The Nation Newspaper

Category: South West

  • Olawepo-Hashim launches support group in Osun

    Olawepo-Hashim launches support group in Osun

    peoples  Democratic Party stalwart, Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has unfolded plans to strengthen Gbenga Hashim Solidarity Movement in Southwest.

    At a gathering in Osogbo, Osun State, its leaders from the 31 councils, executives, and youths declared support for his presidential ambition on the platform of PDP.

    Chief of Staff, Kamaldeen Adebayo, representing him, said: “Olawepo-Hashim’s mission is to restore dignity, justice, and accountability to governance. It is time to take back Nigeria,” Adebayo said.

    National Coordinator, Abdulrazaq Hamzat, likened Olawepo-Hashim to a Moses for Nigeria’s troubled times.

    He said: “Olawepo-Hashim will lead the crusade. He is free from corruption, full of ideas, tested, and bold enough to crush APC.”

    Read Also: First Lady @ 65: Tinubu pays tribute to ‘confidant’ Oluremi

    Southwest Coordinator, Abass Olaniyi, said: “From Osun, this movement will spread like a wildfire in Southwest. The people are hungry for integrity, principle, and vision, and Olawepo-Hashim is the answer.” 

    The movement, gaining traction in Lagos, Oyo, Ekiti, and Ondo, welcomed PDP’s decision to throw open its presidential ticket, insisting Olawepo-Hashim has a straight road to Aso Rock.

    Osun Coordinator, Tajudeen Hassan, told ward and council coordinators: “Take the gospel of Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim to every street, every household, every corner of Osun. Nobody must be left behind.’’

     This is the people’s movement, and 2027 is our date with destiny.”

  • Daniel: Our support for Tinubu unshaken

    Daniel: Our support for Tinubu unshaken

    • Yakassai hosts BAT Ideological Group

    Former Ogun State Governor, Gbenga Daniel, has said his support and that of his group, Otunba Gbenga Daniel Grassroots Movement, for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu in 2027 is sacrosanct.

    Daniel, senator representing Ogun East, cited Tinubu’s conscious leadership, redirecting of the economy and re-engineering the protocols of national engagements as reasons for their avowed support for his re-election.

    The senator spoke at Igode while addressing supporters, indigenes and residents during his Midterm Community Assessment, Review Tour and inauguration of Renewed Hope International Market in the town in Sagamu Local Government.

    The event was attended by Lagos East senator, Tokunbo Abiru (represented), former federal lawmaker, Chief Bode Mustapha, monarchs, and community leaders.

    Daniel gave free health care and empowered many with motorcycles, fertilisers, food items, footwear, and others.

    He said: “Let me state that our support for the President is sacrosanct, and our reasons are clear. Bola Tinubu has provided our country with conscious leadership through a systematic process of rethinking the nation, redirecting our economy, and re-engineering the protocols of our national engagements.

    “This is not to say that everything has become rosy. But if we take the issue of fuel subsidy removal as an example, we can appreciate that it has, to a large extent, addressed scarcity. The step to confront the scam in our monetary policy has also stabilised the market.

    Director General of Tinubu Support Group, Dr. Umar Yakasai, has hosted BAT Ideological Group in Abuja.The meeting was held during a visit that culminated in unveiling of its handbook.

    The event drew coordinators of the group from all 36 states and FCT, underscoring its national spread and organisational strength.

    Read Also: First Lady @ 65: Tinubu pays tribute to ‘confidant’ Oluremi

    Yakasai hailed the convener of the group, Bamidele Atoyebi, for what he called a remarkable initiative to institutionalise the ideology of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    The TSG director general said he was impressed by the group’s work in promoting political education and grassroots sensitisation on government policies.

    Also present was the patron of the BAT Ideological Group and a long-time friend of President Tinubu, Alhaji Tejumade Suleiman, who applauded the unveiling for being a milestone for the group and reaffirmed his commitment to its mission.

    Atoyebi described the handbook as a “compass” and compendium that would guide members in advancing President Tinubu’s vision of progressive governance.

    The convener stressed that the BAT Ideological Group was not a conventional political support group but a body of technocrats capable of serving the nation at the highest levels.

    He outlined the group’s activities, including sensitisation campaigns on local government autonomy, healthcare reforms, the NELFUND student loan scheme, and the ₦45,000 monthly stipend for technical college students under the TVET reform.

    According to him, the group has invested up to ₦20 million in deploying drones nationwide to monitor federal projects and ensure equitable development.

    The group has also sponsored radio jingles, donated a functional website to the TSG for coordination of support groups, and registered formally with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), a step Atoyebi said reflects its seriousness and sustainability.

    The convener added that the new handbook consolidates these efforts and provides members with a reference for sensitisation, strategy, and community engagement.

    He urged coordinators to study and apply it, adding that President Tinubu’s values of public service, inclusiveness, humility, and progressive ideas must remain their guiding principles.

  • Olubadan-designate, Ooni seek Yoruba unity

    Olubadan-designate, Ooni seek Yoruba unity

    The Olubadan-designate, Oba Rashidi Ladoja and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, have called for unity in Yorubaland.

    They said unity must start from among traditional rulers, if anything must be achieved in Yorubaland.

    The monarchs made the call when the Ooni paid a historic visit to the Olubadan-designate at his Bodija, Ibadan home yesterday.

    Reacting to an earlier remark by Oba Ogunwusi, the Olubadan-designate, who said many dignitaries had been visiting him since his selection, told him to prioritise the unity of traditional rulers and the entire Yorubaland, ‘’because this is a major task God wants you to achieve.’’

    Emphasising the importance of unity among traditional rulers, Oba Ladoja said a united body would make it difficult for the government to infiltrate monarchs, while also hastening development and growth.

    Read Also: Otuabagi: Oil-rich land turns burial ground for children

    He said the assurance he had received from prominent Nigerians and dignitaries, who were willing to attend his coronation on Friday, indicated that all ethnic groups and political affiliations in Nigeria would be present.

    Oba Ladoja took the opportunity to appeal to Nigerians, irrespective of tribe and political divide, to always work towards a united Nigeria, saying should anything bad happen, everyone would pay for it and suffer the consequences.

    He hailed the Ooni for his leadership and role in reconciling warring traditional rulers, saying he (Ladoja) wouldn’t take the 10 years’ experience the Ooni had on the throne for granted.

    He added that he would count on his support.

    Oba Ladoja said: “As I told all the monarchs who have come to visit me, the experience of governance, the antics of politics and business are different. I don’t have the experience you have on the throne because 10 years on the stool is not a small achievement. So, I am saying to you that you will be one of my teachers.

    “I said the same thing to other monarchs who have visited me. The Soun of Ogbomoso has been here, Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Onpetu, Aseyin of Iseyin, even others from far and near. Even politicians, all those we served together as governors, including Oyinlola, Mimiko, Aregbesola, Daniel, Fayose, Amosun, Adeleke they have all come to greet me. I am really thankful.

    “All the monarchs and governors who came assured me that for God to have preserved me, means He still has a task for me. And that the only thing they will keep asking and reminding me to pursue is the unity of Yorubaland. The unity of Yorubaland should start from the unity of traditional rulers because if the monarchs are united, the government won’t be able to penetrate our midst.”

    Ladoja, who was so elated at the visit, noted the unity that had existed over the years between Ibadan and Ife, saying both ancient towns belonged to everybody.

    He appealed to the Ooni to remain focus on the task of unifying traditional rulers, saying: “I know you are celebrating the Olojo festival and you are not supposed to be out. But the love you have for me made you to come and inform me ahead that you won’t be around at the coronation, but I know you will be represented.

    “When our forefathers were sowing these seeds, we didn’t know it, and if you look at it, those who established Ibadan came from different places to build a fortress together.

    “As the Ooni has said, Ibadan progenitors came to establish the town for all of us because every Yoruba man must have a house in Ibadan. Every Yoruba traditional ruler who has not been to Ibadan or who doesn’t have a house in Ibadan hasn’t fulfilled the mandate because Ibadan is not for those of the past alone.

    “Kabiyesi, just the way we all own Ibadan, so also all Yoruba own Ife, and God has placed Ooni as the Arole of Oodua to keep taking care of all of us and God will help you to lead us aright. Kabiyesi, I thank you for the support, because when things were really tough, you stood by me and helped a lot.’’

    Ladoja said he would use the opportunity of his reign to ask the Federal Government for the creation of Ibadan State, so as to help the state achieve more as the political headquarters of the defunct Western Region.

    “The man at the helm now is our man and I have told him (President Bola Ahmed Tinubu), we have fixed the coronation for September 26 and he said without hesitation that he would come. The ministers and cabinet members are also assuring me that the President will be present. All these are so encouraging to us.’’

    Oba Ogunwusi, who was elated and excited at the large turnout and reception accorded him by the residents and indigenes of Ibadan, said Oba Ladoja had been a strong pillar of support to him for many years and as such he was so happy that God had made him the next Olubadan.

    According to him, Oba Ladoja will be the first traditional ruler to have served as governor and senator in the region.

    He said Oba Ladoja should be concerned about the development, progress and unity among Yoruba Obas and Yorubaland at large.

    He urged Ibadan people to support Ladoja so that he would enjoy a  successful reign as the Olubadan of Ibadanland.

    High point of the event was the presentation of gifts to the Olubadan-designate.

  • Baales, Mogajis join Ladoja to receive Ogunwusi

    Baales, Mogajis join Ladoja to receive Ogunwusi

    Members of the Olubadan-in-Council, high chiefs, compound heads (mogajis), community heads (baales), community leaders, women groups, socio-cultural groups, members of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), trade groups, politicians and other eminent indigenes of Ibadanland were yesterday at Ondo Street, Bodija, Ibadan residence of the Olubadan-designate, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, to receive the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi.

    Dressed in mostly white attires, the people were treated to sonorous music by local drummers and percussionists.

    Read Also: Otuabagi: Oil-rich land turns burial ground for children

    Vehicles were parked at both sides of Ondo Street leading to the home of Oba Ladoja, leaving only one lane for motorists and passers-by.

    From the entrance junction, combined security operatives, including Amotekun Corps operatives, were strategically stationed to beef up security.

    Petty traders made brisk businesses.

  • Tinubu’s planned ward-based initiative will promote development, says Babayemi

    Tinubu’s planned ward-based initiative will promote development, says Babayemi

    An All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant in Osun State, Omooba Dotun Babayemi, has said the planned ward-based initiative of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would stimulate the nation’s growth, especially at the grassroots.

    He said the programme tagged: ‘Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme (RHWDP)’, which was in the offing, had been designed to accelerate grassroots development through the 8,809 wards in the country by empowering artisans, youths, women and small business owners anchored on a structured support.

    The Gbongan-born prince, who lauded the President’s rural based initiative, said he was particularly happy because it formed part of his own vision for Osun State, which informed why he embarked on a statewide ward-to-ward tour since June 18.

    “I want to commend our President, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, for this people-driven initiative. I am particularly thrilled because it’s in tandem with my own vision for Osun State. This is the more reason I have been touring the state since May. We started with the 30 local governments and now the 332 wards. Already, we have visited 156,” he said.

    The aspirant said the widely accepted ward tour, which had become the talk of the town in the state, came after he had concluded a month-long consultative visit to leaders and stakeholders in the 30 local governments.

    Read Also: Otuabagi: Oil-rich land turns burial ground for children

    Babayemi in continuation of his tour to 14 wards in Ejigbo, Ede South, Osogbo and Olorunda local governments, said Tinubu’s planned RHWDP, which would take place across the 8,809 wards throughout Nigeria, would cater for 1,000 people in smaller ward and 2,000 people in bigger ones.

    The governorship hopeful, who had been to 156 out of the 332 wards in the state at press time, noted that the election of an APC administration in next year’s governorship election would complement the efforts of the Tinubu administration in this regard.

    “Opportunities will be opened to our people in the state if APC is elected at the 2026 governorship election. It will be highly beneficial if APC controls the centre, Osun State and local governments. This is why we should all work assiduously to ensure the party emerges victorious at all levels,” he said.

    Babayemi said he would ensure grassroots development if given the opportunity to be in the saddle from 2026, noting that his visit to wards had exposed the challenges the people were facing.

    He implored members of the party across the state to forge a common front in order to ensure the victory of the party at the coming governorship election.

  • Ekiti monarch cries out over alleged plot to destabilise community

    Ekiti monarch cries out over alleged plot to destabilise community

    The Regent of Ijesha Isu-Ekiti in Ikole Local Government Area of Ekiti State, Omobolaji Adeniyi, has raised the alarm over alleged moves by some individuals to disrupt the peace of the town through subversive activities.

    Addressing reporters yesterday, the Regent accused a former Speaker of the House of Assembly, Gboyega Aribisogan and his associates of plotting to cause unrest in the community.

    The Regent condemned a recent radio announcement, which claimed that High Chief Olusegun Akiti, the Eleje of Ijesha Isu, had been suspended, describing it as false and malicious.

    She said: “We want to address some issues that have been going on in this town for some time now. Sometime last week there was a radio announcement that high Chief Olusegun Akiti, the Eleje of Ijesa-Isu Ekiti, was being suspended indefinitely by some set of people.

    Read Also: Otuabagi: Oil-rich land turns burial ground for children

    “I am here to inform everyone that such development never happened. There was no suspension whatsoever. If there will be any suspension, some procedures have to be followed. Such processes and procedures never took place, which includes setting up an investigative committee to look at the issues warranting such action in part of our community.

    “ Part of the procedure also included interrogating the person accused for the sake of fair hearing, but nothing like that took place. It is very disturbing for us to hear that Chief Akiti has been suspended through a radio broadcast. If such were to happen, the entire Obanla-In-Council seated here would be in the know.

    “It will be their joint decision and we can’t just wake up and say we will suspend a high chief for that matter. I am appealing to Nigerians and indigenes of Ijesa Isu Ekiti in particular to please disregard the purported suspension.

    “There have been some knotty issues going on in the community even before I was installed as the regent of this town, that was before the death of my late father. At first, I never thought it would degenerate into this level.”

    According to her, the security operatives both at the community and the state level have been informed and they are on top of the situation.

    “It is my prayer that there will be no violence that arises from this incident.

    “My appeal to the state government is that they should intervene. Every chieftaincy has a procedure. If any town wants to be independent, there are steps to be taken for that town to be granted autonomy.

    Contacted, ex-Speaker Aribisogan denied involvement in any plot to cause unrest, dismissing the allegations as a cheap blackmail concocted to malign his hard-earned integrity.

    He insisted that his concern had always been for the unity and progress of the town, saying: “It’s unfortunate that my name is being dragged into matters that have nothing to do with me.

    “I have no reason to foment trouble in my own community. Those making these claims are only trying to divert attention from the real issues.”

    “To the best of my knowledge, there have been no such processes and no notification to the Obanla-In-Council. I am appealing to the government to ensure the set of people trying to disrupt the peace, harmony and peaceful coexistence of this town are called to order. “

    Reacting to his purported suspension, Chief Akiti described the announcement as a fabrication.

    He noted that he was properly installed and issued a letter of appointment as Eleje of Ipole Ileje in Ijesha Isu, saying he could not be illegally removed by a few individuals acting outside the law.

    “I remain committed to the peaceful co-existence of the community and urge residents to go about their normal activities. Any act of harassment or intimidation by miscreants should be reported to the authorities,” he said

  • Judge warns defendants to keep away from Aagba land

    Judge warns defendants to keep away from Aagba land

    An Oyo State High Court sitting in Ibadan has warned Chief Sunday Aderinto and 13 other defendants standing trial in a case of alleged attempted murder and land grabbing to refrain from further encroaching on Aagba land.

    Justice Kareem Adedokun said earlier court judgment had proved that the land belonged to Aagba village and not the people of Oko and that they could not lay false claim to it.

    He gave the warning after the prosecutor, Mr I. O. Abdulazeez, told the court that the defendants had continuously disregarded the court’s order to stop all forms of violent attacks against the complainants, that is, Dr Isaac Abiodun and the people of Aagba.

    He made reference to the petition written by R. A. Ogunwole & Co. firm in respect of the latest attacks against Aagba village.

    Read Also: Otuabagi: Oil-rich land turns burial ground for children

    At the resumption of trial, Abdulazeez told the court that the defendants had remained adamant by continuously encroaching on Aagba land to carry out unlawful activities, thereby denying them the opportunity of working on their farms as a result of incessant violent attacks.

    He said the complainants were ready to testify.

    Recall that Abiodun, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Tropical Culture Farm, a farm estate, and the people of Aagba have jointly instituted the suit against the 14 defendants.

    According to the complainants, the defendants invaded Aagba village in 2021, maiming people and destroying property.

    They also told the court that they wrote a petition to the Inspector General of Police (IGP), who ordered investigation after which he informed the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), who in turn ordered Oyo State Ministry of Justice to institute a criminal case against the defendants.

    It will also be recalled that some of the defendants were involved in the April 5, 2025 invasion and burning down of some sections of Aagba land where a 70 year-old woman died as a result of the injuries sustained from the attack.

  • Ooni, residents clash over alleged extortion

    Ooni, residents clash over alleged extortion

    Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi and residents of the community yesterday bickered over alleged imposition of Olojo Festival levy on them.

    The residents, under the union, Artisans, Peasants and Traders Association of Nigeria (APTAN), in a statement yesterday signed by the Coordinator and Secretary of APTAN, Ile-Ife branch, Saidi Adegoke and  Monsur Jimoh, alleged that their members were being harassed by representatives of the Palace of Ooni of Ife over their refusal to pay the  Olojo festival levy.

    They called on the federal and state governments as well as the police to intervene.

    Read Also: Otuabagi: Oil-rich land turns burial ground for children

    They said: “The incident occurred at Ojatuntun Otisese weekly market on September 16. Some men who claimed to represent the Palace of the Ooni of Ife stormed the market and forcefully seized goods belonging to APTAN members.”

    Reacting to the allegation, Ooni through his media aide, Moses Olafare, denied the claim, saying Oba Ogunwusi had provided fund for the festival.

    He said: ‘’The palace could not have and did not send anybody to commit crime in the name of Olojo festival. The persons collecting the money ought to have been arrested and made to face the full wrath of the law.’’

  • Rep Oshun celebrates First Lady’s legacy on 65th birthday

    Rep Oshun celebrates First Lady’s legacy on 65th birthday

    Member representing Lagos Mainland Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Moshood Olanrewaju Oshun, has joined millions of Nigerians in celebrating the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Her Excellency, Senator (Dr.) Oluremi Tinubu, CON, on the occasion of her 65th birthday.

    In a powerful tribute, Hon. Oshun described the First Lady as “a woman of extraordinary vision, unwavering compassion, and steadfast dedication to the service of our nation.” He hailed her as a pillar of strength to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and an enduring source of inspiration to millions of Nigerians across all walks of life.

    “Her Excellency, at 65, you stand as a matriarch of our nation, a symbol of grace, wisdom, and principled leadership. Your life and work exemplify the highest standards of service, combining integrity, empathy, and foresight to uplift communities and empower the vulnerable,” Hon. Oshun said.

    He particularly commended the First Lady’s Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), describing it as a transformative and visionary platform that has brought succour, restored dignity, and inspired hope across Nigeria. Her tireless interventions in healthcare, education, social welfare, and women’s empowerment, he noted, reflect a rare combination of compassion and action that has left an indelible mark on the nation.

    “Your service goes beyond the ceremonial. You have set a standard for leadership rooted in humility, discipline, and unwavering commitment to humanity. Your life is a testament to what it means to lead with heart and to serve with excellence,” he added.

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    Hon. Oshun prayed that Almighty God would continue to bless the First Lady with long life, robust health, and enduring strength, so she may continue her noble service to the nation with distinction and integrity.

    He concluded: “Her Excellency, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, is not only the First Lady of Nigeria; she is a mother to the nation, a beacon of hope, and a living example of selfless service. At 65, we celebrate her remarkable legacy and her continued inspiration to generations of Nigerians.”

  • Oyo 2027: Oladele hosts APC secretaries, PROs across Oyo 33 LGAs

    Oyo 2027: Oladele hosts APC secretaries, PROs across Oyo 33 LGAs

    …promises to strengthen party unity

    The 66 local government secretaries and PROs of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State have showered praises on APC governorship aspirant and Baàmẹ̀kọ́ of Ibadanland, Oloye Saheed Oladele, during a special event he hosted on Saturday in Bodija, Ibadan.

    Welcoming the party stakeholders, Princess Funmilola Balogun commended them for honouring Oladele’s invitation, noting that the meeting was aimed at fostering familiarity and discussing ways to advance Oyo State through his governorship ambition.

    In his remarks, Oladele expressed gratitude for the turnout of notable APC members from across the 33 local governments, stressing that party unity and cohesion remain paramount to him.

    Read Also: 13 terrorists killed, bandit leaders, 28 criminals arrested in nationwide onslaught 

    He explained that his aspiration to govern Oyo State stems from a conviction that the state deserves better across all sectors.

    Outlining his agenda, Oladele pledged to prioritise local government autonomy and education. He criticised the current administration for starving LGAs of their statutory allocations, which he said has hindered grassroots development.

    He vowed that under his leadership, all 33 local governments would develop evenly, with full control of their funds.

    Fielding questions from the party stakeholders, the Baàmẹ̀kọ́ of Ibadanland asserted that it is only the emergence of a credible and marketable governorship candidate from the APC that would ensure victory for the party in Oyo State at the polls in 2027.

    Responding to Oloye Oladele on behalf of all the secretaries and PROs present, the party secretary in Ibadan North East local government, Mr Maruf Lawal Adeyemi, expressed that Baàmẹ̀kọ́ was the first guber aspirant ever in the history of Oyo State to accord them recognition by inviting them to a political consultation, a statement unanimously echoed by all the secretaries and PROs present.

    He said Baàmẹ̀kọ́ could be appropriately called ‘Koṣẹlẹri’ because of the novel idea of inviting them to the meeting for consultation. They advised Oloye Oladele to continue to engage the top echelon of APC at the federal level, the apex leaders in the state, and the grassroots leaders in the local government areas.