The Nation Newspaper

Category: South West

  • Oyo govt cracks down on illegal diesel dealers, arrests 14 suspects

    Oyo govt cracks down on illegal diesel dealers, arrests 14 suspects

    No fewer than 14 persons arrested on Friday by the Oyo state government for operating illegal shanties and engaging in the unauthorized sale of diesel along the Ibadan axis of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

     The arrest was confirmed by the Executive Assistant to Governor Seyi Makinde on Security, CP Sunday Odukoya (rtd) who led the state’s special taskforce during the clearing operation.

    Speaking during the parade of the suspects, Odukoya explained alleged that, beyond selling adulterated diesel, the individuals were also involved in various illicit activities in the area.

     He said that the suspects would be prosecuted in a mobile court under the supervision of the Rule of Law Agency.

    Read Also: Oyo govt to sanction illegal billboards owners

     According to him, the state government had issued several notices to the shanty operators, warning them to vacate the location prior to the enforcement action.

     Odukoya said: “We gave them ample time to leave voluntarily, but they chose to ignore the directive.

     “This operation is ongoing, and we will not stop until the expressway is completely free of illegal structures.”

     One of the suspects, Bolaji Mustapha, confessed to participating in the illegal diesel trade but claimed he was unaware of any prior warnings from the government.

     The clearance operation is part of the state government’s broader efforts to improve safety, curb environmental hazards, and ensure law and order along critical transportation routes.

  • Intervene before communal clash breaks out over traditional taboo —Osun royal families tell Adeleke, Ooni

    Intervene before communal clash breaks out over traditional taboo —Osun royal families tell Adeleke, Ooni

    Five royal families in Ola town in Ejigbo Local Government Area of Osun State, have urged Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke and Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, to swiftly prevent looming communal clash over taboo and opposition of tradition.

    The dynasty through the Alase of Ola land, Dr. Olufemi Fasanya, while addressing newsmen on Friday in Ola town alleged that the monarch, Olola of Ola, Oba Johnson Ajiboye was engaging in taboo by assuming duties that are sacrilege to the community’s tradition.

    He warned that if action of the monarch is not checked by the governor, Ooni and security agencies, it may result to communal clashes like Ile-Ife/Modakeke, Ilobu/Ifon among others which are source of concern to the governor.

    Fasanya, explained that the town was co-founded by two brothers; Lageesi and Akala who are grand-children of Oranmiyan. However, Lageesi who is the eldest brother agreed to the role of ultimate authority and Akala should be the king.

    He said: “It is the role of our dynasty of Lageesi (Alase) to appoint our eldest male member as the Oosa(King’s father) of the town but Oba Ajiboye has installed one Busari which is against our tradition. This is a taboo, highly provocative and dangerous to the peace and stability of our revered town.

    “We appeal to Governor Ademola Adeleke and Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi to urgently intervene by calling Oba Ajiboye, to order and impress upon him to focus on issues that will bring development, unity, and economic growth to Ola land. We call on them to mediate on this growing tension.”

    Read Also: Ex-councillor, two others killed, 30 residents shot in fresh Osun communal clash

     He disclosed that the dynasty has informed the Department of State Service(DSS) and Police over the matter, stressing that, “We are exploring a peaceful means to resolve the crisis but we may resort to court if he fails to honour our pleas.”

     Fasanya noted that “We do not seek the crown of Olola but we will not surrender our place in history to defamatory remarks, installation of younger person as Oosa of the town and obstruction of our role as Alase.”

    Contacted, Oba Ajiboye said: “I have made my decision and no issue with it. Nothing concerns anybody. Please leave the matter.”

  • Ondo ex-lawmakers declare support for Tinubu’s re-election

    Ondo ex-lawmakers declare support for Tinubu’s re-election

    Ahead of the 2027 presidential election, former lawmakers from the three senatorial districts of Ondo State have declared their support for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu.

    Rising from a meeting, held on Thursday at Olart Apartments, Ijapo Estate, Akure, the ex-lawmakers, under the aegis of Association of Ondo State Ex-Lawmakers, declared their support for the president, and vowed to work for his victory in the election in the state.

    In a five-point communique signed by the convener of the meeting and former majority leader of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Honourable Olugbenga Araoyinbo, the ex-lawmakers said they have resolved to work with the state governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, to enhance good governance and promote positive participation in political activities in the state.

    Other decisions reached include the declaration of their unalloyed support for the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu and his administration, as well as the decision to work for the successful implementation of the agenda.

    The communique read in part: “At a meeting held on July 29, 2025, at Olart Apartments, No. 7 Ijero Street, Ijapo Estate, Akure, the Association of Ondo State Ex-Lawmakers gathered to discuss matters of mutual interest and significance to the state and nation.

     ”We, the former members of the Ondo State House of Assembly, have resolved to work closely with our Governor, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, to enhance good governance and promote positive participation in political activities in Ondo State.

    ”We express our hope and confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, and we pledge our support for its successful implementation.

    Read Also: JUST IN: Court restrains Aiyedatiwa from appointing monarch in Ondo community

     ” We reaffirm our commitment to President Tinubu’s leadership and resolve to work towards his victory in the 2027 Presidential election.

    ”As grassroots politicians, we agree to commence grassroots mobilization in support of President Tinubu’s re-election bid, leveraging our experience and networks to galvanize support.

     ”We plan to meet with our counterparts in other states to share our experiences and strategies, and to collectively work towards President Tinubu’s re-election.”

    The ex-lawmakers also passed a vote of confidence in the Minister of Interior, Honourable Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, adding that they are proud that he is from the state.

  • LASUSTECH celebrates Jakande’s legacy

    LASUSTECH celebrates Jakande’s legacy

    The Department of Mass Communication, Lagos Staste University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH) in partnership with the DSE Foundation, has celebrated the enduring contributions of a former Governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande, a renowned journalist.

    The keynote address was delivered by a veteran journalist and former Editor-In –Chief of the Vanguard newspaper, Mr Gbenga Adefaye.

    Adefaye, noted the evolving role of journalism in the digital era while highlighting critical lessons from Lateef Jakande’s legacy to guide contemporary journalism.

    He urged journalists to earn trust through transparency, humility, and rigorous reporting in an era where anyone with a smartphone can claim to be a journalist.

     He also advocated embracing technology such as data journalism and immersive storytelling—while retaining the ethical backbone exemplified by Jakande, who mastered the tools of his time, including print and broadcast media.

    Adefaye, who is the Provost of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism emphasised that journalism must remain a mission-driven civic enterprise, not a commercial cartel, urging practitioners to monetise truth without compromising its integrity.

    He stressed the importance of journalists as educators, using digital tools to foster public reasoning rather than personal branding, and ensuring that editorial platforms prioritize substance over spectacles, noting that journalism’s essence lies not in its medium but in its integrity, purpose, and accountability.

    He added that digital platforms are today’s printing presses—tools that can either liberate or manipulate. Journalists must guide this transformation by infusing new technologies with timeless values, ensuring that journalism remains a beacon of truth and service, as Jakande exemplified.

    Read Also: LASUSTECH Mass Comm hosts  training on data journalism, AI

    Also speaking at the event were veterans including Chief Monzor Olowosago, the Publisher of Oriwu Sun newspaper, Mr. Taiwo Obe, Mr. Lekan Otufodunrin as well as the General Manager of LTV 8, Mrs. Adesola Kosoko who took the conversation forward during the panel session and emphasised the importance of credibility in journalism practice.

    In his welcome address, the Vice Chancellor of LASUSTECH, Prof. Olumuyiwa Odusanya described the event as the contribution of the university to the memory of the former Governor of Lagos State whose legacy continues to model good governance.

    “It is our contribution to the memory of the ‘Active Governor’ whose legacies continued to model good governance. Furthermore, it signifies our appreciation of his commitment to both education and journalism, being a distinguished journalist.

    “I thank the DSE Foundation for this collaboration. We believe this is the beginning of a robust and beneficent relationship. I thank the keynote speaker, Mr. Gbenga Adefaye and other panelists for coming to the event. I congratulate the Acing Head of Department( HOD) Mass Communication, Dr. Steve Adesemoye and the Department for organizing the event.”

    “The Department of Mass Communication, LASUSTECH is inspired by Adefaye’s call to action and Jakande’s legacy. The department is particularly intrigued by the proposal to explore Jakande’s untapped journalistic archives, as suggested in collaboration with stakeholders.”

  • Court restrains Aiyedatiwa from appointing, installing monarch in Ondo community

    Court restrains Aiyedatiwa from appointing, installing monarch in Ondo community

    The Okitipupa Division of the Ondo State High Court has restrained Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa from appointing or installing any monarch in Alagbon Community in oil-rich Ugbo Kingdom of Ilaje Local Government Area of the state.

    The interim order was issued on Friday by Justice Temitope Adedipe, who barred all defendants in the case from taking any further action that could prejudice the outcome of the ongoing suit.

    The court’s intervention followed the confirmation during Wednesday’s State Executive Council (SEC) meeting presided over by Governor Aiyedatiwa, of Prince Olusola Joseph Ajaka as the pioneer Gbogunron of Idi-Ogba Alagbon.

    Speaking after the meeting, the State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Amidu Takuro, had announced Ajaka’s appointment, stating that it followed due process and was based on recommendations from the appropriate traditional institutions.

    However, in swift reaction, leaders of the Alagbon community approached the court seeking to halt the governor’s actions and nullify all steps already taken.

    Ruling on a motion filed by D.J. Ayenowo of Sola Ebiseni and Associates, in Suit No. HOK/76/2022, the court granted an interim injunction restraining the Ondo state government, its agents, or privies from taking any steps toward appointing an Oba under any title in Alagbon Community, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice for interlocutory injunction and the final resolution of the case.

    Read Also: Appeal Court upholds Aiyedatiwa’s victory

    Defendants in the suit include the Governor, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, the Secretary to Ilaje Local Government, and the Olugbo of Ugbo, Oba Enitiolorunda Obateru Akinruntan.

    The plaintiffs – High Chief Isaiah Adewole Demehin, a former Commissioner for Information and Asogbon of Ugboland, and Chief Mallon Ogede, the Baale of Alagbon are challenging the state government’s attempt to install a monarch from the Gbogunron family.

    The community also alleged that a commissioner in the state from the Gbogunron family unduly influenced the government to impose its family on the community.

  • Saudi govt launches ophthalmic outreach in Ibadan

    Saudi govt launches ophthalmic outreach in Ibadan

    …residents to enjoy free eye treatment

    In its effort to make quality healthcare accessible globally, especially in underserved communities, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has launched an ophthalmic outreach in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital city.

    The outreach, another humanitarian step by the Saudi government to bring its “Saudi Noor” ophthalmic volunteer programme, is powered by King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KS Relief) and will run from August 1st – 7th, 2025.

    Holding at the Makkah Specialist Eye Hospital, Elebu, Ibadan, the organisers said the outreach reflects the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s commitment to supporting global health initiatives and promoting volunteer work.

    According to the Saudi Press Attache in Nigeria, Mohammed Alsahabi, residents of Ibadan and surrounding areas will benefit from a range of free high-impact eye care services, including advanced diagnostic screenings, cataract surgeries with intraocular lens (IOL) implants, treatment of refractive errors and distribution of prescriptive eyeglasses.

    Alsahabi noted that the outreach is implemented under the directives of the custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

    He said, “This Ibadan phase marks another major milestone in KSrelief’s mission to combat avoidable blindness in Nigeria.

    Read Also: World Cup 2026: Kluivert’s Indonesia  to face  Saudi Arabia

    “Since its introduction in 2019, the blindness prevention initiative has delivered over 218,000 eye exams, enabled more than 21,000 sight-restoring surgeries, and distributed over 45,000 eyeglasses.

    “Previous interventions have taken place in Yobe, Kano, Bauchi, and Lagos, impacting thousands of lives.

    “Globally, KSrelief has implemented over 3,612 relief projects in more than 108 countries since its establishment in 2015. Its blindness prevention programmes are active in countries like Yemen, Sudan, Bangladesh, and Mauritania, aligned with international commitments.

    “Saudi Arabia’s move to bring the ‘Saudi Noor’ initiative to Ibadan deepens its longstanding ties with Nigeria and reaffirms its commitment to human dignity, access to quality healthcare, and the elimination of preventable blindness”, Alsahabi concluded.

    Speaking to newsmen, one of the beneficiaries, Alhaji Tajudeen Adebayo, expressed gratitude to the Saudi Government for the initiative and urged everyone, whether Christian or Muslim, who is battling with one eye problem or the other, to come around, as there is no discrimination on religious grounds.

    Another beneficiary, Kasali Mariam, who said she has been checked and is waiting for treatment, lauded the free eye care outreach by the Saudi Government and hoped that her eye issue would be dealt with once and for all.

  • Segilola commissions infrastructure, recognises varsity competition winners in Osun

    Segilola commissions infrastructure, recognises varsity competition winners in Osun

    Segilola Resources Operating Limited (SROL), operator of Nigeria’s first commercial gold mine and a subsidiary of Thor Explorations Ltd., has reaffirmed its commitment to youth empowerment and sustainable community development.

    In a statement, the company said it had recognised winners of its 2025 University Competition and commissioned key infrastructure upgrades in Odo‑Ijesha, Osun State.

    The 2025 University Competition, launched earlier this year, invited students from Tertiary Institutions across Osun State to propose innovative, practical solutions to the growing challenge of illegal mining. Independently judged by the Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI), the competition attracted exceptional entries and spotlighted the intellectual potential of young Nigerians to shape the future of the mining sector.

    The top three winners were Ibrahim Sulaiman – Adeleke University, Osun State – N800,000 (winner- N500,000, including an additional N300,000 presented personally by CEO Mr. Segun Lawson); Beulah Chimaobi Ude – Obafemi Awolowo University – N500,000 (Second Prize-N300,000, including an additional N200,000) and Abisola Faith Adegboyega – Osun State University, Osogbo Campus – N300,000 (Third Prize-N200,000, including an additional N100,000)

    Speaking on the competition, Mr. Segun Lawson, Chief Executive Officer of Thor Explorations Ltd., stated, “This competition is not a token gesture. It reflects our firm belief that young Nigerians are not just the future of the mining industry; they are already shaping its present. The entries were bold, thoughtful, and solution-driven, offering real strategies for tackling illegal mining and promoting responsible, sustainable practices.”

    Read Also: Segilola partners Nigerian Air Force to deliver free medical care to host community

    Building on this momentum, SROL officially commissioned two major infrastructure projects in Odo‑Ijesha on July 31st, 2025: the renovated Community High School and an upgraded block of market stalls. These projects were undertaken in close partnership with community leaders to ensure they aligned with local needs and priorities.

    The refurbished high school now offers a more conducive learning environment, while the improved market stalls provide traders with safer, more organised, and hygienic spaces to conduct business, enhancing both educational outcomes and economic activity in the area.

    Speaking at the commissioning, Madhurii Sarkar Amoda, Community Development and Stakeholder Manager at SROL, remarked, “It is always a privilege to work closely with host communities on projects that reflect their true priorities. These are more than just physical structures; they are symbols of progress, inclusion, and our long-term commitment to building with, not just for, the people of Odo‑Ijesha.”

    Through strategic initiatives like the University Competition and collaborative infrastructure projects, Segilola Resources Operating Limited continues to demonstrate a strong, sustained commitment to inclusive development, transparency, and shared prosperity within its host communities and across Nigeria’s broader mining industry.

  • Residents decry illegal building on community’s designated relaxation spot

    Residents decry illegal building on community’s designated relaxation spot

    Residents and elders of the Ebute Meta (West) area in Lagos Mainland Local Government, under the banner of Ijero/Apapa Road (Old Boys), have raised the alarm over the illegal construction of a commercial property on a designated community relaxation area.

    The group alleged that the Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development approved the construction of a one-storey building with 16 shops on a triangular plot of land along Ondo Street, despite the land being a federal government-designated setback for community use since 2010.

    They further warned that the ongoing construction, situated under high-voltage power lines and near a transformer, poses serious public safety risks.

    In separate petitions signed by the group’s chairman, Rotarian Oluseun Williams, and secretary, Mr. Segun Sanya, and addressed to the special adviser to the governor on E-GIS and Planning Matters, as well as the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, the group called for immediate demolition of the illegal structure and prosecution of the perpetrators.

    According to Williams, an engineer from the Ministry visited the site and confirmed the construction violated state building regulations and lacked official approval.

    He, however, said that no further action has been taken since the inspection.

    “Despite an order from the Executive Chairman of Lagos Mainland Local Government to stop the construction, the developers have ignored it completely, continuing work in open defiance of the law,” Williams said. “This is not just a case of land grabbing—it’s also a direct threat to public safety.”

    The group reiterated that they had obtained temporary federal government approval to use the space as a relaxation and recreational garden and maintained that any ongoing development is an unlawful trespass and a violation of Lagos State’s land use and safety laws.

    Meanwhile, in a recent broadcast appearance, the Special Adviser to the Governor on E-GIS and Urban Development, Dr. Olajide Babatunde, encouraged Lagos residents to report all building infractions.

    “Government can only act on what is reported,” he said. “If you see something wrong in your community, say something. That’s how we get results.”

  • Ekiti govt votes N10.1b to fix community roads

    Ekiti govt votes N10.1b to fix community roads

    Ekiti State Government has approved N10,115,027,709.41 for the rehabilitation of 11.4 kilometres and reconstruction of six kilometres Ita-Ido-Ido-ile-Okemesi-Ikoro Road.

    Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Taiwo Olatunbosun, said this in a statement yesterday at the end of the virtual executive council (exco) meeting.

    He said rehabilitation of the road was part of Governor Biodun Oyebanji-led administration’s commitment to proper maintenance and upgrading of road network in the state.

    According to Olatunbosun, the project, which was awarded to Messrs Banky Pacesetter Nigeria Limited with a 20-month completion period, is expected to ease the hardship of the people in the communities, improve socio-economic activities and enhance security.

    The commissioner said N198.3billion was also approved for the restoration of damaged transformers in Omuo Ekiti.

    He said the move was aimed at enabling Omuo-Ekiti and other neighbouring towns to enjoy constant power supply, noting that the job would be executed through direct labour by Ekiti State Electricity Board within three months.

    Olatunbosun said approval was also given for the 200 million project for construction of modular solar-powered irrigation systems at selected farm hubs, to improve agricultural productivity and reduce the impact of unpredictable weather conditions on farming.

    READ ALSO: Transforming health sector

    The irrigation facilities, according to him, will be installed at Ose Centre in Emure, Ado, Ikere and Aramoko.

    He noted that the council also brought a bill to repeal the Prohibition of Cattle and other Ruminants Grazing in Ekiti Law No. 4 of 2016 and enact a new law to regulate and control cattle grazing.

    According to him, the new law will make provision for involvement of traditional rulers, local government chairmen, and governor’s approval before settlement of herdsmen for grazing purposes in any community in Ekiti State.

    Olatunbosun added that N1.8billion was also approved for the remodelling of Adekunle Fajuyi Memorial Park into international tourism centre and immortalise Lt-Col. Adekunle Fajuyi.

    He said the remodelling was aimed at fulfilling agenda 2, 3 and 5 of the current administration’s six strategic pillar agenda, which focused on youths, human capital as well as infrastructure development.

  • Makinde appoints new aides

    Makinde appoints new aides

    No State Governor Seyi Makinde has appointed Mr Ademola Aderinto as the senior special assistant on Public Works, and Mr Lamidi Kazeem Ajibola as his special assistant on Environment.

    The appointments were made known in a letter signed by the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi.

    Aderinto, a civil engineer, was the special assistant to the Governor on Environment.

    READ ALSO: Transforming health sector

    The governor urged the new appointees to discharge their duties with dedication, commitment and loyalty to the state.

    The appointments are with immediate effect.