects), South South Development Commission, and Fred Mbo Mbo Igwe, appointed as a member of the HYPREP Board

    He listed some of the key projects to include ongoing federal projects, such as the reconstruction of the Eleme axis of the East–West Road after years of agitation, as well as the planned dredging and modernisation of the Rivers Port, Onne Port, and Calabar Port under the Federal Government’s port modernisation programme.

    ALGON members also applauded the presidential pardon granted to the late Ogoni environmental rights activist Ken Saro-Wiwa and others, as well as the establishment of the University of Environment.

    Besides the chairmen, leaders of legislative councils took turns to endorse President Tinubu for the 2027 poll.

    The motion for endorsement was moved by the Chairman of Emuoha Local Government Area, Dr. Chidi Lloyd, and seconded by the Chairman of Khana LGA, Thomas Bariere.

    With a unanimous voice vote, ALGON Rivers State adopted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as its preferred candidate for the 2027 presidential election.

  • Transfer request: Court orders Nnamdi Kanu to serve motion on Fed Govt, NCoS

    Transfer request: Court orders Nnamdi Kanu to serve motion on Fed Govt, NCoS

    A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the convicted leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, to serve the Federal Government and the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) his motion seeking to be transferred from the Sokoto Prison.

    In a ruling yesterday, Justice James Omotosho declined to grant the motion ex parte Kanu filed, but ordered him to serve the Federal Government and the NCoS to enable them respond accordingly.

    Kanu, in the motion ex parte, prayed for “an order compelling the complainant (Federal Government) and/or the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) to forthwith transfer him from the Sokoto Correctional Facility to a custodial facility within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court”.

    Alternatively, he sought an order transferring him to the court’s “immediate environs, such as the Suleja or the Keffi Custodial Centre, for the purpose of enabling the applicant (Kanu) to effectively prosecute his constitutionally guaranteed right of appeal”.

    At the commencement of proceedings yesterday, Kanu’s lawyer, Demdoo Asan from the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria (LACON), moved the ex parte motion.

    Justice Omotosho drew Asan’s attention to the first prayer in the motion, which is for an order “compelling” the Federal Government and NCoS to transfer the convict to a correctional facility that is close to the jurisdiction of the court.

    The judge asked Asan if he would like to insist on the first prayer, particularly as it relates to the word: “compel” used in the ex parte motion.

    Justice Omotosho also asked Asan if the prosecution and the NCoS, in whose custody Kanu is currently being kept, ought to be served with the motion or not.

    The judge added: “You are from Legal Aid Council, counsel? Do you think it is by ex parte motion that this application ought to be granted, having it in mind that judgment was delivered when the two parties were present?

    “Also, among the respondents to obey the order is the Correctional Service, and you think it is through ex parte motion that the court can make the order for his transfer?

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    “Don’t you think this application should have come by motion on notice?” the judge asked.

    Responding, Asan admitted that the respondents (prosecution and the NCoS) ought to be put on notice to enable them to respond.

    The lawyer added: “My lord, the respondents have the right to be heard. Usually, the court can make an order that they should be put on notice.”

    Asan said he agreed with the judge’s observation that the respondents should be heard and that the motion ex parte could not be taken now.

    He added: “They (the respondents) should be heard. We will be applying that the complainant and other parties involved should be put on notice.”

    Ruling, Justice Omotosho struck out the first prayer in Kanu’s motion ex parte, as requested by his lawyer.

    The judge then ordered that the prosecution and the NCoS be served with the motion for them to respond in the interest of justice.

    He faulted the notice of appeal, which Kanu filed on November 10, before the court’s November 20 judgment, which convicted him and sentenced him to life imprisonment.

    Justice Omotosho held that, based on the judgment delivered by his court on November 20, there is currently no notice of appeal before his court.

    He adjourned till January 27, next year, to enable Kanu serve the prosecution and the NCoS, as ordered by the court and for the motion to be heard.

  • FAAN boss bags CIAPS Award for airports’ transformation

    FAAN boss bags CIAPS Award for airports’ transformation

    The Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, has won the Centre for International Advanced and Professional Studies (CIAPS) 2025 Excellence Award.

    It is for her exemplary leadership and transformation of the Nigerian airport landscape since her assumption of office two years ago.

    The organisation, at its end-of-the-year public lecture, awards ceremony and cocktail at the weekend in Lagos, said the honour reflected Mrs. Kuku’s consistent commitment to excellence, her strategic contributions to national development, and her unwavering dedication to raising standards within the aviation industry.

    CIAPS stressed that the 2025 edition of the excellence awards focused on celebrating individuals whose influence transcends their immediate roles and contributes meaningfully to broader societal advancement.

    It added that Mrs. Kuku’s selection followed a rigorous assessment process involving performance reviews, sectoral nominations, and independent verification.

    It affirmed that over the years, the FAAN managing director has earned a reputation as a results-driven professional whose work ethic, vision, and integrity continue to inspire colleagues and stakeholders alike.

    CIAPS described Mrs. Kuku as an exemplary professional whose contributions reflect the values of merit, commitment, and transformative leadership that the institution stands for.

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    The award, which recognises exceptional leadership, professionalism, and transformative contributions to national development, affirms Mrs. Kuku’s remarkable impact since assuming office as FAAN’s helmsman.

    Under her stewardship, FAAN has witnessed renewed operational efficiency, improved stakeholder engagement, and the accelerated implementation of reforms aimed at modernising Nigeria’s airports and strengthening the nation’s aviation infrastructure, it said further.

    The organisation further described Mrs. Kuku as “a dynamic, forward-thinking administrator whose results-driven leadership continues to set new benchmarks in the aviation sector, hence this prestigious 2025 Excellence Award, a recognition reserved for outstanding professionals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and impact in their respective fields.

    The FAAN MD, who was represented at the occasion by the General Manager, Administration, Mrs. Oluwasola Awe expressed appreciation for the honour, noting that the recognition serves as further motivation to deepen her contributions and uphold the standards of professionalism for the aviation sector.

    She said the CIAPS honour reflects the collective effort of FAAN’s dedicated workforce, affirming her commitment to sustaining reforms, deepening service quality, and positioning Nigeria’s airports among the best in Africa.

    According to her, the agency’s launch of its Acculturation Programme is also playing an important role in the FAAN staff work culture, skills and values needed to manage its airports in the new technological age.

    Mrs. Kuku also said her monthly excellence awards to staff who exhibit exceptional qualities in their places of work have equally served as motivating factors that help boost the image of the organisation and the aviation sector.

  • Court bars AMCON-appointed lawyer from representing GHL

    Court bars AMCON-appointed lawyer from representing GHL

    Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa of the Federal High Court in Lagos yesterday stopped Oluseye Opasanya (SAN) from appearing as counsel for General Hydrocarbons Limited (GHL) in its suit against the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) and three others.

    The judge held that Opasanya’s purported appointment by AMCON-appointed Receiver/Manager, Seyi Akinwunmi, was improper and in violation of a subsisting court order.

    He approved Dr Abiodun Layonu (SAN) as the legitimate lawyer representing GHL in the case.

    Layonu and Opasanya had both announced their appearances on behalf of the plaintiff during the previous sitting, which led the court to ask them to address the issue.

    In his submissions, Layonu informed the judge that he remains the official counsel for GHL, having complied with court directives by submitting an application and affidavit on December 3, 2025.

    He asked the court to confirm his status as the company’s proper representative, arguing that AMCON’s purported appointment of a Receiver/Manager violated existing court orders.

    However, Opasanya submitted that AMCON appointed a Receiver/Manager on September 18, and that he had tendered his appointment document in an affidavit dated December 2.

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    He explained that once a Receiver is appointed, the company’s directors lose their authority, including the power to appoint legal counsel, and any lawyer acting on their instructions no longer has authority.

    He failed to disclose that AMCON was barred by the Federal High Court from continuing with any such appointment until the determination of the case.

    Ruling, Justice Lewis-Allagoa held that Opasanya’s appointment was improper, but that Dr Layonu’s authority was backed by a letter of instruction dated September 17, and that he had initiated the case and appeared regularly in court.

    The judge also found that after reviewing the instruction evidence from both lawyers, Dr Layonu possessed a letter from GHL dated September 17, 2025, while Opasanya had a letter from Seyi Akinwunmi, the alleged receiver appointed by AMCON, dated November 14, 2025.

    The court further stated that Layonu had been instructed by GHL, had initiated and signed the suit’s originating processes, and had consistently appeared in court.

    Conversely, Opasanya’s instruction came nearly two months after a court order prohibited further actions by any receiver.

    The court emphasised that court orders must be obeyed until they are formally overturned, and that Opasanya’s appointment, having failed to follow the proper procedure, constitutes a violation of existing court orders.

    The court also addressed the issue of conflict of interest raised by Layonu, who argued that Opasanya was actually AMCON’s lawyer and thus could not represent GHL in a suit against AMCON.

    After referring to minutes from a July 2025 settlement meeting involving AMCON, GHL, and First Bank of Nigeria Limited, where Opasanya represented AMCON and had acted on its behalf in similar matters.

    The judge held: “The minutes, which were prepared by his law firm, Messrs. Olaniwun Ajayi LP, on their letterhead, confirmed his instructions to represent AMCON. Opasanya did not dispute this, and the Court deemed the allegation accepted as true.

    “Since Opasanya’s law firm also represents the defendant in this case, the Court found it in the interest of justice to prevent him from representing both sides,” the judge held.

    The court dismissed Opasanya’s appearance as GHL’s counsel, along with any other lawyer appointed by Seyi Akinwunmi in breach of court orders.

    The case was then adjourned to January 30 for the hearing of all pending applications.

  • NLC serves protest notice over insecurity

    NLC serves protest notice over insecurity

    Labour yesterday announced plans to hold a nationwide protest on December 17 over insecurity in the country.

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) strike notice is contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the NLC National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Lagos.

    The communiqué was signed by NLC President Mr Joe Ajaero and Acting General Secretary Benson Upah.

    It stated that the NEC deliberated on pressing national and industrial issues, including the recent abduction of 24 schoolgirls in Kebbi.

    The communiqué said that the NEC condemned the kidnapping and killing of school staffer during the incident and criticised the withdrawal of security personnel from the affected school prior to the attack.

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    It described the surge in attacks on schools as alarming, and called on the Federal Government to secure all schools, particularly those in remote and vulnerable areas.

    The NEC resolved to mobilise all NLC affiliates and state councils for the protest, and demanded immediate investigation and prosecution of those responsible for the security lapses.

    According to the communiqué, other key issues discussed at the meeting include the crisis in the tertiary education sector , the ongoing strike by the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), and the revival of the Labour–Civil Society Coalition (LASCO).

    It added that the NEC expressed concern over the state of the Labour Party and urged members to realign the party with working-class principles, ideology and integrity.

    The communiqué further warned that failure of the Federal Government to address insecurity and other pressing issues could lead to escalated industrial actions across various sectors, including health and education.

    It stated that workers’ safety and welfare remained a top priority in NLC’s advocacy and urged citizens to join hands with workers in demanding a safer nation.

  • Kogi foils attempts to recruit children for banditry

    Kogi foils attempts to recruit children for banditry

    • •21 minors rescued, suspects held

    Twenty-One minors have been taken into custody by the Kogi State government following the interception of the vehicle that brought them into the Confluence state.

    Confirming the development yesterday, Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, said the children were being brought to the state from various parts of the North before security operatives intercepted their vehicles last Friday.

    The commissioner said that initial investigation revealed that those transporting the children claimed they were being brought to the state to establish an Islamic school, the claim that he said, they could not substantiate.

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    Fanwo said the 21 children whose ages range from six to 17 were already in the custody of the state government while investigation continues.

    The statement reads: “The Kogi State Government wishes to inform the public of the successful interception of a group of underaged children trafficked into the State, in what is suspected to be a covert recruitment attempt for banditry training.

  • It’s easier being a governor, says Ladoja

    It’s easier being a governor, says Ladoja

    The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has said it is easier to function as a governor than as a monarch.

    He spoke yesterday while receiving the Oniru of Iru in Lagos State, Oba Wasiu Lawal, at his Bodija, Ibadan home.

    Oba Ladoja, former governor of Oyo State, said whereas government had coercive powers, monarchs did not.

    He said there was no definable pattern of funding for monarchs, whereas this was not so with the government.

    According to him, ‘’there is an imperative to give constitutional role for traditional rulers, given their closeness to the grassroots.’’

    The monarch said the expectation of the people concerning the Olubadan stool was very high, with massive jurisdiction.

    He added: “This is why we think outside the box in order not to let our people with very high expectation down.”

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    The Olubadan recalled with nostalgia his years in Lagos, particularly on Lagos Island, saying it was worthwhile.

    Oba Lawal extolled the virtues of Olubadan.

    The Oniru, who was a commissioner in Lagos State, told Oba Ladoja how exciting and challenging it seemed for a former public office holder to function as a monarch.

    Those who joined Olubadan to welcome Oniru included Ekarun Balogun, High Chief Sharafadeen Alli and former Senate Leader, Agbaakin Olubadan, Chief Teslim Folarin.

    The Oniru was accompanied by chiefs and aides.

  • Makinde approves 13th month salary for workers

    Makinde approves 13th month salary for workers

    • Governor okays payment of salary arrears for LAUTECH Teaching Hospital staff

    Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has approved the payment of 13th month salary to workers for the seventh year running.

    He also okayed outstanding salaries and minimum wage arrears promised the workers of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso.

    The governor said this yesterday while inaugurating the Governing Board of the teaching hospital at the Executive Chamber of the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.

    He said he would soon resolve the issue of LAUTECH lecturers embarking on strike.

    Makinde challenged the newly-inaugurated Governing Board to revamp Oyo annex of the teaching hospital within 12 months, promising that the state government would support the board to make the facility operational.

    He said: “You have been selected or nominated on the basis of merit. The Chairman of the Governing Board, Prof. Banji Oyelaran-Oyeyinka, is an accomplished individual. He has been everywhere and a lot of people, associations and organisations are looking for him. So thank you, Prof for agreeing to serve your state.

    “Prof Oyelaran-Oyeyinka has developed a roadmap, and he has asked me when can we sit down and agree on this so that he can start implementation.

    “Also, I have been trying to see Prof. Ayodeji Omole, chairman of LAUTECH Governing Council, for a while now because I have been reading about the lecturers either going on strike or not going on strike. I haven’t really taken a deeper dive into what is going on there. So, I hope in the next one or two days, we will be able to see what is going on.

    “When I came to LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, I made a promise about the issues around the minimum wage arrears, and all of that. And a lot of your people have been asking ‘what’s the situation because we haven’t received alert?’ Let me explain. I made that pronouncement and I expected it to be implemented, but they came back and said, ‘Well, we have to follow due process.’ I am happy to report that just this morning, I signed the salary file for the December salary and the 13th month salary. All those arrears were included. 

    “So they should rest assured. I can also announce here that just like we did last year, and just like we have been doing since 2019, there will be 13th month salaries as well.”

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    The governor urged the Governing Board to hit the ground running, saying: “One request that I have before this board is that the LAUTECH Teaching Hospital Complex, Oyo, must be revamped. It should be operational within 12 months.

    “So, by this time next year, we will not be going back and forth. I thought it was included in the French grant, but they came back and said no. I said okay, even if it was not included, we will take it on as a state. It is a special project for 12 months. And I will be available to provide and give any kind of support that you may require.”

    Speaking on behalf of the Governing Board, Prof.  Oyelaran-Oyeyinka thanked the governor for the opportunity to serve and assured workers of the board’s readiness to complement government efforts with policies that would transform LAUTECH Teaching Hospital to a world-class facility.

    He said: “I want to express my deepest gratitude to the governor and I want to assure him and the state government that we have a Board that is going to be transparent and open to make sure we leave a legacy with this project bestowed on us.

    “We are going to do our duty with a lot of energy and passion. We have developed a strong strategic plan for  LAUTECH Teaching Hospital over the next several years. The Board is going to have a thorough discussion on priorities.

    “We want to ensure we have a thorough facelift of LAUTECH Teaching Hospital. We also want to bring LAUTECH Teaching Hospital up to the 21st century standard as a legacy for this governor.

    “So, we are going to be establishing the Electronic Medical Record to ensure what applies globally is going to be the same thing that applies in LAUTECH.”

    The newly inaugurated Governing Board is headed by Prof. Oyelaran-Oyeyinka, with Mr Aderemi Adediji as Secretary. Other members are Mr Olatunde Oyelade, Dr Bello Taiwo, Mrs Isola Bolanle, Dr Akintunde Ayinde, Prof. Olawale Olakulehin, Prof. Adenike Olugbenga-Bello and Dr. Oluwajoba Olayinka.

  • Awujale: Royal House denies lineage with Wasiu Ayinde

    Awujale: Royal House denies lineage with Wasiu Ayinde

    Jadiara Royal House of Fusengbuwa Ruling House has said Fuji musician, Otunba Wasiu Ayinde Anifowose, has no lineage with the royal family.

    The Olori Ebi Jadiara Royal House, Prince Akinola Odedina, made this clarification in a letter dated December 7, written to The Chairman, Deputy Chairman and Vice Chairman, Fusengbuwa Ruling House, Ulenla Agunsebi, Ijebu-Ode

    The letter was titled: ‘Otunba Wasiu Ayinde Anifowose, MON’ and copied to Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, the Chairman of Ijebu-Ode Local Government, Commissioner for Local Government & Chieftaincy Affairs, Ogun State Attorney General & Commissioner for Justice, Secretary, Ijebu-Ode Local Government and  Chairman, Awujale Interregnum Administration Council.

    Otunba Odedina said: “I have observed with silence, the event of the past few days concerning the issue pertaining to Otunba Wasiu Ayinde Anifowose and his aspiration to the Awujale stool through Jadiara Royal House.

    “I can say categorically that Wasiu has no lineage with Jadiara Royal House.

    “The chairman of Fusengbuwa Ruling House has rightly given him a nomination form to complete, expecting him to get his root to Jadiara Royal House authenticated.

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     “We in Jadiara Royal House have waited for him to show up with his form and whatever documents he may have to prove his linkage to Jadiara Royal House. He is yet to show up.

    “It is necessary to release this information because the issue has become a matter of public interest.

    “The public will be informed as the event unfolds.”

    It will be recalled that the Olori Ebi, Funsengbuwa Ruling House, Otunba Lateef Owoyemi, last Friday told The Nation that only legitimate members of the ruling house could contest the stool of Awujale of Ijebuland

    According to him, “every legitimate member of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House is expected to complete a data of his lineage form, duly signed by the head of the royal family, and send to me.

    “It is only when we see that this information is correct that we can take action and that person can collect nomination form.

     “We only allowed him that special consideration.

    “I do not know his family lineage. So, I can’t say anything now until we receive his formal letter and nomination form duly signed by his Olori Ebi on his letterhead paper clarifying that he is from the whichever lineage he claims.”

  • Why I’m qualified to become Awujale, by KWAM1

    Why I’m qualified to become Awujale, by KWAM1

    Fuji music superstar, King Wasiu Ayinde, popularly called K1 De Ultimate, has addressed critics on his decision to contest for the vacant stool of Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland.

    Recall last week, K1 De Ultimate formally declared interest in the vacant throne of the Awujale of Ijebuland.

    Before K1’s entry, the race had already attracted notable candidates, including a 45-year-old prince from Adeberu lineage of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, Olaseni Ottun, and a prominent engineer and an entrepreneur, Otunba Babatunde Alatise.

    In a letter to the chairman of the Funsengbuwa Ruling House dated December 3, the Fuji icon expressed his intention to vie for the vacant stool, declaring himself a bona fide son of the ruling house, tracing his ancestry to Oba Jadiara lineage.

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    He said: “I, Otunba Wasiu Ayinde Adewale Olasunkanmi Omogbolahan Anifowoshe, MON, hereby formally notify Fusengbuwa Ruling House of my intention to be considered for the vacant stool of the Awujale of Ijebuland, subject to the provisions of Ijebu Customary Law and Ogun State Chieftaincy Laws.

    “I was born on March 3, 1957, and I am a bona fide son of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House of Agunsebi Quarters, tracing my ancestry to Oba Jadiara lineage, which qualifies me to present myself for consideration in accordance with established tradition.

    “I have devoted over five decades to the promotion of Ijebu, Yoruba and Nigerian culture through music and cultural enterprise.”

    Reacting in the now-viral video on his YouTube page, KWAM 1 said: “Those who gave birth to me know me, and I also know them. There’s no side for petty talks. I’m from a royal lineage.

    “I’m from Fidipote Ruling House. I’m also from Fusengbuwa Ruling House of Ijebu-Ode. So, whoever wants to question me, we’ll meet on the field. If it is because of my declaration for the throne, it is my right. You can’t silence me.

    “Before the late Awujale, Oba Sikiru Adetona, passed on, he was of sound mind. He was well lettered, learned and intelligent. He did all findings and investigations well.

    “If I’m not from a royal lineage, I wouldn’t have be installed as the Olori Omo-Oba and Otunba Afidipotemole of Akile Ijebu in 2023 by the late Awujale. 

    “From both my maternal and paternal sides, i.e. my father’s father and my mother’s father, they are kings. I have right to the Awujale stool.

    “To all Ijebu people, the matter on ground does not call for fight. When a good thing is to happen to someone, it first comes with controversies. God will reveal the truth to us all.

    “We are all from royal lineage, and there are many princes. Anyone who eventually emerges, we’ll all work together in unity. We are all concerned about the development of Ijebu land. If I’m not capable, the late Awujale wouldn’t confer on me the Olori Omo-Oba title.