The Nation Newspaper

Category: South West

  • Ondo police arrest 29-yr-old for allegedly feigning own kidnap to extort parents

    Ondo police arrest 29-yr-old for allegedly feigning own kidnap to extort parents

    Operatives of the Ondo Police Command have arrested a 29-year-old man, identified as Bello Azeez, for allegedly staging his own abduction in a bid to extort money from his family and friends.

    Azeez, a native of Ipele in Owo Local Government Area, was apprehended on Saturday after police investigations revealed that he masterminded the scheme after his father allegedly declined his request for a loan of N500, 000 to settle a debt.

    According to the police command, Azeez pretended to be travelling to Ibadan, Oyo State capital, on August 11, 2025, before placing distressed phone calls to relatives, claiming he had been kidnapped.

    He reportedly pleaded for ransom to secure his release.

    Disturbed by the situation, his parents and friends were said to have mobilised funds and launched a GoFundMe account, eventually raising N500, 000.

    The police investigation revealed that the ransom was then transferred into Azeez’s personal bank account on his instructions.

    Read Also: Ogun by-election: Police confirm arrest of INEC officials

    Suspicion arose when family members noticed that the “kidnappers” insisted on having the ransom paid directly into the supposed victim’s account- an unusual practice in abduction cases.

    The family subsequently alerted the police.

    Detectives tracked the phone number used during the negotiations and discovered that Azeez never left Owo town throughout the period of his alleged captivity.

    He was arrested and, during interrogation, confessed to the crime.

    Confirming the development in a statement issued in Akure, the police spokesperson, Olayinka Ayanlade, said the suspect will be charged to court upon completion of investigations.

    “This case once again underscores the dangers of greed, deceit, and the lure of quick wealth, which often push individuals into acts capable of ruining their future,” Ayanlade, a Deputy Superintendent of police (DSP) said in the statement.

    He urged parents and guardians to properly guide their children against crime, peer pressure, and moral decadence.

  • 2026: I’ll industrialise Osun, prioritise youth employment, says APC guber aspirant Ogunbiyi

    2026: I’ll industrialise Osun, prioritise youth employment, says APC guber aspirant Ogunbiyi

    The chairman of Mutual Benefits Assurance Plc and a governorship aspirant, Dr. Akin Ogunbiyi, has vowed to industrialise Osun State if elected as the governor of the state in August 8th, 2026.

    Ogunbiyi who is vying for gubernatorial ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC), during his ongoing statewide consultation held in Ila and Ifedayo local government areas, promised to deliver good governance if entrusted with people’s mandate to serve and given the party’s ticket for the 2026 election.

    The consultation was attended by APC Party leaders, ward executives and members among others stakeholders.

    Addressing the leaders, Ogunbiyi, said: “I will put Osun state on the road map of states with huge investment in Agriculture and Urban renewal, industrialization and Youth employment as often stated in my manifestoes if giving the baton to serve.

    Read Also: APC edges to victory in Edo by-election 

    “My fidelity is to provide good governance to my people. If you look at my journey, I have not served in any capacity or taken any appointment either as board chairman or member of any agency or parastatal yet, I have created 5, 000 jobs. Very few of us can boast of this incentives without power.”

    He reiterated that the energy and commitment of the local communities underscored a shared vision for a prosperous future.

    “I am committed to making Osun a hub for industrialization, creating opportunities for our youth, and ensuring sustainable growth.”

    Earlier, a former House of Representatives member, Femi Kehinde, described Ogunbiyi as a self-made man who is also prudent and has strong intellectual capacities to develop Osun State for the benefit of the people.

  • Film school appoints Bakare as governing board chair

    Film school appoints Bakare as governing board chair

    The management of Goodwill Film School, Ado-Ekiti, has announced the appointment of Professor Rasaki Ojo Bakare as the Chairman, Governing Council of the institution.

    Bakare, a foremost Professor of Choreography and Performance Aesthetics, is a veteran creative arts practitioner and scholar who also is the immediate past Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy in Ekiti State.

    He is a staff member of the Department of Theatre and Media Arts, Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, where he was also Dean of Postgraduate School.

    Read Also: BAOSA poised to transform school with N1b devt fund

    The Proprietor of the school, Comrade Dada Sunkanmi, a business mogul and Governor of the Theatre and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria ( TAMPPAN) Ekiti state chapter hailed Professor Bakare’s high level of integrity, selflessness, scholarly erudition and professional  competence.

    The new institution, according to Sunkanmi,  will commence academic and professional training in November 2025.

  • Ekiti urges students to maximise govt’s initiatives to build brighter future

    Ekiti urges students to maximise govt’s initiatives to build brighter future

    The Ekiti State Government has urged students in the state to properly utilize the numerous initiatives provided to them by the State Government to build a bright future for themselves.

    Speaking in Ado-Ekiti during the opening of the Safe Space Holiday Empowerment Bootcamp for public secondary school students in Ekiti state, the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Olabimpe Aderiye said the bootcamp was aimed at empowering the girl child through vocational skills, character building, and networking.

    Aderiye who represented by represented by the Ministry of Education Permanent Secretary, Michael Omolayo commended the leadership of the Adolescents Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) project for bringing up initiatives that benefit the girl child.

    Read Also:Ekiti monarch Alara of Aramoko dies at 82

    She reiterated the Governor Oyebanji-led administration’s commitment towards creating a conducive environment in ensuring that girl child education thrive in the state.

    She said: “This bootcamp is the idea of his Excellency, to bring about an enriching experience for the girl child and these enriching experiences cover vocational skills, character development and to grant them the opportunity that they cannot just learn in a classroom setting.

    “This is the second edition, we had the first edition in 2024 but this one is an expanded edition because we are having two batches for it. It’s like a coaching experience, exposing the girls to challenges ahead with the spirit that they can overcome them”, she added.

    The State AGILE Project Coordinator, Mrs Yewande Adesua, said that the purpose of the bootcamp was to accommodate students from different schools to build friendship, networks and interact freely without being intimidated.

    She explained that the bootcamp would expose the students to various skills, including Basic Signs Language, Digital Skills, and Empowerment Skills like Adire making and decorations.

    “This is organised for girls across public secondary schools in Ekiti State where we are holding safe space sessions across some of our public secondary schools.

    “The purpose of this is to bring our girls together, selected from different schools so that they can network and make friends, establish standing friendship that can last a lifetime because there’s a saying that your network will determine your net worth.

    “This bootcamp is an avenue for our girls to be vulnerable without feeling bad about themselves, this will enable them to have courage and confidence in themselves.

  • Lagos Deputy Speaker urges residents to participate in voters registration

    Lagos Deputy Speaker urges residents to participate in voters registration

    The deputy speaker of the Lagos house of assembly, Rt Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, has called on residents of the state to troop out to participate in the upcoming voters registration exercise.

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had earlier announced the commencement of the 2025 nationwide Continuous Voter Registration exercise ahead of the upcoming elections.

    The deputy speaker, in a post on her Instagram page, urged residents of Lagos to participate in the exercise, maintaining that the PVC is more than a mere card.

    She stated: “My message is simple: Your PVC is more than a card — it is your voice, your choice, and your power. Let us seize this moment to secure our ability to choose leaders who reflect our values and aspirations.

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    “I urge the people of Apapa Constituency 1, Lagosians, and all Nigerians to take advantage of this opportunity. Together, let us strengthen our democracy and shape the future we all desire.

    “The process is free, simple, and vital to ensuring you can exercise your constitutional right to vote. For online pre-registration, visit the INEC website from your phone or computer, and then proceed for biometric capture at the nearest centre.”

    According to the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Prof. Salami Ayobami, the exercise will begin on Monday, 18 August 2025, with an online pre-registration process, followed by in-person biometric capturing from Monday, 25 August 2025, and run until 30 August 2026.

  • Lagos court sacks Oba of Iju Ishaga, orders govt to withdraw recognition

    Lagos court sacks Oba of Iju Ishaga, orders govt to withdraw recognition

    A Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja has nullified the appointment and installation of Prince Bayo Iginla Akinbami as the Olu of Iju Ishaga, following a brazen violation of an earlier court order.

    In the judgment delivered in Court 20 of the General Civil Division, the presiding judge, Justice (Dr.) L.A.M. Folami granted all four prayers sought by the claimants.

    The claimants—Chief Adams Akande Balogun (head of the Arayomi Aiyeteru Ruling Family), Mr. Bashiru Alamu Balogun, and Mr. Rasheed Adewole Balogun, filed the suit on behalf of their family, arguing that their ruling house was next in line to produce the traditional ruler of Iju Ishaga.

    The court ruled on a Motion on Notice dated December 31, 2024, which sought to challenge the Lagos State Executive Council’s approval and subsequent installation of Prince Iginla during the pendency of the suit.

    Read Also: ‘Oba Sijuwade’s legacy mirrors traditional good governance’

    The judge held that despite a court order made on December 18, 2024, mandating all parties to maintain the status quo ante bellum, the installation went ahead prompting the claimants to seek redress.

    According to Justice Folami, the installation of Prince Akinbami was conducted in “total disobedience” of the existing court order and amounted to contempt of court.

    The judge held that the defendants, particularly the 1st Defendant (Chief Isaac Kolawole Akinbami of the Akinbami Ruling House), had “stolen a match” on the claimants during the litigation process.

    Citing legal authorities including Statoil (Nig.) Ltd v Star Deep Waters Petroleum Ltd and NDIC v Savannah Bank, the court emphasized that mandatory injunctions are appropriate remedies in cases where court orders are flouted in such a manner.

    Accordingly, Justice Folami therefore set aside the approval granted by the Lagos State Executive Council for the appointment and installation of Prince Bayo Iginla Akinbami.

    The judge also nullify the installation ceremony conducted in violation of the court’s directive and a restraining order against Prince Iginla from parading himself as Olu of Iju Ishaga, while the court also ordered the Lagos State Government, including the Attorney-General, Ministry of Local Government, and officials of Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government, to refrain from recognizing Iginla’s installation or extending any emoluments to him.

    The court gave the defendants 14 days to file an affidavit of compliance ahead of the next adjournment.

  • Residents block federal highway, protest poor conditions of roads in Ondo

    Residents block federal highway, protest poor conditions of roads in Ondo

    Residents of Ikare, Agbaluku, Imo, and Arigidi in Akoko North East Local Government Area of Ondo State on Saturday blocked the federal highway in their community to protest the deplorable condition of the road.

    The residents, mostly youths, described the 2.5-kilometre stretch as a “death trap”, lamenting that it had become impassable for motorists.

    The protesters accused their representatives in the National Assembly- Hon. Ifedayo Ehindero, the member representing Akoko North East/Akoko North West Federal Constituency, and Senator Jide Ipinsagba of Ondo North Senatorial District, of neglect.

    According to them, the road has been in a state of disrepair for over 15 years, causing nightmares for commuters and motorists.

    They noted that the dilapidated Arigidi–Ikaram–Ajowa road had been abandoned for decades despite repeated appeals to government authorities.

    The protestors stressed that the poor state of the highway has crippled trade and economic activities between Ondo and neighbouring states while also leading to frequent accidents and loss of lives.

    Read Also: Amotekun: Ondo residents issue score card five years after

    A spokesperson for the protesters, who identified himself as Oluwaseun, said the road, which links Ondo State to northern Nigeria, has become notorious for accidents, with casualties recorded almost every weekend.

    “This road has become a death trap. Every week, we lose people here. This morning, another vehicle somersaulted because of the bad portions. Enough is enough. Travelers use this highway to access Kogi, Edo, and even Abuja,” he lamented.

    Oluwaseun added that the residents have repeatedly drawn the attention of government officials, including Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and their state and federal representatives, but no action has been taken.

    “We cannot take this any longer. It is very painful that this road has been abandoned for the past 15 years, and no effort has been made to fix it,” he said.

    He also vowed that the protesters would not allow motorists to ply the road until rehabilitation works commence.

    Efforts to reach the two federal lawmakers proved abortive.

    A text message sent to seek reactions was yet to deliver as of the time of filling this report.

  • Ogbomoso leaders, others back Aborisade’ Gov bid

    Ogbomoso leaders, others back Aborisade’ Gov bid

    Ogbomoso and its neighbouring local government areas have rallied behind the gubernatorial bid of Chief Niyi Aborisade, an aspirant on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for the 2027 elections in Oyo State.

    Community leaders, youth, party loyalists, and residents on Wednesday trooped out en masse to welcome Aborisade during consultations. 

    The political colossus and his campaign team met with leaders and selected stakeholders from across Ogbomoso and adjoining LGAs.

    Read Also: Adelabu meets APC leaders, stakeholders in Ogbomoso, Oyo

    The gatherings witnessed enthusiastic support, with residents, political stakeholders, and youth groups pledging to work tirelessly towards his victory.

    A statement by Niyi Aborisade Media Office described the reception as overwhelming.

    “It was a big day for us. Our camp is swelling with great people, and the five local governments of Ogbomoso are not left out. They have promised to give their full support to ensure our aspiration to become governor of Oyo State is realised. The people were jubilant that a human rights activist is coming out,” the statement reads. 

  • Circular Road: Oyo begins payment of N100m compensation to property owners

    Circular Road: Oyo begins payment of N100m compensation to property owners

    Oyo State Government has begun the disbursement of over N100million to another group of over 40 property owners affected by Ibadan Circular Road Corridor project.

    According to the government, the amount brings to over N300million paid so far as compensation to building and land owners affected by Ibadan Circular Road and construction of overhead bridge at Ajia end of the road, as well as along Iseyin/Ogbomoso Road.

    ‎Commissioner for Lands and Urban Development, Mr. Williams Akin-Funmilayo, said this yesterday during the payment of compensation to some property owners at a brief event held at the Conference Room, Ministry of Lands, Secretariat, Ibadan.

    ‎‎The commissioner, who reaffirmed government’s commitment to providing fair compensation, said ancient villages affected would be spared and integrated into the project.

    ‎‎He said another round of compensation would be carried out in the coming weeks for additional property owners impacted by the project.

    He said the payment was in fulfilment of Governor Seyi Makinde’s promise to the affected building and land owners on Circular Road.

    He said: ‘’The governor shares your feelings and pains, hence the directives for prompt payment of compensation to the affected land and building owners.

    “We have paid over N300million as compensation to the affected land and building owners since the commencement of the exercise.

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    “The first tranche of the payment was N200million, while another N100million was paid to the owners of buildings affected during the construction of overhead bridges at Ajia end of the East wing of the Circular Road and along Iseyin/Ogbomoso Road.

    “Today, we are making another payment to over 40 building owners on Circular Road. As I said earlier, it is in line with the gesture of Governor Makinde to those affected by the building of Circular Road.

    “The government is sensitive to the plight of the people on Circular Road. This is why we are minimising the number of the houses affected.

    “To put the record straight, the formers governors, Rashidi Ladoja and the late Abiola Ajimobi approved 150 metres and 350 metres as corridors, not the current administration.

    “The corridor is going to accommodate infrastructure such as hospital and recreation centres and others as obtainable in developing countries of the world.

    “By the time the project is completed, it will be a source of pride to the people as well as attract local and foreign investors to the state.

    “Also, I want to inform the gathering that New Town and City Development is in charge of Circular Road, while the ministry takes care of the enumeration of houses and payment of compensation to the affected building and land owners.’’

    ‎

    ‎Some of the beneficiaries, expressed appreciation to the state government for showing empathy and commitment to the welfare of residents impacted by development projects.

    ‎‎One of the affected building owners, Adeyemi Peter, thanked the government for being sensitive to the plight of the people.

  • Lagos APC to Obi: statesmanship demands strategy not sentiment

    Lagos APC to Obi: statesmanship demands strategy not sentiment

    All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State has told the Labour Party (LP) candidate in the 2023 presidential election, Mr Peter Obi, that statesmanship demands strategy, not sentiment.

    The party in a statement issued in Ogba, Lagos yesterday by its spokesman, Seye Oladejo, said:

     ‘’Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress notes with concern, the latest remarks made by Mr. Peter Obi regarding President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s official trip abroad.  ‘’Obi’s comments, couched in emotional rhetoric, demonstrate a persistent misunderstanding of governance and global diplomacy.

    ‘’President Tinubu’s current travel itinerary is not a leisure tour, as Mr. Obi has insinuated, but part of a strategic international engagement to reposition Nigeria on the global economic and diplomatic stage. At a time when our nation is seeking partnerships, investments and solutions to shared global challenges, the presence of our President at multilateral forums like the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) is not only appropriate — it is essential.

    ‘’We remind Mr. Obi that leadership in the 21st century does not operate in isolation. Our challenges — economic revitalisation, climate resilience, energy access and security cooperation — require international collaboration, not insular thinking. ‘’President Tinubu’s engagements with foreign leaders are informed by a vision of building a stable, secure and prosperous Nigeria, with partners who understand our reality and are willing to support us.

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    ‘’Mr. Obi, who has himself toured foreign capitals in search of sympathy for a rejected electoral bid, should understand that diplomacy is not optional — it is a duty of leadership. ‘’While he asks why the President visits foreign countries, we ask why he consistently disregards the significance of high-level diplomacy in attracting aid, forging security partnerships and expanding trade.

    ‘’Rather than distort facts, Mr. Obi should acknowledge the visible progress being made: Stabilisation of the naira and moderation of inflation.

    Attracting multi-billion-dollar commitments in infrastructure, energy and digital economy.

    Improved bilateral security cooperation, especially in the fight against terrorism and organised crime.

    ‘’Let it be clear: Nigeria is not bleeding — Nigeria is rebuilding, and that work is being done at home and abroad. The President’s travel schedule reflects a strategic prioritisation of Nigeria’s long-term interests, not neglect.

    ‘’Finally, Lagos APC urges Mr. Obi and the Labour Party to rise above politicised commentary and contribute to national discourse. Nigerians deserve sober reflection, not alarmist rhetoric.

    ‘’President Tinubu remains fully committed to the service of the Nigerian people, whether from Abuja, Yokohama, or anywhere his duty calls.’’