The Nation Newspaper

Category: South West

  • The Futility of the ADC Coalition: Why Obi, Atiku, others cannot match Tinubu

    The Futility of the ADC Coalition: Why Obi, Atiku, others cannot match Tinubu

    • By SF Ojo Emmanuel

    The recent political maneuverings by opposition figures such as Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and their cohorts under the guise of a new coalition with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) might offer a fleeting sense of purpose, but it lacks the substance, credibility, and leadership vision required to mount any serious challenge to the administration of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    It is increasingly clear to discerning Nigerians that neither Atiku nor Obi commands the depth of leadership acumen or the strategic political architecture necessary to navigate the complexities of modern governance. Their track records, both in public office and in opposition politics, speak more to personal ambitions and recycled rhetoric than to pragmatic solutions. What they lack is not just grassroots connection but the economic intellect and executive boldness needed to lift a nation—qualities that Asiwaju Tinubu continues to demonstrate with measured consistency.

    Today, President Tinubu is steadily managing the nation’s economy back from the brink of collapse. When he assumed office, Nigeria’s fiscal health was teetering on the edge of disaster, almost comatose due to years of mismanagement and lack of structural reforms. Yet, through deliberate policy choices, institutional reforms, and a dogged commitment to long-term stability, Tinubu is building a resilient economy—one that can withstand shocks, promote investment, and foster real growth.

    Read Also: 210 terrorists surrender to troops in Lake Chad region

    The attempt by the so-called coalition to rebrand old faces with familiar failings cannot overshadow the ongoing efforts of a president who understands not just the politics of power but the socioeconomic mechanics of governance. Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains unmatched in capacity, clarity of vision, and national appeal. His leadership is not a product of media hype or online sentiment—it is anchored in decades of proven political engineering, economic foresight, and nationalistic resolve.

    In the end, no coalition of yesterday’s men can stand against the momentum of renewed hope. The future belongs to leaders who build, not those who merely criticise.

    .This article is a personal political opinion from SF Ojo Emmanuel, a Senior Special Assistant on New Media to Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State

  • Ilorin cleric, others preach peace, unity

    Ilorin cleric, others preach peace, unity

    Chief Imam of Ilorin, Kwara State, Sheikh Bashir Mohammed, has sued for peace, unity and love for sustainable growth and of the country.

    He advocated a focus on God.

    He said this in Ilorin at the fidau for Sheikh Isiaka Sulaiman Ajimati, the elder brother of the Director-General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), Prof Abubakar Sulaiman.

    Mohammed, urged all to shun divisive tendencies and the family of the deceased to stay united.

    Also, the Grand Mufti of Ilorin, Sheik Sulyman Faruq Onikijipa, said the late Ajimati confided in him that he prayed for Prof Sulaiman to attain a great statu

    He admonished Prof Sulaiman not to grief over the death of his elder brother but to accept it as the will of Allah, reminding that Allah is the great comforter.

    Earlier, Grand Mukadam of Ilorin Sheik Sulyman Dan Borno enjoined the bereaved DG to hold the Sulaiman’s family together and continue to show them kindness.

    READ ALSO: Nigeria oil rigs increase to 44, says NUPRC

    Chief Imam Mohammed led the prayers.

    Dignitaries at the event were Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s representative/Senior Special Adviser, Alhaji Saad Salahudeen, Dr Gali Alaya, formerly of Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL),; senior special adviser (special duties) to the governor, Alhaji Abdulrazaq Jida, Grand Khadi of Kwara State, Justice  Abdulateef Kamaldeen and a former  grand Khadi of the state, Justice  Saliu Mohmmed.

    Others are member, Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon Lukman Olumo, a minister from Republic Benin, Alhaji Sefiyullah, former Commissioner, Hajia Ayinke Saka, former Chief Press Secretary to former governor, Ahaji Mas’ud Adebimpe, former governor’s special adviser,  Alhaji Usman Bibere Ajape, among others.

  • Students laud Abiodun for attracting Qatari food giant to Ogun

    Students laud Abiodun for attracting Qatari food giant to Ogun

    • ’Company will create jobs, increase IGR’

    The National Association of Ogun State Students (NAOSS) has commended Governor Dapo Abiodun for attracting a multi-million dollar Qatari-based food company to the state.

    NAOSS in a statement signed by its National President, Kehinde Thomas, described the feat in the investment drive of Abiodun administration as a leap towards making the state the best investors’ destination of choice.

    He stated that the company, when operational, will improve processed dairy products and help in making milk and other protein-rich products available to the people.

    READ ALSO: Nigeria oil rigs increase to 44, says NUPRC

    The student leader added that the industry will contribute to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the state and Nigeria, saying: “Ogun will also benefit from the expertise, technology and capital the organisation will bring.”

    The students noted that the establishment of the international food company would not only go a long way to increase the revenue drive of the state, but will also create hundreds of job opportunities for youths and graduates.

    A Qatari-based agricultural company that raises livestock and produces dairy products recently declared its intention to establish its plant in Ogun, when its Head of Products and Solutions Architecture, Mr. Aidan Thomas Iynan,  and other members of the company, led by the Executive Secretary, Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), Aisha Rimi, paid a courtesy visit to the governor .

  • Ogun community resolves to end sexual, gender violence

    Ogun community resolves to end sexual, gender violence

    Community stakeholders have converged on Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital to find a solution to sexual and gender violence.

    The town hall meeting was organised  by the Centre for Women’s Health and Information (CEWHIN).

    It had the  theme:  ‘Partnership for enhanced violence against women and girls prevention among religious and traditional stakeholders in Ogun State’.

    Secretary, Ogun State Council for Islamic Affairs, Dr Salami Fatai, advised muslim leaders to take interest and create space for their members to confide in them and give them appropriate counsel.

    He pledged to embark on capacity building for women and training for muslim religious leaders.

    READ ALSO; ROLL CALL: Atiku, El-Rufai, Malami, Tambuwal, others attend ADC coalition unveiling

    Apostle Tola Adenekan of Cherubim and Seraphim Church, Chapel of Faith Abeokuta stressed the need to hand abusers to the authorities, adding  that Christianity is built on love and peace and does support violence in marriages.

    An community leader, Alhaji Adesina Adefolaran, called for the protection of the female child, warning parents whose children hawk or sell their wares to stop the practice.

    He urged neighbours to be whistle-blowers against the exploitation of house helps. 

    Adefolaran emphasised the importance of  breaking  the culture of silence and ignoring the popular sentiment of staying for the children in an abusive marriage.

    Key commitments from the meeting include, creating awareness of government provisions like helplines and agencies and advising community members to use them; encouraging women to be economically resourceful and not leave financial responsibility solely to their husbands, among others.

  • Why Ondo senator’s aide resigned

    Why Ondo senator’s aide resigned

    An aide to Senator Olajide Ipinsagba, the Senator representing Ondo North Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Oluwatunbosun Awe, has resigned.

    Awe, who served as a Ward Liaison Officer at Isowopo ward II in Akoko North East Local Government Area, made this known to The Nation.

    In a letter dated July 2, he attributed his resignation to paltry payment of N20,000 as salary monthly.

    The aide complained that the salary was no longer in accordance far less the national minimum wage.

    He stated that he had sought an audience with the Senator for an upward review, but all to no avail.

    READ ALSO: Nigeria oil rigs increase to 44, says NUPRC

    Awe explained that his relationship with the federal lawmaker started in 2006 at the birth of his senatorial ambition where he served as the secretary of the Ipinsagba campaign group.

    According to him, he had also served as a personal assistant to the senator while he was the special assistant to the government on industrialisation in the late governor Olusegun Agagu administration.

    He appreciated the Senator for the opportunities given him to serve.

    However, Ipinsagba was not available for comment when contacted by our reporter.

    The senator’s media aide, Adeyinka Ajagunna, who confirmed the resignation, promised to get back.

  • Remo monarchs unite for development

    Remo monarchs unite for development

    Remo monarchs have united to chart a new course for community development as Akarigbo and paramount ruler of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Adewale Ajayi, flagged off the third edition of the Obas’ retreat.

    The four-day retreat, themed “Strengthening the Crown, Building the Nation,” commenced in Sagamu with the convergence of royal fathers, government dignitaries, and traditional council stakeholders in a collective bid to reposition Remo’s traditional institution as a catalyst for unity, progress, and good governance.

    Declaring the retreat open, Ogun state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Oladunjoye Hamzat, commended Remoland’s traditional rulers for their steadfast support for the administration of Governor Prince Dr Dapo Abiodun.

    He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to partnering with the traditional institutions to deepen grassroots development and deliver democratic dividends.

    “The Ministry remains committed to strengthening collaboration with our royal fathers to ensure that development reaches every community in Remoland,” he said.

    The Akarigbo set a reflective and intellectual tone for the gathering as he addressed critical issues relating to the health, wealth, and burial rights of traditional rulers.

    He urged participants to harness their collective wisdom to reposition the traditional institution for modern challenges.

    The retreat witnessed the regal presence of revered monarchs, including the Elepe of Epe Kingdom, Oba Adewale Osiberu, the Ewusi of Makun Kingdom, Oba Timothy Akinsanya; the Alaye Ode of Ode-Remo, Oba Adetunji Osho; the Elemuren of Emuren Kingdom, Oba Adesegun Bolaji Alowonle; the Onirolu of Irolu Kingdom, Oba Sikiru Adeyiga; the Ologijo of Ogijo Kingdom, Oba Kazeem Gbadamosi, Okuselu 1; and other royal fathers from across Remoland.

    In his remarks, the Onirolu of Irolu Kingdom, Oba Adeyiga, who is the longest-serving monarch in Remoland, lauded the Akarigbo’s visionary leadership for instituting the retreat, describing it as a historic initiative that continues to enlighten and reposition traditional rulers for effective community service.

    “This retreat has educated and enlightened us to meet the evolving demands of leadership and community development,” he said.

    Similarly, the Elepe of Epe Kingdom, Oba Osiberu and Oba Gbadamosi, praised the Akarigbo’s foresight in sustaining the programme, describing it as a vital platform for fostering unity, enhancing leadership effectiveness, and preserving Remoland’s cultural heritage.

    The first day concluded with a grand banquet where monarchs and dignitaries interacted in a relaxed atmosphere, celebrating their shared vision for the peace, progress, and pride of Remoland.

  • Olowu bags 2025 UNESCO-TOFAC cultural award

    Olowu bags 2025 UNESCO-TOFAC cultural award

    The Olowu of Kuta, His Royal Majesty Oba Dr. Hammed Oyelude Makama, Tegbosun III, has been honoured with the 2025 UNESCO-TOFAC Cultural Award for his contributions to the preservation and promotion of Nigerian culture.

    The award ceremony, held on Monday at Osun State University (UNIOSUN) in Osogbo, was attended by dignitaries including the Osun State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Abiodun Bankole, who congratulated the monarch and described him as a “Cultural Icon.”

    In his remarks, Oba Makama called on traditional rulers to shed religious biases and embrace their roles as custodians of culture and tradition. 

    “We are installed culturally, and we don’t have any role articulated by the Chieftaincy Law other than being traditional rulers for the maintenance of tradition and culture,” he said.

    He lamented the presence of “cultural misfits” among the traditional institution and called for corrective measures, warning that history would not be kind to those who fail to uphold cultural values.

    Oba Makama was honoured alongside other prominent monarchs including the Eburu of Iba, Oba Adekunle Adeogun-Okunoye; the Aragbiji of Iragbiji, Oba Abdulrosheed Olabomi; and the Orangun of Oke-Ila, Oba Adedokun Abolarin.

    The monarch also appealed to scholars and thought leaders to help promote Nigeria’s positive narratives globally.

    In his welcome address titled Culture Matters, Professor Toyin Falola, in whose honour the conference was named, noted that culture is not only about preserving a people’s identity but also serves as a driver of creativity and innovation.

    He recalled, “Throughout history, colonisers did not just take the African land. They tried to erase the African culture. They changed African names, outlawed African languages, made a mockery of African religions, and imposed foreign systems. They did all of these because they understood that to capture a people, you must destroy their culture.

    Read Also: Olowu calls for unity between Alaafin, Ooni

    “Culture, hence, is a tool for political power. Our ancestors resisted the colonisers not always with weapons but many times with language, with the rhythm of their drums, with their knowledge of culture. In the present day, symbols of culture like statues, official languages, and holidays are still political tools.

    “They pass across messages about who belongs, who matters, who is remembered. That is why decolonising African education, literature, and public space is not merely symbolic but a fight to reclaim cultural dignity.”

    Professor of History and TOFAC 2025 Co-convener Prof Olukoya Oghen said Olowu was carefully selected for the award as a monarch who upholds the tradition of Yorubaland.

  • 50 choristers compete in Remo fiesta

    50 choristers compete in Remo fiesta

    Former  Ogun State Governor, Senator Gbenga Daniel, will host over 50 choirsters for the yearly ‘Asiwaju of Remo Christian Choir Festival in Sagamu, headquaters of Remo on July 6. Nine choir groups from Lagos, Onitsha, Akure and Ile-Ife will storm the Abraham Daniel Tabernacle on Oba Erinwole Road in the ancient town from 11 am for the programme.

    Curator, Opeyemi Ashaolu, told reporters that 25 ‘observing choirs’ are expected, adding they will also participate next year.

    Accompanied by a trustee, Adeola Badru, and Lilian Imoni, he said N30 million will be won; the winner, N5 million, first runner-up, N3.5 million and second runners-up, N2.5 million.

    Last year, Emiral Choir from Akure, won the competition.

    Ashaolu, who said Daniel, Asiwaju of Remo Christians, is raising a generation of choirsters, noted that other participating goups will win N500,000 each and other gifts.

    Read Also: Sugar council to remove impediment on production

    He said the former governor built the tabernacle to thank God and immortalise his cleric-father.

    Ashaolu, who said the motto is “Improving the craft of singing in our churches, added that the chants of Kayode Ojo, Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s organist, would be re-echoed at the festival.

    He said judges will assess intonation, balance, diction, pronounciation, interpretation, expression and audience appreciation.

    The judges are Prof. Kayode Oyesiku, Elder Bidemi Oyesanya (SAN), of Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Prof. Adejimo, Dr. Omolara Loko, Lanre Delana, and Dupe Kachi.

  • Monarch dethrones six chiefs over unauthorised event

    Monarch dethrones six chiefs over unauthorised event

    Oba AbdulFatai Oyeyinka Aromire Oyegbemi II, Ojora of Ijora and Iganmu, has dethroned six chiefs, including a Balogun, for attending a political event without his consent.

    The chiefs, senior members of Ojora’s traditional council, were removed after being summoned to the palace, where the monarch convened an meeting of Council of Bales, Balogun, and Ojora councils.

    Oba Ojora, displeased, demanded an explanation for ‘‘the unauthorised political appearance’’ made in the name of the palace.

    The monarch, known for his allegiance to President Bola Tinubu, said the dethroned chiefs undermined dignity of the throne and his personal loyalty to the nation’s leader.

    Read Also: You’re beacon of Nigeria, Onoh pays tribute to Agbor monarch

    “No one will jeopardise my relationship with the person who has helped me and this kingdom,” he said, referring to Tinubu, who he credited with playing a pivotal role in the progress of Ojora Kingdom.

    He emphasised that his over 30-year relationship with Tinubu was built on mutual respect and shared commitment to community growth, and he would not tolerate disloyalty in his inner council.

    The dethronement, which took immediate effect, is seen as a firm stance by the monarch to protect the integrity of the throne and ensure unity in the kingdom’s leadership.

    Palace sources confirmed that appointments to fill the vacant positions will be announced after consultations.

  • Court dismisses suit to stop INEC’s delineation of Warri wards

    Court dismisses suit to stop INEC’s delineation of Warri wards

    The Federal High Court in Abuja yesterday dismissed a suit filed by two Itsekiri stakeholders seeking to stop the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from delineating electoral wards and polling units in the Warri Federal Constituency of Delta State.

    The case, marked FHC/ABJ/443/2024, was instituted by Appearance Afejuku and Mr. Emmanuel Nunu of Warri South Local Government Area against INEC.

    Justice James Omotosho held that the suit was a gross abuse of the court process and lacked merit.

    The court dismissed the case in its entirety and awarded N4 million costs against the plaintiffs, with 10 per cent interest per annum until full payment is made.

    The plaintiffs had sought an injunction to restrain INEC from proceeding with the proposed delineation across Warri South, Warri North, and Warri South-West Local Government Areas.

    Read Also: INEC to introduce fresh guidelines for reviewing election declarations, returns

    The move was widely interpreted as an attempt to stall long-anticipated electoral reforms aimed at correcting alleged political marginalisation and underrepresentation of certain ethnic groups within the Warri Federal Constituency.

    With the dismissal, INEC is now expected to proceed with the delayed delineation of electoral boundaries in the Warri region, a contentious issue that has sparked debates across Delta State for years.

    Many advocacy groups and community stakeholders have hailed the ruling as a major legal victory in the push for equitable representation in the federal constituency.

    Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja had also dismissed another suit that sought to block INEC from implementing the Supreme Court’s December 2, 2022, judgment, which authorised the delineation of polling units and wards in Warri South Local Government Area.