The Nation Newspaper

Category: South West

  • Oseni disowns group calling for Adelabu, Folarin to jettison Gov ambitions

    Oseni disowns group calling for Adelabu, Folarin to jettison Gov ambitions

    The lawmaker representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Aderemi Oseni, has distanced himself from a report credited to a group, ‘Igba Otun’, calling on Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu and former Senate Leader, Sen. Teslim Folarin to step aside from the 2027 governorship race in Oyo State.

    Oseni, in a statement by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, described his call for Adelabu and Folarin to step aside from the 2027 gubernatorial race as false, malicious, and mischievous.

    The lawmaker said he holds the APC leaders in the highest esteem and has no hand in the propaganda.

    Oseni said he has no link with the so-called ‘Igba Otun’ group and did not commission, endorse or authorise such divisive publication.

    “This is a clear act of mischief designed by desperate opportunists to cause disunity in our party.

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    “We strongly condemn this malicious attempt to blackmail Hon. Oseni by dragging his name into unfounded speculations. It is imperative to emphasize that he is a man of integrity with a consistent record of clean, issue-based politics, devoid of propaganda or divisive tendencies. 

    “The political journey of Oseni over the years has been defined by positive contributions, respect for leaders, and mutual cooperation with stakeholders across the board.

    “Let it also be clearly stated that Hon. Oseni has not, at any time, declared interest in the governorship race. He remains fully focused on delivering effective representation to his constituents, discharging his legislative responsibilities, and working with all leaders and stakeholders to rebuild and reposition the APC in Oyo State for future victories,” he said. 

    Oseni stated Folarin and Adelabu remain leaders whom he respects deeply. 

    While Oseni regarded Folarin as an elder brother, political leader and mentor, he considered Adelabu as a younger brother and his close friend.

  • 22 shops, others gone in Kwara market fire

    22 shops, others gone in Kwara market fire

    An early morning fire yesterday gutted the popular Kara Market in Ajase-Ipo, Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.

    The inferno consumed 22 plank shops and six containers.

    The incident was said to have emanated from an improperly extinguished fire used for cooking.

    Spokesperson of the state Fire Service, Hassan Adekunle, who confirmed the incident, said the incident happened about 1:35 am.

    “On arrival at the scene, firefighters discovered that out of a total of 323 shops in the market, comprising 22 plank shops and seven kiosks, the fire affected 22 plank shops and six container shops.

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    “Preliminary investigation revealed that the incident was caused by negligence, as one of the occupants of the plank shops failed to properly extinguish fire used for cooking.

    “The fire later reignited, spreading rapidly to nearby shops.

    “The timely intervention by the state firemen helped prevent further escalation and safeguarded hundreds of other shops and properties from destruction.”

    He urged the public to ensure proper handling of fire and to take safety measures seriously, especially in marketplaces where combustible materials are in abundance.

  • Training for Oyo State residents

    Training for Oyo State residents

    Seyi Adisa Development Initiative (SADI), in collaboration with Oguntoyinbo Foundation, has launched vocational skill training – tailoring, nail technology and website design, among others, to shape creative and digital economy in Awe, Afijio Local Government of Oyo State.

    The programme was attended by over a hundred trainees, community stakeholders, alumni and instructors.

    As part of the launch, three outstanding alumni from 2024 cohort were empowered to deepen their journey into entrepreneurship, with each receiving start-up support equipment.

    Programme Manager, Miss Adelayo Adeyemo, reiterated the pseudo-internship structure for vocational skill acquisition at SADI, to ensure sustainability.

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    She urged graduates to remain in contact with their instructors, show progress on the online community platforms and contribute value by working on real-life projects, such as making bags for clients or family, doing wigs, cakes for clients at home and abroad, or continuing to build websites for small businesses.

    The new participants were introduced to the monitoring and evaluation plan, where their training is tracked.

    Equipment and facilities are made available at SADI Vocational Skill Centre for those who do not yet own tools, ensuring no one is left behind due to financial limitations.

    The new alumni thanked the foundation and SADI Nigeria for choosing them as examples of transformation, promising to make use of the opportunity and their skills.

  • Oyo fixes Ladoja’s coronation as 44th Olubadan for Sept 26

    Oyo fixes Ladoja’s coronation as 44th Olubadan for Sept 26

    Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde yesterday approved the nomination of Oba Rashidi Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.

    The approval follows the nomination of the former governor by the members of the Olubadan-in-Council.

    The governor has fixed September 26th for the coronation, a day after Ladoja’s 81st birthday.

    The conclusion was reached at a meeting held during Governor Makinde’s visit to Oba Ladoja at his Ondo Street, Bodija, Ibadan, home.

    The visit was Makinde’s first since the return of the former governor to the state, having been away before the death of Oba Owolabi Olakulehin.

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    The development is coming as a confirmation of the words of Oba Ladoja, who had told his guests on Monday that with his return to the state, he would meet relevant stakeholders to get a date for the coronation.

    Addressing the family members, associates and residents, Oba Ladoja had said he would also meet relevant stakeholders, including the governor, traditionalists: Oluwo and Araba, to facilitate his installation process, which, according to him, is coincidental.

    The Nation reports that Oba Ladoja, who was born in 1944, will be enthroned as the 44th Olubadan on September 26, a day after his 81st birthday.

    At the meeting, a former President General of Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Chief Bayo Oyero, was picked to chair the Coronation Committee.

    Names of other members were yet to be made public at press time.

    The Nation, however, gathered that there are indications that the coronation may not hold at the historic Mapo Hall, Ibadan, due to the many guests and individuals  expected to show up at the event.

    A source said some individuals are likely to push for the use of either Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba, Ibadan or Obafemi Awolowo Stadium (formerly Liberty Stadium), Liberty Road, Oke Ado, Ibadan.

    But, it remains uncertain if the move will see the light of the day or be pushed forward by the members of the Coronation Committee.

  • Why I was sacked, by Oyebanji’s ex-Ekiti agency boss

    Why I was sacked, by Oyebanji’s ex-Ekiti agency boss

    The former Chairman, Ekiti State Microcredit and Enterprise Development Agency, Akogun Abayomi Olumide, who was recently sacked by Governor Biodun Oyebanji, has alleged that he was removed for supporting a governorship aspirant, Kayode Ojo, ahead of the 2026 Ekiti State governorship election.

    Last Saturday, Governor Oyebanji announced Olumide’s sack as the chairman of the agency “for gross misconduct and dereliction of duty.”

    But Olumide in a statement yesterday in Lagos said his removal was politically-motivated and hinged it on “refusal to align with Oyebanji” for the 2026 election.

    He urged Ekiti residents to ignore the claims of the governor that he was sacked over corruption, saying he remained committed to his political conviction.

    He added that Ojo’s candidacy represents hope for Ekiti people.

    Olumide further spoke on the corruption allegation against him: “The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) said the agency should recover funds amounting to N1.6 billion. But along the line, we met bottlenecks. Politicians were interfering, saying the money was not disbursed by us. Because of these obstacles, we decided to stop and recommended that those who issued the money should be responsible for the recovery.

    “So, in view of that, we continued with our own mandate. Later, we read in the newspapers that the state government released N500 million to a microfinance company that had just opened in Ekiti. We wanted to understand the modus operandi and how they intended to disburse the funds.

    “We discovered it was meant to be a counterpart arrangement. But the Lagos microfinance company’s contribution was not forthcoming. Our board even held a virtual meeting with them, but they told us the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with the state did not include our agency.

    “That means we were completely sidelined. People outside were asking me, as the chairman of Ekiti microfinance agency, about the disbursement. I told them we had no hand in it. That was the beginning of the loggerheads.

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    “At that point, I even considered resigning, but board members persuaded me to be patient. We wanted to see the governor and report the situation, but there was no access.

    “So, I concluded there were shady dealings within the agency which were not known to me as chairman. The public was not benefiting from the disbursement. That’s why I stopped going to office and made my intention to resign clear. I even prepared my resignation letter.

    “However, on Saturday night, I heard on the radio that I had been relieved of my position for “gross misconduct and dereliction of duty.” They asked me to hand over property in my care. But I had no office property, I didn’t sign cheques, I didn’t disburse money, and no funds were allocated to the agency. So, I don’t know what I was supposed to surrender, my personal vehicle, my house, or my wife’s car?

    “I believe politics is a matter of choice, not force. As a citizen, I have the right to support anyone I choose. But because I supported Kayode Ojo, I was victimised.

    “I am supporting Kayode Ojo because I no longer have confidence in Oyebanji’s leadership. Kayode Ojo is a man of impeccable character, who has managed businesses and created jobs for many people.”

  • Traditionalists hail Makinde, Adeleke, Sanwo-Olu, Abiodun for declaring Isese Day holiday

    Traditionalists hail Makinde, Adeleke, Sanwo-Olu, Abiodun for declaring Isese Day holiday

    • Oba of Lagos prays for peace

    Ondo State chapter of Assembly of Traditional Religion Worshippers (ATRWOS) has hailed the governors of Oyo, Osun, Ogun and Lagos states, Seyi Makinde, Ademola Adeleke, Dapo Abiodun and Babajide Sanwo-Olu for declaring yesterday as a public holiday to celebrate Isese Day.

    The kind gesture, according to the Coordinator of ATRWOS, Chief Adewale Oso, in a statement made available by the Publicity Secretary of the group in Ondo State, Prince Ojopagogo Adeyinka, ‘’is a landmark recognition of the cultural and traditional values of our people.

    ‘’By officially setting aside a day to honour Isese, the governors have further demonstrated their commitment to inclusivity, cultural preservation and respect for the diverse religious heritage of Yorubaland.

    “We, therefore, call on other governors in the Southwest and neighbouring states, particularly in Ondo, Ekiti, Kogi and Kwara states to emulate this noble idea by officially recognising and declaring Isese Day as a public holiday. Such a step will not only strengthen cultural identity, but also promote unity and peace within our communities”.

    Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, has urged residents to remain truthful and respectful as they celebrate this year’s Isese Festival.

    He wished them a peaceful and successful commemoration of Yoruba tradition.

    In his goodwill message, the monarch said honesty and mutual respect were vital for sustaining harmony and progress on Lagos Island and across Nigeria.

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    He prayed for peace, unity and blessings for the community as traditional worshippers observed the annual rites.

    At the celebration, Chief Obanikoro and Secretary of Traditional Chiefs in Lagos, Chief Adesoji Ajayiwele, emphasised the spiritual significance of the event.

    “We first have to thank the Governor of Lagos State for giving us a holiday on August 20. Isese Festival is about offering prayers for the peace of the country, nothing more than prayers. This is what we do here,” he said.

    He dispelled fears of violence often linked to traditional rites, noting that Lagos Island had recorded over two decades of peaceful celebrations.

    “In the past 24 years, we have not experienced any violence in Lagos during Isese. At my Oluwola Palace, we have many deities like Sango, Oya and Odunle Ogodoro. We don’t curse anyone; all our practices are for peace,” he added.

    Executive Chairman of Lagos Island Local Government, Prince Taiwo Oyekan, reaffirmed the importance of preserving Yoruba culture.

    “It’s our culture, and we celebrate it every year. This is my first Isese Day in office as the chairman, and I want to make it bigger so that our community can continue to enjoy peace,” he said.

    He praised the traditional chiefs for their role in praying for the nation and Lagos Island, describing the festival as a showcase of Yoruba heritage.

  • No rift with Ooni, says Alaafin

    No rift with Ooni, says Alaafin

    The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, has dismissed claims of a rift with the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, describing such reports as false and driven by mischief makers.

    In a seven-minute, 21-second interview with the BBC News Yoruba, Alaafin said he bears no grudge against anyone, stressing that his actions are guided by conscience, rather than malice.

    “To the best of my knowledge, I bear no grudge against anyone, for all my actions are guided by conscience rather than malice,” he said.

    He explained that misrepresentations of relationships between notable figures are not new, recalling how, in earlier years, bloggers had falsely claimed that Fuji music icons Barrister and Kollington were at loggerheads.

    “The testimonies of our traditions and the chronicles of our history remain clear. In this modern age, we also have bloggers, whose primary concern is often monetary gain. When we were younger, it was not uncommon to see such bloggers falsely claiming that Barrister and Kollington were at loggerheads, which was never the case,” he said.

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    According to the Alaafin, such attempts to sow discord stem from the recognition of the Alaafin and the Ooni as foremost monarchs in Yorubaland.

    “Such things are not new; they have always existed. The reason, I believe, is because the Alaafin and the Ooni are regarded as foremost monarchs in Yorubaland. For that reason, some people imagine rivalry between them and exploit it on social media for profit,” he said.

    He further clarified that his relationship with the Ooni remained cordial, citing a recent meeting in Lagos where they exchanged pleasantries.

    “For my part, I have no quarrel with anyone, nor am I in conflict with anyone. I recall that we met in Lagos with Kabiyesi Onirisa, where we exchanged pleasantries and demonstrated that there was no division among us. Yet, there are always those who wish to stir up trouble, merely to suggest that one monarch is superior to another.”

  • Edo Assembly clears eight commissioner-nominees

    Edo Assembly clears eight commissioner-nominees

    Edo State House of Assembly has cleared eight persons nominated as commissioners by Governor Monday Okpebholo.

    He had requested the assembly to clear the nominees.

    The house cleared the nominees after considering report of its Committee on Rules, Business and Government House.

    Speaker Blessing Agbebaku said the nominees were indigenes, competent, experienced and were qualified to occupy the positions of commissioners. 

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    Agbebaku urged them to be proactive and work in synergy with the governor to ensure Edo moves forward.

    The nominees cleared are Nosa Adams, Yakubu Oshiorenua, Felix Akhabue, Prof. Omorodion Ignatius, Ohimai Ehijimetor, Eugenia Abdallah, Godwin Eshieshi and Prince Kassim Afegbua.

    Okpebholo will now have 14 commissioners in his executive council (exco).

    The governor has four additional commissioners to appoint to meet the constitutional requirement of one commissioner per local government.

  • Tinubu loyalists knock critics over attack on Oyebanji

    Tinubu loyalists knock critics over attack on Oyebanji

    Loyalists of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu under the aegis of ‘BAO Grassroots Support for President Tinubu’, have deplored attacks on Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji, on the poor condition of some federal roads in the state.

    The group described the criticisms as “unacceptable and hypocritical,” noting that Governor Oyebanji had successfully reconstructed a federal road (Ado-Ifaki Highway) and hundreds of state and local roads under three years.

    The body, in a statement by the state Coordinator, Prince Tunji Ogunlola and Director of Publicity, Mr Odunayo Ogunmola, said the governor had touched all parts of the state through road construction, reconstruction and rehabilitation.

    The group added that Oyebanji had taken Ekiti to a higher pedestal of sustainable development, which had rubbed off positively on the fortunes of the people he led and had made the state a positive reference point on indices of good governance in Nigeria.

    It said the governor had strengthened the economy of Ekiti with massive investment in agriculture, job creation, tourism development, citizens’ empowerment, workers’ and pensioners’ welfare and infrastructure.

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    The group said Oyebanji had justified the popular mandate given to him by the electorate in 2022 to justify another term in office in 2026 to consolidate on the developmental strides so far witnessed in the state.

    It noted that Oyebanji had succeeded in turning Ekiti into a nationally and globally recognised investment and tourism destination in key sectors, thereby boosting the industrial and revenue profile of the state for the benefit of the people, especially youths, artisans and local businesses, who are now handsomely patronised by government and investors.

    The statement said: “There are more than 5,000 roads in Ekiti State, while Ado-Ekiti has more than 500 roads and the governor has touched all parts of the state through road construction, reconstruction and rehabilitation. It is unacceptable and mischievous to call out the governor for the bad condition of three federal roads when in actual fact he has successfully rebuilt Ado-Ifaki Federal Highway on which the critics have been silent.

    “We commend the governor for the work he has done on Ikere-Igbara Odo Road, Igbara Odo-Ikogosi Road, Ido-Ipere Road, Isinbode-Ara-Ikole Road, Okemesi-Itawure Road, Agric Olope-Moferere Road, Faglo-Olorunsogo Road, Ajebamidele-Deeper Life Camp-Omisanjana Road, 3rd Extension GRA Road, the just asphalted Igirigiri Road, Odo Ado, Oke Aso Road and the new Ring Road that connects EKSU with Ago Aduloju, just to mention a few.

    “Governor Oyebanji has proved that Ekiti multi-sectoral transformation goes beyond only roads. Ekiti development touches other sectors as well and he is doing just that by boosting human capital, alleviating poverty, providing employment and ensuring all the people get what is due to them without discrimination and marginaliSation.”

    It thanked Tinubu for his support for Ekiti and Oyebanji, noting that the President had proved time and again that Ekiti State occupied a special place in his heart, urging the people to keep faith with his administration.

  • Oyo govt inaugurates Ladigbolu, Saka Balogun, others as AIDS ambassadors

    Oyo govt inaugurates Ladigbolu, Saka Balogun, others as AIDS ambassadors

    Oyo State Government has inaugurated six prominent indigenes as ambassadors of Oyo State Agency for the Control of AIDS (OYSACA), in a renewed push to strengthen the fight against HIV/AIDS in the state.

    The appointees include Chairman, Oyo Metropolitan Development Association, Archbishop Emeritus Ayo Ladigbolu; wife of the Olubadan-designate, Chief (Mrs) Mutiat Ladoja; Balogun of Ogbomosoland, Chief (Dr) Saka Balogun; ex-House of Representatives member, Shina Peller; Alhaji Rasaq Adeleke; and Wale Saminu.

     The committee was inaugurated by the Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal, who represented Governor Seyi Makinde at the ceremony held at the OYSACA Conference Room, Government House Road, Ibadan, yesterday.

    Lawal said the government had committed N45 million and provided 10,000 HIV test kits to support the agency’s work.

    He congratulated the newly appointed ambassadors and urged them to lend their influence and networks to the campaign against the spread of HIV/AIDS.

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    “Our choice of these ambassadors is deliberate and specific,” the deputy governor said. “They are people we believe can deliver on this mandate. We also appreciate that they have offered their services voluntarily, without demanding any form of remuneration.”

    OYSACA Chairman, Dr. Gbola Adetunji, explained why the state needed ambassadors in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

    According to him, their role is to promote the agency’s mission and values through representation, raise awareness and support through advocacy, and influence opinion and policy through their voices and platforms.

    “In this context,” Adetunji said, “we are trying to reduce stigma, promote prevention and treatment, support affected communities, and advocate policy changes. Our ambassadors were well chosen and are expected to assist the state in this onerous task, and we know that they are capable.”

    Archbishop Ladigbolu, who spoke after the inauguration, described his appointment as a recognition of the work he has done over the past two decades with the HIV/AIDS Support Group he founded in Oyo town, which has been serving the four local government areas that make up the entire Oyo Metropolitan Area.

    He pledged to intensify efforts in grassroots advocacy and sensitisation.

    The event attracted stakeholders in the state’s health sector, faith leaders and other partners in the fight against HIV/AIDS.