The Nation Newspaper

Category: South West

  • Ekiti PDP kicks as court orders fresh governorship primary

    Ekiti PDP kicks as court orders fresh governorship primary

    A Federal High Court sitting in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State capital, has nullified the governorship primary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.

    The party had conducted its governorship primary election on November 8, 2025, during which Dr Wole Oluyede emerged winner after defeating Dr Funso Ayeni and Mrs Funmilayo Ogun.

    However, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) did not recognise Oluyede and his running mate, Deji Ogunsakin, on the provisional list of candidates published on December 29, 2025 ahead of the June 20, 2026 governorship poll.

    Aggrieved by the outcome of the primary, Ayeni approached the court through his counsel, Mr Kola Kolade (SAN), seeking nullification of the exercise on the grounds that it failed to comply with the party’s constitution and guidelines.

    The plaintiff contended that the PDP did not present the original and authentic list of statutory and ad hoc delegates used for the primary election, describing the omission as a fundamental breach of the party’s guidelines and the Electoral Act.

    Read Also: Beyond the single narrative: The reality of Benue killings

    In his judgement delivered yesterday in the suit marked FHC/AD/CS/29/2025, Justice Babs Kuewumi held that the conduct of the primary election did not comply with the provisions of the law and the PDP constitution.

    The court consequently nullified the governorship primary and ordered the PDP, in conjunction with INEC, to conduct a fresh primary election in strict compliance with the law and relevant guidelines.

    Justice Kuewumi further directed that all qualified aspirants be allowed to participate in the fresh exercise to promote transparency, fairness and internal democracy within the party.

    However, the PDP Governorship Campaign Council in the state has urged members not to be discouraged or misled by the judgment.

    In a statement, the Council’s Director of Media and Communication, Sanya Atofarati, described the judgment as part of a calculated attempt by desperate political interests to distract the PDP.

    The statement reads: “We urge our supporters to remain calm, focused and resolute, as this development in no way diminishes the strength, legitimacy, or popularity of our candidate”.

    Reacting to the ruling, counsel for Oluyede, Mr Owoseni Ajayi, expressed dissatisfaction with the judgement, saying steps had already been taken to appeal the decision, including filing an application for a stay of execution.

  • Tinubu, Abiodun commiserate with Onabanjo family over matriarch’s death

    Tinubu, Abiodun commiserate with Onabanjo family over matriarch’s death

    • Ex-Ogun Governor Onabanjo’s widow Lucia dies at 101

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed deep condolences to the government and people of Ogun State and the Onabanjo family over the death of Chief Lucia Onabanjo, widow of former Ogun State Governor Olabisi Onabanjo and matriarch of the Onabanjo family. She died on January 12 at the age of 101.

    In a statement issued yesterday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu sympathised with the family, friends and associates of the widow of Chief Onabanjo, the first civilian governor of Ogun State.

    The President described the late matriarch as a woman, whose life was marked by compassion, service and deep investments in humanity, noting that the volume of tributes following her passing reflected the impact she made across her community, Ogun State and the nation.

    President Tinubu hailed Chief Onabanjo’s steadfast support for her husband during his tenure as governor between 1979 and 1983, describing her role as vital to the administration of that era.

    “Lucia Onabanjo’s strong support for her husband when he served as Ogun State governor for four years, 1979–1983, was commendable, and her keen interest in issues of children and the empowerment of women was exemplary,” the President said.

    He added that her enduring commitment to charity and kindness would continue to resonate beyond her life.

    “I do not doubt that her legacy of charity and kindness will continue to resonate,” Tinubu said.

    Read Also: Beyond the single narrative: The reality of Benue killings

    The President urged Ogun State Government and members of the Onabanjo family to immortalise her memory by projecting and sustaining her legacy of compassion, particularly her love for the poor and vulnerable.

    He offered prayers for the repose of her soul and for strength for the bereaved family.

    Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has also expressed deep condolences to the family of former governor of Ogun State, Chief Victor Olabisi Onabanjo, over the passing of their matriarch, Mrs. Lucia Onabanjo.

    In a statement issued in Abeokuta yesterday, Governor Abiodun described the demise of Mama Onabanjo as the end of a glorious era, noting that she lived a highly exemplary, fulfilled and distinguished life devoted to God, family and humanity.

    The governor said although the loss of a mother was always painful, regardless of age, Mama Lucia’s transition at 101 was worthy of celebration, given her impactful life and enduring legacy.

    He prayed that God would grant the Onabanjo family, friends and associates the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

  • Okpebholo orders release of innocent students

    Okpebholo orders release of innocent students

    • Governor meets AAU SUG

    Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has again made it clear that the recent Ekpoma violent protest was not organised by students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU) and ordered the release of students.

    This is contained in a statement signed by Dr Patrick Ebojele, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, yesterday in Benin.

    Okpebholo described the incident as a criminal act carried out by non-students hiding around the institution to foment trouble and extort law-abiding students.

    The governor said this yesterday during a meeting with the President of the Students’ Union Government (SUG) of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, where issues surrounding the disturbance, arrests and security concerns were discussed.

    According to Okpebholo, intelligence available to the Edo Government shows that the incident was orchestrated by a group identifying themselves as “Ambrose Alli Comrade Community,”

    “These are people who are no longer students, but are just hanging around the school, causing trouble and extorting students. “We will put an end to that,” the governor said.

    Okpebholo assured the SUG leadership that any genuine students who might have been arrested in the course of restoring order would be identified and released.

    “For students who were probably arrested, we will look into it and get them released to the SUG President.

    Read Also: Beyond the single narrative: The reality of Benue killings

    “That is a promise I made, and I will do it as quickly as possible. The protest was not theirs. In fact, it was not a protest at all; it was an avenue to loot,” he added.

    The governor also dismissed claims of kidnapping linked to the incident, describing them as false and stage-managed to mislead the public and create ethnic tension.

    “The kidnapping they are talking about is fake. It was stage-managed. They were arranging to kidnap and release themselves. They even went as far as killing someone, which is the most painful part,” he said.

    He condemned the burning of markets and destruction of property in Ekpoma, warning that anyone, regardless of political affiliation, found sponsoring or using hoodlums to destabilise Edo communities would be brought to justice.

    “I don’t care whether you are a politician or not. If you are using people to destroy our land and economy, we will go after you.

    ”We know ourselves, and we will bring those responsible to book to ensure justice for our people,” he said.

    He emphasised that the Edo Government had nothing against AAU students, stressing that the institution remained closed and that there were no arrests within the university campus.

    Reaffirming the students’ position, the SUG President of Ambrose Alli University, Comrade Osadebamen Michael, said it was unfortunate that attempts were being made to link the unrest to the student community.

    “It is pitiable that some people want to associate what happened with students.

    ”We are here to formally debunk that students did not organise any protest,” the SUG President stated.

    Also speaking, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration) of Ambrose Alli University, Prof. Andrew Eromonsele, confirmed that no arrests were made within the university campus, further distancing the institution from the unrest.

    The meeting was also attended by the Commissioner for Education, Dr Paddy Iyamu.

  • Aiyedatiwa pardons seven inmates

    Aiyedatiwa pardons seven inmates

    Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has granted prerogative of mercy to seven convicted inmates serving jail terms across Nigerian Correctional Centres in the state.

    The gesture formed part of activities marking the governor’s 61st birthday, according to a statement issued yesterday by his Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan.

    The latest pardon comes barely days after a major New Year clemency approved by Aiyedatiwa on January 1, in which sentences of 77 inmates were commuted following recommendations by Ondo State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy.

    The statement said the seven beneficiaries were selected based on verified reports of genuine remorse, good conduct, commitment to rehabilitation and strong prospects for successful reintegration into the society.

    Read Also: Beyond the single narrative: The reality of Benue killings

    “Their outright release underscores Governor Aiyedatiwa’s belief in the principles of restorative justice, prison decongestion and the provision of second chances to those who have demonstrated meaningful change,” the statement added.

    The Chairman of the State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy, Kayode Ajulo, SAN, has hailed the governor for the decision, describing it as thoughtful and forward-looking.

    He noted that the gesture reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to balancing accountability with compassion, reforming the justice sector and promoting a society where redemption remained possible.

  • APC Elders’ Forum hails Oyebanji

    APC Elders’ Forum hails Oyebanji

    Ekiti State All Progressives Congress (APC) Elders’ Forum has extended New Year greetings to Governor Biodun Oyebanji and his family; members of his executive council (exco) and aides; the leadership of APC at all levels; the state party chairman and members of the state executive committee, party stakeholders and members of APC; as well as indigenes and non-indigenes living in Ekiti State.

    A statement by Chairman, APC Elders’ Forum,

    Adebayo Oni, and Secretary, Babatunde Odetola, an engineer, said: ‘’We extend our New Year greetings to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his family, as well as his ministers and aides, praying for a peaceful year and for the success of security measures put in place to end terrorism and insecurity in the country.

    ‘’As we step into the New Year, the Elders Forum prays it will usher in peace, stability and socio-economic progress for Ekiti State and the entire country.

    ‘’The forum appeals to elders, leaders and committed members of APC to mobilise other members and well-meaning citizens, who are desirous of joining our party, to participate in the ongoing APC e-registration across the wards. This exercise is vital to strengthening the party’s structure and deepening internal democracy.

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    ‘’The Elders’ Forum calls on prospective aspirants seeking elective positions, particularly ward councillorship and local government chairmanship positions, to conduct their political activities with maturity, peace and decorum.

    ‘’We urge them to eschew actions or utterances capable of generating acrimony, rancour, or division within the party.

    ‘’Ekiti State APC Elders’ Forum also lends its voice in support of the decision of party stakeholders to adopt the consensus approach in the selection of candidates for the forthcoming local government elections. The forum expresses satisfaction that elders at the ward and local government levels are being fully involved in the transparent process of recommending credible, competent and acceptable candidates to the party.

    ‘’We therefore appeal to elders entrusted with this responsibility to be forthright, fair and guided by the overall interest of the party and the state.

    ‘’The forum prays for the continued peaceful coexistence of residents of Ekiti State and hails Governor Oyebanji for the commendable work his administration is doing across the state. We pray that God, in His infinite mercy, will grant him wisdom, strength, good health and continued success in the task of governance.’’

  • Abductors of Edo hotel guests slash ransom to N40m

    Abductors of Edo hotel guests slash ransom to N40m

    Abductors of eight guests of a hotel in Ibillo, Akoko-Edo Local Government Area, in Edo State, have reduced their ransom demand from N100 million to N40 million.

    The kidnappers were allegedly dressed in military camouflages to gain access into the facility where they took away the hotel owner and seven lodgers.

    Read Also: Kidnappers of hotel lodgers in Edo reduce ransom to N40m

    The monarch of the town, Okpahi of Imoga Kingdom, Oba Patrick Abudu, confirmed the reduction, which according to him, was communicated to them Monday night.

    “We are worried over the safety of our people as it has been five days since they were kidnapped”, Oba Abudu said.

  • The Nation correspondent emerges Oyo Chapel’s chairman

    The Nation correspondent emerges Oyo Chapel’s chairman

    The Oyo State Correspondent of The Nation Newspapers, Yinka Adeniran on Tuesday emerged the Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council.

    Adeniran was declared winner after polling 31 votes to defeat his closest rival, John Alabi of Silverbird Television who scored 10 votes.

    For the position of the Secretary, Rotimi Agboluaje of The Guardian polled 31 votes to defeat Musliudeen Adebayo of Daily Post who had 10 votes.

    Also in the election, Remi Koleosho and Sheu Sulaimon both of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) were elected Vice Chairman and Treasurer respectively.

    The election was monitored by officials of the state Council including, Comrade Temiday Adu (Secretary), Comrade Moses Morenikeji (Treasurer) and Comrade Khalid Imran (Ex-officio).

    In a brief remark before swearing-in the new leaders, the Chairman, Oyo State Council of the NUJ, Comrade Akeem Abas who was also present to participate in the process which held at the  Correspondent Chapel Secretariat, Mokola, Ibadan, expressed gratitude for the peaceful conduct of the Correspondent Chapel members and the success the election.

    He said the Chapel where he is also a member has conducted one of the best elections recorded in the history of state Council, while charging members to be of good conduct and professional in all their endeavours.

    He charged the new leadership to promote professionalism and ethical practice while showing concern for the interest of their members.

    The election was the first to be so monitored and conducted by the Akeem Abas led leadership having just spent barely one month in office as the State Chairman.

    In his acceptance speech, the new Correspondent Chapel Chairman, Adeniran appreciated all leaders, elders and members for their support, commending them for giving him the opportunity to lead the Chapel at a time like this.

    He said while he works to build a common front for the Chapel, he will, with the collaboration of all members work to restore the lost glory of the profession among the members while ensuring that their interest is protected every time.

    He assures that himself and other members of his team are firstly members of the Chapel before assuming the position of leaders, while assuring the members that his team will serve for the good of humanity and for the progress of the Chapel, and the Union at large.

    Adeniran also called on the members to support and work with the executive members to attain success for the Chapel.

    Out of the 48-members register, 42 members were accredited to vote while one vote was voided in both the Chairmanship and Secretary election of the Chapel.

  • Teenager docked for alleged Ponzi fraud

    Teenager docked for alleged Ponzi fraud

    A 19-year-old Taoheed Olaniyan has been arraigned before Osun State Magistrates’ Court sitting in Osogbo for alleged Ponzi scheme fraud and using the proceeds to purchase a mobile phone.

    Taoheed was dragged to court by the state Commissioner of Police on two counts of fraud and stealing.

    The Prosecutor, Inspector Kayode Adepoju, told the court that the defendant committed the offences  about 4pm on January 2, this year, at No.1 Koledowo Estate Ibuaje Community behind Garage Ilesa, Osogbo.

    According to him, Taoheed stole N326,000, property of One Baruwa Augustine Oluwabukola and thereby committing an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 390(9) 419 of criminal code Cap 34 vol. 11.Laws of Osun State of Nigeria 2003.”

    He explained further that the defendant met his victim on WhatsApp where he introduced the 16-year-old girl to a Ponzi scheme.

    “He told her to pay N2,000 to get N10,000. After which the victim started sending money to him from the mother’s bank account.”

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    The mother of the victim explained: “My daughter has the password to my bank account. Then she transferred the money. I had warned my daughter against it when Taoheed introduced her to the scheme, unknowingly, that she went ahead to transact with him.”

    However, he pleaded not guilty to the offences pressed against him, as his lawyer, Najite Okobe applied for the bail of the defendant on the most liberal terms.

    The presiding Chief Magistrate, Dr Olusegun Ayilara, granted bail to the defendants with the sum of N500,000 and one surety in likesum.

    He adjourned the matter to February 19, 2026 for mention.

  • Amotekun intercepts coal-laden truck

    Amotekun intercepts coal-laden truck

    The Ondo State Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun, has arrested a coal-laden truck conveying 38 passengers into Akure, the state capital.

    The passengers were arrested at Cathedral, during a routine security operation.

    The suspects, mostly youths aged between 20 and 27, were conveyed in a brand-new Mercedes-Benz truck with registration number GML 335 XR Jigawa.

    The Commander of the Amotekun Corps, Adetunji Adeleye, said the suspects could not explain their destination after a series of interrogations.

    Adeleye said the suspects were being profiled to ascertain their identities and mission in the state.

    “We are profiling all of them thoroughly. Anyone found culpable after investigations will face the full weight of the law, while those cleared will be returned to their states of origin,” he said.

    He added that the area where the driver claimed to have picked up the passengers was considered prone to extremist activities.

    READ ALSO; Between Wike and Fubara

    But, sources said the suspects claimed they were unaware they had entered Ondo State when they were intercepted.

    The source added that the suspects told operatives they were on their way to meet their relatives in Ondo State but failed to provide verifiable addresses or contact details.

    One of the passengers was reportedly found in possession of a uniform bearing the inscription “Commander,” alongside some charms.

    He allegedly claimed to be a hunter but could not explain his destination after leaving Gombe State.

    The 20-year-old driver of the truck and his 19-year-old conductor told Amotekun operatives that they picked up the passengers along the route and had no prior relationship with them.

  • Folarin, Adelabu, others unite for Tinubu

    Folarin, Adelabu, others unite for Tinubu

    In a show of solidarity and determination, a former Senate leader and Ambassador of the Renewed Hope Agenda in Oyo State, Senator Teslim Folarin and other leaders of the party have united for the re-election bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    They also made a commitment to deliver unprecedented votes in 2027 in Oyo State. The leadership of the party at the unity rally held at locations in Ibadan yesterday said the members had put aside their differences to work for the actualisation of the re-election bid of President Tinubu.

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    The rally was attended by the widow of former Oyo State governor, Florence Ajimobi, Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, Senators Sharafadeen Alli, Abdulfatai Buhari, Yunus Akintunde, Femi Lanlehin, Ayo Adeseun, Hosea Agboola and Kola Balogun; alongside Alhaji Olayide Abass, Alhaji Fatai Ibikunle, Akeem Agbaje and other key party stakeholders.

    The rally, which is in continuation of the 14-Federal Constituency Tour, was organised by the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, in collaboration with Oyo State chapter of All Progressives Congress (APC), covering Ibadan North-East/Ibadan South-East and Ibadan North-West/Ibadan South-West federal constituencies.

    Senator Folarin said the tour was designed to strengthen internal cohesion, rebuild confidence within party structures and lay a solid foundation for early and disciplined mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general election.