Former Kaduna State Governor Ahmed Makarfi has resigned as Secretary of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party.
He cited zoning and the emergence of a new National Chairman from the North, his geo-political zone, as reasons.
Legal luminary and former Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Kabiru Turaki became National Chairman at the weekend convention held at Ibadan, Oyo State capital.
Makarfi’s resignation, dated November 17, 2025, was addressed to the BoT Chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara.
Makarfi had wanted to quit two months ago, but postponed it, following pleas by the party leadership.
Wabara had urged him to stay on until the national convention.
The former governor said his decision was guided by a long-held conviction that both the BoT Secretary and the National Chairman of the party should not originate from the same zone.
Makarfi said: “The principal reason for my resignation then and now was, and is still, my belief that the national chairman of the party and the secretary should not come from the same geopolitical zone
“Now that a chairman has emerged from the North West, where I come from, it is necessary to give him full space to do the needful,” he wrote.
He added that the decision was made in the interest of fairness and to avoid any perception of imbalance in the PDP’s leadership structure.
“Accordingly, I hereby formally resign as Secretary of the Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party with effect from today, November 17th, 2025.”
Makarfi thanked Wabara and other BoT members for what he described as a cordial working relationship throughout his tenure.
He said: “I truly appreciate the very respectful relationship between us during my period as Secretary.
““I also appreciate all Board members for their support and good relationship that prevailed during my period as Secretary.”
President pledges to address Judiciary’s challenges
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has tasked judges in the country to always live above board and uphold judicial independence and integrity.
Tinubu, who noted public concern about judicial integrity, said no nation survives a corrupt Judiciary.
He stated that it was impossible to build a just society without a fearless and functional Judiciary.
The President spoke during the All Nigerian Judges’ Conference of the Superior Courts in Abuja.
His words: “Let us be clear: no amount of reform can succeed if integrity is compromised. Justice must never be for sale, and the Bench must never become a sanctuary for compromise.
“Corruption in any arm of government weakens the nation, but corruption in the Judiciary destroys it at its core. “When justice is compromised, governance loses its integrity, and democracy loses its foundation.
“A judgment may be grounded in law and delivered with clarity, but unless the public perceives it to be fair, impartial, and untainted, its moral authority is diminished.
“The confidence of the people is, therefore, not an abstract aspiration; it is the living measure of the Judiciary’s legitimacy and the true currency of justice.
“We must acknowledge, with candour, that public perception of the judicial process has not always been favourable.
“Citizens have expressed frustration at delays, concerns about integrity, and anxiety over access to justice. These perceptions, whether wholly justified or not, cannot be ignored.
“They call upon us to reflect, to reform, and to restore. For ultimately, justice does not exist for the Bench or the Bar; it exists for the people. Their faith in the judicial process is the foundation of our national stability.”
President Tinubu, however, assured that his administration would support all efforts by the Judiciary to preserve its integrity.
He said: “With utmost seriousness, my administration stands ready to support every effort by the Judiciary to preserve its dignity and eliminate misconduct.
“This is not a task for the National Judicial Council alone; it is a collective duty that rests on every judicial officer.
“Discipline within the Judiciary must be firm, transparent, and consistent. Only a Judiciary that cleanses itself can command the moral authority to cleanse society.”
The President, who noted the Judiciary’s contribution to the sustenance of the nation’s democracy, also promised his administration’s support in addressing the challenges hampering effective delivery of its constitutional mandate.
His words: “My administration believes that a Judiciary that is strong in capacity, efficient in process, and uncompromising in integrity is not merely desirable; it is indispensable to the survival of our democracy and the prosperity of our nation.
“We cannot build a just society without a fearless and functional Judiciary. In this regard, I wish to reaffirm, with clarity and conviction, the unwavering commitment of my administration to supporting the Judiciary in fulfilling its constitutional mandate.
“The Judiciary does not exist in isolation; it functions within a larger democratic framework in which all three arms of government must work in synergy, with mutual respect and shared responsibility to the Nigerian people.
“The Executive, the Legislature, and the Judiciary must remain united by purpose, even when separated by function,” he said.
The President tasked participants to be frank and critical in their discussions to enable them to identify necessary solutions to existing challenges in the sector.
He said: “My Lords, as you deliberate in the coming days, I want you to remember that the Judiciary is not an end in itself; it is an instrument of justice for the people.
“Its moral power flows not merely from the Constitution, but from the trust and confidence that ordinary citizens repose in it.
The former governor objected to what he described as Obasanjo’s irresponsible remarks about him during his 65th birthday party in Lagos on Saturday.
Obasanjo was a special guest at the event which attracted eminent personalities including Vice President Kashim Shettima, ministers, governors, ex-governors among others.
“Your leopard will never change his skin,” said Fayose in his ‘thank you’ letter to the former leader.
Obasanjo, who instantly replied the salvos, which came through an SMS, said Fayose is “unchanged and unchangable.”
Obasanjo was president between 1999 and 2007 while Fayose’s first term as governor of Ekiti State was between 2003 and 2007.
Fayose invited Obasanjo to the event and sent him money for a flight ticket from Kigali, Rwanda, where he was, to enable him attend the ceremony.
Ahead of extension of invitation to him, Fayose, who had a frosty relationship with Obasanjo, visited the former leader last month, to make peace.
He then declared that the crisis between them is over.
Obasanjo recalled the visit and how Fayose apologised to him over their past rifts at the birthday.
Before an audience of eminent people, including Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji, his Ondo State counterpart, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike; Ooni of Ile-Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Senators Opeyemi Bamidele, Gbenga Daniel, Yemi Adaramodu and Ayo Arise, the former president traced the genesis of the crisis.
He said Fayose, who could not contact him directly, sent Osita Chidoka, a former Aviation Minister, to sound him out, adding: “If he had been a good person, he should have been able to link up with him directly.”
Obasanjo said although Fayose sent money for ticket, he did not eventually buy the ticket because businessman Aliko Dangote sent an aircraft to pick him.
Obasanjo said the money was still with him.
The former president said both Fayose and his wife, Feyisetan, offended him and that they were not ‘omoluabi,’ but the wife disarmed him by acknowledging their offences and quickly apologising to him.
Obasanjo said Fayose is not the best of his political sons, although he had some achievements to his credit.
He recalled that although he had wanted to support the late Chief Samuel Kolawole Babalola for governor of Ekiti in 2003, because he knew him very well as a leader of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT), he switched to Fayose, who had warmed himself to the people when he started distributing water to residents.
Obasanjo also recalled the poultry controversy, saying that when he got to Ekiti to inaugurate the agricultural project, he noticed that there were no smelling faeces to show that the chickens were nurtured there.
He said former Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola nodded affirmatively that there was a foul play, having warned his Ekiti counterpart that Obasanjo, being a farmer, knew how poultry should be run.
Obasanjo also said Fayose lied against him by telling the whole world that he solicited huge money from former PDP governors towards his library project.
He said the former governors donated out of their own volition, adding that he never owed Fayose N10 million, contrary to his claim.
It was not the first time the former president and governor exchanged hot words in the public.
Over 10 years ago, they clashed during Oyinlola’s birthday in Okuku. When Obasanjo, in the presence of guests decribed Fayose as a ‘bastard,’ Fayose replied, saying that Obasanjo is the father of bastards.
Former military President Ibrahim Babangida was at the ceremony.
Throughout Obasanjo’s tirade at the birthday, Fayose and his wife, Feyisetan, stood on the podium, with the former governor beaming some smiles that concealed his resentment.
In Fayose’s ‘thank you’ letter to Obasanjo, which was confirmed by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, he replied the missiles.
He said: “Dear Baba Obasanjo, I trust this meets you well. Your coming to my birthday party, I appreciate, except for your very irresponsible comments at your age. You went so low, but I am not surprised because someone once said you are supposed be kept away in the zoo. Sincerely, that’s where you belong.
“I kept quiet or did not reply you at the function so that the world will know the difference between a sane and a mad man that you are. It is also obvious that you have also lost your sanity or should I say it is the heightened stage of dementia.”
Fayose added: “Not to worry Baba, I shall set the records straight in due course. Lastly, I shall appreciate if you return my money since you publicly admitted you received it but Dangote brought you back.
“Your leopard will never change his skin”, the letter reads.”
Replying the former governor tacitly, Obasanjo texted: “Ayo, thanks for your “Thank You” message, which undisguisedly revealed who and what you are, unchanged and unchangeable.
“Your money has been sent back through Foluso Adeagbo, who brought it and in the same bag as he brought it unopened by me.”
He described him as a steady and reliable figure in Nigeria’s financial and political spheres.
In a statement on Monday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President praised Oyebamiji, an All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant in Osun State, for his intellect, leadership qualities and integrity, noting that these attributes have significantly contributed to the development of Osun State and Nigeria.
President Tinubu highlighted the celebrator’s distinguished career in the banking sector, where he earned a reputation for excellence, professionalism, and his exemplary service in public administration.
Oyebamiji previously served as Finance Commissioner in Osun State and, until last week, as Chief Executive of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA).
According to the President, Oyebamiji’s public service record is defined by “humility, hard work, and commitment to the public good,” qualities that have made him a respected leader within the APC and beyond.
“Oyebamiji is a loyal party man, a trusted associate, and a patriotic Nigerian whose exemplary work and ethics reflect the ideals of responsible leadership,” President Tinubu said.
He prayed for God’s continued blessings on the celebrator, wishing him long life, renewed strength and greater service to the nation.
Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Kudirat Kekere-Ekun said yesterday that financial autonomy for the Judiciary would guarantee its independence and bolster its capacity to deliver on its constitutional mandate.
She argued that ‘’without genuine financial autonomy, judicial independence would remain ‘’fragile.’’
Justice Kekere-Ekun spoke at the opening of the ‘2025 All Nigerian Judges’ Conference of the Superior Courts,’ at the National Judicial Institute (NJI) in Abuja.
The weeklong event, tagged ‘Building a Confident Judiciary ‘, was organised by the Justice Babatunde Adejumo–led NJI
The CJN, who also highlighted graft, outdated infrastructure and internal complacency as some of the issues affecting the Third Arm of government, pointed out that ‘’independence of the judiciary is not a privilege but a moral and constitutional obligation.’’
She said: “We must acknowledge a difficult but undeniable truth: the Judiciary continues to operate within a democratic framework where financial dependence on the Executive persists.
“True independence is the bedrock of justice; where it is absent, the temple of justice trembles.
“Independence is not a privilege; it is a moral and constitutional obligation that guarantees fairness and equality before the law.”
Harping also on the role of the Judiciary in a democracy, Justice Kekere-Ekun said judges should not only ‘’rise above technicalities that obstruct substantive justice,’’ they must ‘’ensure that their decisions reflect fairness and equity.’’
“Let our courts be sanctuaries of truth, not labyrinths of technicalities. Let our judgments speak not just to the letter of the law, but to its spirit; anchored in conscience, compassion, and courage,’’ she said.
The CJN assured that the Judiciary under her watch was working on efforts to ease out bad eggs among its ranks and boost public confidence in the judicial system.
One of the efforts, according to her, is the ongoing measure to strengthen and reorganise the National Judicial Council (NJC) to make it bite harder.
Her words: “On the persistent issue of corruption, we can no longer afford to regard our institution as beyond scrutiny.
“We must admit, with candour, that there are some within our ranks who have undermined the integrity of the Bench.
“This must change. The NJC is being strengthened and repositioned to execute its constitutional mandate with greater vigour, efficiency, and accountability.
“We must be the example we seek to inspire. The robe we wear must never be a cloak for impropriety but a symbol of incorruptible honour.
“With collective will, renewed commitment, and divine guidance, we shall succeed in restoring the dignity of our noble profession.”
Justice Kekere-Ekun said for the Judiciary to address the widespread notion that its processes are slow, inefficient and sometimes, vulnerable to external influences, it must take practical steps to improve its infrastructure, human capital, among others.
She said: “We must confront this perception head-on, not with rhetoric, but with deliberate and demonstrable action that restores confidence in our courts.
“A Judiciary that commands respect must be unwavering in upholding independence, firm in strengthening ethical standards, and resolute in eliminating inefficiencies in court administration.
“We must address the persistent issues of outdated infrastructure, intellectual complacency, and corruption challenges that have hindered our efficiency and undermined public trust.
“To build a confident Judiciary, we must rise above these obstacles and ensure that justice is dispensed with integrity, impartiality, and transparency.”
Justice Kekere-Ekun acknowledged the court’s role in stabilising the nation’s democracy, but noted that more needs to be done to deepen democratic culture in the land.
“It is no exaggeration to state that the survival of Nigeria’s democracy has often hinged on the steadfastness of the Judiciary.
“Our pronouncements, at critical junctures in our history, have preserved constitutional order and upheld the democratic will of the people.”
The Administrator of the National Judicial Institute (NJI), Justice Babatunde Adejumo, has argued that it was not unusual for courts of coordinate jurisdiction to render conflicting decisions on cases with similar facts. But lawyers argue that stakeholders should be more concerned about the impact on public trust rather than engaging in mere jurisprudential debate, writes Assistant Editor ERIC IKHILAE
The recurring development, where courts of coordinate jurisdiction issue conflicting orders on cases with similar facts, has always raised concern.
Many have consistently condemned such developments and called for sanctions.
But last week, the Administrator of the National Judicial Institute (NJI), Justice Babatunde Adejumo, added a new perspective that sought to justify such occurrences.
Justice Adejumo’s perspective
Justice Adejumo, who was reacting to the controversy over the conflicting decisions by two Federal High Courts in Abuja and a High Court in Oyo State on the national convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), said no court of coordinate jurisdiction is bound by the decision of another.
Justice Adejumo, the immediate past President of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN), said judges give judgments based on their understanding of the law and the evidence presented.
He said the controversies generated by instances of conflicting decisions by courts were unnecessary because there are always remedies available under the law.
Justice Adejumo said, even in what appears as the worst scenario – where two courts in the same jurisdiction give conflicting decisions – that did not mean any wrong had been committed, except it is established that an ulterior motive was involved.
He said: “You see, in the Judiciary, respective judges give judgments according to their understanding of the law and the way they see things.
“And, you don’t just give judgment, judgment must be based on the facts as presented to the court and, as provable with credible evidence.
“That is why, even in the United States of America, which is believed as the oldest democracy, and where they have a judicial system that is superb, they have state courts.
“A court in New York or Washington may deliver a judgment, and when another court in Maryland, just some few kilometres away, or New Jersey, very close to New York, may give a different opinion about the same set of facts.
“It depends on the interpretation of the law based on the facts and evidence,” he said.
Justice Adejumo, who said any conflict in both decisions could easily be resolved on appeal, noted: “That is why we have ladders of courts.
“If two, three courts give conflicting decisions on the same subject matter, the aggrieved party may proceed to the Court of Appeal, which will have a better say.
“If any of the parties is not yet satisfied, it goes to the apex court, which is the final court. And, whatever that court says on that matter settles that issue.”
Latest case of conflicting decisions
The most recent conflicting decisions are on the national convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) held in Ibadan, Oyo State, between November 15 and 16.
On October 11, Justice James Omotosho ordered the maintenance of the status quo in a suit, marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/2120/2025, filed by Austine Nwachukwu (PDP Chairman in Imo State); Amah Abraham Nnanna (PDP Chairman, Abia State) and Turnah George, Secretary, PDP Southsouth).
The plaintiffs had queried the propriety of the national convention and urged the court to, among others, order the PDP to comply with its constitution and other relevant laws before it could hold a convention.
In a judgment on October 31, Justice Omotosho ordered that preparations for the convention be put on hold pending when the PDP would comply with the provisions of its constitution, the Nigerian Constitution and the Electoral Act.
The judge restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from monitoring the convention until the PDP complies with the relevant laws in relation to the holding of a convention.
However, on November 5, Justice Ladiran Akintola of the High Court of Oyo State issued an ex-parte order, granting permission to the PDP to proceed with its planned convention.
On November 11, Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja issued an order of interim injunction stopping the PDP from proceeding with plans for the convention.
The order, which was to subsist pending the determination of the substantive suit, was issued in a suit filed by former governor of Jigawa State, Sule Lamido, who claimed to have been prevented from obtaining form to contest the party’s chairman position.
On November 13, Justice Akintola extended his earlier order, granting permission to the PDP to proceed with the convention.
On November 14, Justice Lifu delivered judgment in the suit by Lamido and ordered the PDP not to hold the convention without Lamido’s being allowed to contest the chairmanship position.
The only known instance when judges were sanctioned for issuing conflicting decisions was in relation to the leadership dispute in the PDP in 2021.
Within five days in August 2021, three courts in different states issued conflicting orders about the PDP national chairman’s office.
On August 24, 2021, Justice Okogbule Gbasam of the High Court of Rivers State in Port Harcourt issued an order, restraining Uche Secondus from parading himself as PDP National Chairman.
On August 27, 2021, Justice Nusirat I. Umar of the High Court of Kebbi State issued another order, restoring Secondus as the national chairman of the opposition PDP.
On August 28, 2021, Justice Edem Ita Kooffreh of the High Court of Cross River State issued an interim order, restraining Secondus from resuming office as PDP National Chairman.
The National Judicial Council (NJC) was forced to wield the big stick when, after its meeting in December 2021, it announced sanctions against the three judges.
The NJC barred Justice Gbasam from enjoying promotion for two years for failing “to exercise due diligence in granting an ex parte order in suit No: PHC/2183/CS/2021 between Ibealwuchi Earnest Alex & four others and Prince Uche Secondus & another, as there was no real urgency in the circumstances of the matter that would have required an ex parte order.”
Justice Gbasam was also issued a warning letter to be circumspect in granting such ex-parte orders in the future.
Justice Umar was also barred from elevation to the higher Bench for two years for his failure to comply with the law in granting an ex-parte order in suit No: KB/HC/M.71/2021 between Yahaya Usman & two others and Prince Uche Secondus & another.
The judge was also issued a warning letter to be circumspect in granting such an order in the future.
Justice Kooffreh was barred from enjoying promotion for five years for allowing himself to be used as a tool for “forum shopping” and abuse of court processes in suit No: HC/240/2021 between Mr Enang Kanum Wani and Uche Secondus.
The NJC said it was evident that in granting the ex-parte order, the judge was aware of earlier orders of the High Courts of Rivers and Kebbi states, being courts of coordinate jurisdiction with his.
The NJC issued Justice Kooffreh a warning letter to be circumspect in granting such ex parte orders in the future and placed him on its watch list for two years.
Impact on public trust
Lawyers, like Jibrin Okutepa (SAN), Otunba Tunde Falola and Jonathan Iyieke, said it was necessary that stakeholders should be more concerned about the effect of conflicting decisions on the reputation of the judicial system.
Okutepa cautioned the Judiciary to be wary of the antics of politicians, whom he referred to as “majorly democratic despots and terrors.”
He accused politicians of destroying every institution of democracy.
The SAN said: “The destruction of these vital democratic institutions is worrying me as a lawyer.
“I am worried that we are watching the reckless use of judicial institutions to kill democracy in the exercise of rights that are not recognised by law.”
Referring to the latest case of the PDP national convention, Okutepa said: “One is completely at a loss at the kind of orders flying left, right and centre by Nigerian courts in sabotage of democracy and the rule of law when, from the facts, there are no party primaries in all these cases.
“The judiciary must not be ridiculed further. The sanctity of the judiciary must be preserved. The Nigerian judiciary must not be destroyed.
“Once it is destroyed, the hopes of Nigerians are destroyed forever.
“Democracy is heading to a calamitous end given the despotic and thuggish approach to democracy by the majority of Nigerian politicians,” Okutepa said.
Falola said he agreed with Justice Adejumo’s position only to the extent that there is nothing unusual about courts of coordinate jurisdiction delivering conflicting decisions on the same subject matter.
He argued that the issue transcends mere jurisprudential debate, but touches on the erosion of public trust when citizens are confronted with contradictory judicial pronouncements.
Falola noted that the conflicting decisions over the PDP national convention “is not too good for our democratic system.
“Both courts are courts of coordinate jurisdiction, yet their contradictory orders have plunged the party, its members, and the larger public into a state of unnecessary and avoidable confusion.”
Falola was of the view that conflicting court decisions in politically sensitive matters, as in this instance, are far from harmless technicalities.
He added: “They carry significant consequences. They create uncertainty about which order ought to be obeyed.
“They undermine the rule of law, suggesting that court orders are matters of convenience rather than binding directives.
“They weaken internal party democracy, as political actors learn to ‘shop’ for favourable courts instead of respecting established processes.
“When courts speak with two voices on the same issue, the public is left wondering: Which order do we obey?
“This is dangerous for any constitutional democracy. The judiciary remains the last line of defence in any democracy.
“When courts of coordinate jurisdictions issue conflicting orders, especially in matters impacting political stability, the resulting damage goes far beyond the immediate litigants.
“It shakes the very foundation of public confidence in the justice system. For the sake of our democracy, the courts must speak with clarity, finality, and unity,” Falola said.
How to stem the tide
To Justice Adejumo, although conflicting decisions are not unusual, they could be prevented where necessary modalities are in place.
He said the various courts could amend their rules “to provide that, for you to come to court, seeking redress, you must swear to an affidavit that, to the best of your knowledge, this issue (the subject matter of your case) has not been presented before any court of law.
“And, if it is later discovered that you lied, you are held to be perjuring on oath and a decision to sentence is provided. So, until that is done, the situation will remain.”
Justice Adejumo also suggested people should petition the NJC if they believe that the reason behind the conflicting decisions has an ulterior motive.
Falola said the PDP convention episode underscores the urgent need for judges of coordinate courts to resist issuing orders that contradict final decisions already delivered elsewhere on the same subject matter.
Stressing the need for stricter intervention from the NJC, Falola argued that it must not treat conflicting orders in political cases as routine occurrences, because such developments damage the credibility of the Judiciary as an institution.
He also suggested the need for such cases to enjoy swift intervention by the appellate court to promptly restore order by providing a single, authoritative interpretation.
Advocating for a long-term structural reform, Falola suggested the need for the country to revisit the overlapping jurisdiction between Federal and State High Courts, “which continues to encourage forum shopping and contradictory rulings.”
All eyes on appellate courts
Iyieke said that once conflicting decisions occur, the earliest decision is considered the position until a higher court sitting on appeal overturns it.
He said: “It’s strange nowadays where many courts of the same jurisdiction, especially our high court in states and the Federal High Court, roll out different decisions on a particular matter without consideration of the earlier position of their learned colleague in the matter.
“I think it borders on judicial rascality to the hallowed uniformity of the decision-making principle.
“I think judges should be more prolific and tilt towards utility when making a judgment in a matter. Decision-making is primarily to calm nerves, whether in politics or otherwise.
“I do not think it’s to aggravate and/or sponsor confusing conflicts, thereby infusing hopelessness in our society.
“Whatever may be the position, litigants should resort to the earlier decision made against the latter.
“Parties should also look out for a political resolution of the matter and appeal for an interpretation of the decisions made in the conflicting judgment.
“I hazard to say that where conflict of judgment occurs and it’s discovered that the later decision is made with impunity and to cause commotion and unnecessary chaos in the political arena and our society, the judge who made that later decision should be sanctioned and, in most cases, be demoted.”
But, for Director of the Abuja School of Social and Political Thought, Dr Sam Amadi, the PDP convention remains valid and legally recognised despite earlier conflicting court rulings.
Speaking during an interview with Arise News, Amadi said the most recent court order issued before the convention permitted the event to hold, rendering previous contradictory orders ineffective.
According to him, the controversy surrounding the party’s leadership crisis was fuelled by what he described as INEC’s failure to act as a regulatory authority, as well as courts issuing “contradictory and unnecessary” ex parte orders.
He argued that the convention was backed by law, noting that the latest decision from the court supported its conduct.
“This convention has legalisation,” Amadi declared.
The Chief Financial Officer of Midwestern Oil & Gas Company Limited, Kayode Olatunbosun, CFA, FCCA, has applauded the banking career and national impact of Dr. Adesola Kazeem Adeduntan following his conferment with an honorary Doctor of Science (D.Sc.) degree by the University of Ibadan at its 2025 Convocation Ceremony.
In a congratulatory statement on Monday, Olatunbosun described the honour as a fitting recognition for a man whose influence on Nigeria’s financial landscape spans decades.
He noted that Adeduntan’s transformation from a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine graduate of the University of Ibadan to one of Africa’s most respected banking executives reflects “a legacy built on resilience, intellect, and purpose.”
Olatunbosun highlighted Adeduntan’s distinguished career trajectory, including his formative years at Arthur Andersen, his leadership roles at Citibank Nigeria, the Africa Finance Corporation, and ultimately his decade-long tenure as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of FirstBank of Nigeria Limited.
According to him, Adeduntan championed reforms that repositioned the institution for stability, digital transformation, and financial inclusion, making FirstBank one of the continent’s most impactful financial institutions.
“Dr. Adeduntan’s contributions to Nigeria’s banking industry go beyond boardrooms and balance sheets,” Olatunbosun said.
“He expanded access to financial services for millions, rebuilt trust in an era of institutional uncertainty, and mentored a new generation of financial leaders. His legacy is both national and continental.”
The Midwestern Oil & Gas CFO further commended Adeduntan’s philanthropic commitments, describing him as a leader whose compassion matches his professional excellence.
He cited his support for education, youth empowerment, and community development initiatives, acts that the University of Ibadan also acknowledged in its decision to honour him.
The honorary D.Sc. degree, conferred by Nigeria’s premier university and Adeduntan’s alma mater, recognises his outstanding achievements in banking, corporate governance, economic development, and social impact.
Olatunbosun expressed pride in seeing the University of Ibadan celebrate one of its finest alumni, stressing that Adeduntan’s journey continues to inspire young professionals across fields.
“This honour is richly deserved. It is a testament to a man who embodies excellence, integrity, and visionary leadership,” he said.
He added that the recognition reinforces the importance of character, competence, and service, qualities for which Adeduntan has become widely known both within and beyond Nigeria’s financial ecosystem.
Osun Governor Ademola Adeleke may have to seek an alternative platform for re-election in 2026, Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Engr. Kamoru Ajisafe has stated.
He said this is because the PDP cannot nominate a candidate for the governorship poll owing to internal crisis..
Ajisafe, while featuring on a private radio station, Rave FM in Osun State during a talk show programme, Frank Talk, on Monday monitored by The Nation berated the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike and Factional Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu for the crisis rocking the party.
He spoke as rumours gained traction that Adeleke may defect to the Accord Party next week ahead of the December 15 deadline for party primary by Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
He expressed dissatisfaction over the roles played by Wike, Anyanwu and other gladiators within the party leading to losing bigwigs such as Taraba Governor, Agbu Kefas.
According to him: “I am not happy with the way things are going in the party, Anyanwu is my personal friend. Like that of Ekiti, we said we are going to do the primary we have written INEC to monitor the exercise but Anyanwu group wrote to INEC that there should be no primary, considering that this exercise has its timeline.
“Like that of Osun State now, they gave us time for our primary which is December 15, Anyanwu was not ready to sign. So how do we move?
“That is an automatic ceding of the mandate of the election. Wike and Dr Ademola Adeleke met, they discussed freely only for Wike to come to national television and say that he advised Osun Governor, what advice did he give? Adeleke told him that he has to stop all the shenanigans and requested what he wanted.”
Responding to Adeleke’s possible defection from PDP ahead of primary, he said: “Let me tell you that if anything happens in Osun, it has to do with looking for a platform to contest, I am telling you.
“Where is the platform to contest now? If you are very good party man will you be happy losing someone like Taraba State governor, Osun state, like you rightly said he is planning, I don’t know about planning, political platform is to contest, I am not happy about that.
“But the problem we have in Osun is quite different from what we have in Taraba. Election of Taraba and some other States are in 2027. Our own in Osun is 2026, the primary for any political party trying to present a candidate for the 2026 gubernatorial election is December 15.
“What is the position of INEC, what do we do, how are we going to manage that? After December 15, INEC by the constitution will not recognise any emergence of candidate from any political primary.
“If you are a consultant what would you advice, will you advise that I stay in a party, where I would not be able to exercise my right of returning to office, just advice me what you want Adeleke to do now, he has not told the world but ask.”
Ajisafe: “It is absolutely known to the whole world that there is no way that the PDP would be able to nominate a candidate for the 2026 governorship election, if you block your road or gate for me to enter and another occupant of another platform magnanimously allow you to pass freely, would I be crying that you lock your gate?
“What do you expect somebody like Adeleke should do, I am talking frankly on the radio that people can hear me that is the fight we have with Wike and Anyanwu.”
The newly elected factional leadership of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) is prepared for showdown with the Samuel Anyanwu-led faction on Tuesday over it’s planned inauguration at the Wadata plaza national Secretariat.
Anyanwu-led faction believed to be loyal to FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, has also scheduled a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting for the same venue on the same day and time.
Turaki told reporters after a meeting with the FCT Commissioner of Police that there were ready to confront anyone planning to disrupt their planned inauguration, adding that those planning to hold a NEC meeting at the Secretariat were no longer members of the PDP.
While saying they will ensure no breakdown of law and order, Turaki said the members of his National Working Committee elected at the party convention in Ibadan were prepared to lay down their lives to defend the party.
By the timetable released earlier in the year for the elective convention, the outgoing leadership was supposed to hand over between December 1 and December 8, 2025 since the tenure of the Damagun led leadership was supposed to elapse on December 8.
He said: “We came to have an interface with the Commissioner of Police of the FCT regarding the meeting we’ve planned to have tomorrow. We are going to have the inaugural National Working Committee meeting of our party, the People’s Democratic Party tomorrow.
“At this meeting, we have invited all our stakeholders and founding fathers. We’ve invited all our governors and members of the National Assembly. We’ve invited members of the Board of Trustees, our State Chairman, and other critical stakeholders
“As law-abiding people, we’ve come here to tell the police that we are having our meeting tomorrow. This will be the inaugural meeting since we left Ibadan after our election at our National Elective Convention.
“Now, we have seen things flying in the social media, a purported notice of BOT and NEC meeting given by people who, for all intents and purposes, are no longer members of this party, as I’m talking to you today.
“Next to God, in management of political party is the National Convention. The decision taken in a National Convention over rides every other decision that has been taken by any organ of a party. Our National Convention has taken a decision to expel these elements from the party.
“So, they are no longer members of our party. We have reported the moves they are making to the police, because we don’t want any situation where there will be breach of peace. As leaders, more than any other person, we want peace to be sustained. This democracy that our leaders, our forefathers, have sacrificed their lives to bring about to this level, we shall be ready to also give our own life to sustain this democracy.
“We are holding the meeting at our National Secretariat, which is the Wadata House and anybody that is sitting there without our consent and permission is an interloper.
“We have not sought for the assistance of the police or any other security agencies to lock up our offices. Now, we are going there, we’ll have the offices opened, we’ll get in there, and then begin to perform the functions for which we’ve been elected.
“I have assured the Commissioner of Police of the FCT that while we will ensure that no breach of the peace of course, we will go there prepared to defend ourselves and our integrity as Nigerian because Nigerian Constitution has given us the right to defend our persons, our lives, our properties. So, that is wat we are prepared to do.
“Let me reiterate again for avoidance of doubt, to defend our party, to defend this nascent democracy, we are prepared to lay down our lives. We will go there to move into our headquarters, to conduct our official functions, and if anybody tries to prevent us, then we pray for them.
“Our meeting is 10 am tomorrow. Circulars have gone out. We shall be there unfailingly. I, as the national chairman of PDP, will be leading from the front, not from the rear. We shall be there tomorrow.
“The CP had given us assurance that they will do everything it takes to ensure that there is no breakdown of law and order and that is our expectation from him. So, we’ll be there hoping that the police will make sure that they give us all the ample protection that we’re entitled to under the law and that assurance we’ve got it so we shall be there.”
