The Nation Newspaper

Category: South West

  • Governor Makinde justifies SSG’s sack

    Governor Makinde justifies SSG’s sack

    Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde yesterday justified his decision to sack Prof. Olanike Adeyemo as the Secretary to the State Government (SSG).

    Apparently reacting to speculations surrounding the removal of the don, the governor said it was a routine decision, noting that the former SSG did not do anything wrong.

    READ ALSO; Between Wike and Fubara

    He spoke while swearing in the newly-appointed SSG, Prof. Musibau Babatunde, assuring the citizens that his administration would finish strong by delivering on its commitment to good governance and sustainable development.

    The governor said Babatunde, a Professor of Economics at the University of Ibadan, had been with him for years, and understood the working of the government.

    Speaking with reporters after the event, Prof Babatunde pledged to ensure efficient and effective service delivery through improved coordination of government activities.

  • Oracle-endorsed prince emerges among 95 nominees for Awujale throne – Fusengbuwa

    Oracle-endorsed prince emerges among 95 nominees for Awujale throne – Fusengbuwa

    A prince identified by the Oracle (Ifa) as the most suitable successor to the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, has emerged among the 95 nominees screened on Monday in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.

    The Olori-Ebi of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, Otunba Lateef Owoyemi, disclosed the development shortly after the conclusion of the nomination exercise at the Bisirodipe Hall, GRA, Ijebu-Ode.

    He expressed confidence that the kingmakers and the Ogun State government would select a candidate who aligns with the aspirations of the ruling house, the ancestors, and the divine guidance revealed through Ifa.

    Among the 95 nominees are Princess Oluwakemi Adetokunboh; Prince Adebisi Kadiri, a retired Lagos State Permanent Secretary; Prince Abdul-Fatai Arowolo of Aeron Construction; Prince Olumuyiwa Adeyemi; Prince Okeowo Obafemi; and Prince Adegbenga Bakare.

    Owoyemi, who also serves as Otunba Jadiara of Ijebuland and is a former President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), said the royal family conducted extensive traditional consultations before resolving to back one of the nominees. He declined to reveal the chosen name.

    The list of all 95 nominees was jointly endorsed by Otunba Owoyemi; his deputy, Prince Adedokun Ajidagba; Vice Chairman, Professor Fassy Yusuf; and Secretary of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, Pastor Bolarinde Salami. Representatives of the Ijebu-Ode Local Government, led by the Secretary to the Local Government, Hon. Adebanjo Oke, witnessed the process.

    Read Also: JUST IN: Heavy security in Ijebu-Ode as Fusengbuwa ruling house begins nomination process for next Awujale

    Describing the nomination exercise as peaceful and transparent, Owoyemi said it was a collective victory for the entire ruling house. He added that a new Awujale is expected to emerge within a month, noting that all contenders have signed undertakings not to challenge the selection outcome in court.

    Owoyemi said, “We have successfully, peacefully, and harmoniously nominated 95 candidates today. Now it’s in the hands of the kingmakers to do their work and select one of them for us. We in the Fusengbuwa ruling house have done a lot of traditional research through the oracles to guide us on what’s going to happen. And the one spoken by the Oracle is among the nominees.

    “And we have no doubt at all that the king makers are going to select the person that the Almighty God himself has appointed, the one that our ancestors have also blessed.

    “It’s a win-win for everybody because even those who may not be appointed the king will serve in the palace by the grace of God. Everyone who applied has a document guaranteeing that no matter what, there will be no litigation. So, we can be so rest assured that by the grace of Almighty God, we are going to be very, very happy.

    “We know the government is going to do the right thing and support what the family supports… And God will guide them right… So that they pick for us the Awujale that, I’m told, will make Ijebu the biggest, greatest city in the whole of Africa. I’m not going to talk about the person the family supports now because you saw us nominating 95 of them… We support one of them.

    “So, we are hopeful that the Kingmakers and the government select the best person for us. And we know they will not make any mistakes.”

  • Ibadan traditional stakeholders warn Alaafin of Oyo over disrespect to Olubadan

    Ibadan traditional stakeholders warn Alaafin of Oyo over disrespect to Olubadan

    • …say Alaafin’s stretching of hand to greet Ladoja insulting

    Ibadan traditional leaders, including monarchs, Mogajis, Baales, and prominent indigenes, have cautioned the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade, against disrespecting the Olubadan stool and the Ibadan traditional institution.

    The warning followed an incident at Agodi Government House, Ibadan, where Oba Owoade reportedly extended his hand to greet Oba Adewolu Ladoja while the Olubadan was seated—a gesture the stakeholders described as a serious insult to both Oba Ladoja and the Ibadan traditional establishment.

    In a statement, President of Ibadan Mogajis, Mogaji Asimiyu Ariori, and coordinator of the Ibadan Compound Peace Initiative (ICPI), Mogaji Dr. Nurudeen Akinade, condemned the act as “an embarrassment of the highest order.”

    They noted that the Olubadan’s response was appropriate and served as a warning, stressing that any further affronts from Oba Owoade would be met with stronger reactions from Ibadan’s traditional authorities, including Kabiyesis, Chiefs, Mogajis, and Baales.

    The stakeholders highlighted Oba Ladoja’s seniority, achievements, leadership record, and contributions to Ibadan’s socio-political and business landscape, emphasising that his stature surpasses that of Oba Owoade.

    They reaffirmed their readiness to act decisively against any actions that could undermine the dignity of the Ibadan traditional institution.

    According to the statement, “Alaafin’s disrespect to the Olubadan stool and traditional institution is getting out of hand. If Governor Seyi Makinde doesn’t caution him, and Ibadan people (Including Mogajis, Baales, Chiefs, etc.) were pushed to revolt against his insulting action against Olubadan, the Oyo monarch will hate himself.

    Read Also: Tinubu, Makinde, Olubadan to attend 60th remembrance of S.L. Akintola

    “We have on record a series of his uncultured attitude towards Ibadan traditional stools, this has to stop as Ibadanland will not tolerate his further aggrandizement.

    “Ibadan people are not cowards or lazy; we are fearless, we are just suppressing and calming the nerves of our people.

    “Ibadan people cherish their culture and traditions and hold them in high esteem; anything that is capable of ridiculing the culture and traditions of Ibadan will be rejected by the people of Ibadan land.

    “Alaafin cannot come to our territory, while sitting down and stretching his hand to shake our highly revered 82-year old Olubadan.

    “Oba Ladoja was a former Senator, a former Governor, an international figure, and a successful businessman.

    “Alaafin may choose not to greet Oba Ladoja, but stretching hands while on the seat to greet Olubadan is an insult to the entire Ibadan traditional institution.”

    “Ibadanland has never once been a subordinate to Alaafin, Ibadan mesi o go.”

  • Ikeja residents laud council vice chairman Omisore over yuletide food support

    Ikeja residents laud council vice chairman Omisore over yuletide food support

    Residents of Alausa in Ikeja Local Government have applauded the Vice Chairman of the council, Abisola Omisore, for his Yuletide food distribution initiative.

    The exercise, which commenced on December 23, 2025, and concluded on January 11, provided food items to hundreds of households across the community.

    Beneficiaries of the programme, which featured the distribution of bags of rice and cooking oil, described the initiative as a reflection of the council’s commitment to residents’ welfare.

    One of the recipients, Mrs. Omolola Famiwaye, expressed appreciation to the vice chairman, noting that the scale of the distribution demonstrated genuine concern for the community.

    “This is commendable. Only someone with sincere intentions would do this. We are talking about 5,000 bags of rice and many gallons of cooking oil distributed so far. We thank our Vice Chairman. God bless him and our leaders in Ward B for their efforts to improve residents’ lives,” she said.

    Another beneficiary, Mr. Taiwo Oladipupo, a septuagenarian, also expressed gratitude, stating that the food items would sustain many families for weeks.

    Similarly, Miss Aishat Abiodun, a student, thanked Omisore for extending support to residents during the festive season.

    “I am grateful for the food items.These will last me for some weeks in school” she said.

    Speaking during the distribution, Omisore said that the food distribution reflected the council’s administration commitment to the welfare of residents.

    “We  recognise that many households are facing so much economic pressure, so this intervention is a practical step to support families and show that the local government remains responsive and compassionate.

    “This exercise reflects our administration’s commitment to the welfare of the people of Ikeja LGA.

    “This initiative is guided by the belief that leadership is not about position, but about service to the people.

    “This intervention  may not solve all problems, it represents our resolve to stand with our communities and ensure that relief reaches those who need it most,”he said

  • Awujale: Fusengbuwa House resumes nomination process today

    Awujale: Fusengbuwa House resumes nomination process today

    • KWAM1 condemns exclusion

    Fuji music star and Olori Omooba of Ijebuland, Wasiu Ayinde, aka KWAM 1, has expressed concern about perceived moves by Fusengbuwa Ruling House to exclude him from the nomination process for the next Awujale of Ijebuland.

    He alleged that the ruling house, which is next in line to produce the new Awujale, has been taking decisions that run contrary to the Chieftaincy Declaration, Obas and Chiefs Law of Ogun State.

    In a letter written to Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, KWAM 1, who is said to be from Fidipote Ruling House, claimed Fusengbuwa House was sidelining him from the ongoing selection process for the next Awujale.

    Fusengbuwa Ruling House resumes nomination process today in Ijebu Ode, the headquarters of Ijebu Ode Local Government, after an initial halt to the process.

    Several princes were said to have indicated their intention to succeed the last Awujale, the late Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, who joined his ancestors at 91 on July 13, 2025 after 65 years reign on the throne.

    KWAM1’s allegations of exclusion were contained in a letter dated January 8, 2026, sent to Governor Abiodun by the musician’s lawyer, Dr. Wahab Shittu, SAN.

    Earlier, he had approached Ogun State High Court in Ijebu Ode seeking an interim injunction to restrain Governor Abiodun and six others from proceeding with the selection process, but the court declined the request.

    The musician eventually withdrew the suit without providing explanations.

    Read Also: Awujale succession: Only male-line ruling house candidates are eligible — Analyst

    However, in the recent letter to the governor, he recalled that Ijebu Ode Local Government had through a letter dated January 6, 2026, from its Secretary, Oke Adebanjo, granted Fusengbuwa Ruling House the approval to begin the nomination process and conclude it within 14 days, starting from January 6.

    He said he was surprised to know that while the family members were preparing for the meeting, Prince Adeleye Ademuyiwa, the family’s spokesman, issued a notice directing candidates to collect nomination cards and appear before a screening committee.

    KWAM1 noted that the directive scheduled the nomination exercise for Monday, January 12, 2026.

    The letter said: “It is a matter of deep concern to our client that all these directives, which contravene the Chieftaincy Declaration, Obas and Chiefs Law, and the letter from the Secretary of Ijebu-Ode Local Government, were included in the family’s letter dated January 6, 2026.

    “It is clear that there are plans by the leadership of the ruling house to disenfranchise members desirous of participating in the nomination of candidates for the Awujale stool.

    “We wish to emphasise that members of the ruling house are entitled to attend the meeting to nominate candidates of their choice.

    “A group of people in the ruling house cannot usurp these rights. The directive providing for screening and nomination by delegates is inconsistent with the spirit and letter of the Chieftaincy Declaration and the Obas and Chiefs Law of Ogun State 2021.

    “In the interest of justice and compliance with due process, we urge timely intervention to address these concerns, ensuring the integrity of the process and protecting our client’s rights.”

  • APC chief demands Adeleke’s resignation

    APC chief demands Adeleke’s resignation

    • Govt: allegations baseless

    A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Surulere Constituency II, Lagos State, Quassim Shittu, has called for the resignation of Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke over allegations of N13.7 billion payroll fraud.

    Speaking with reporters in Lagos, he urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to conduct an independent investigation, stressing that the claims required scrutiny to protect public funds.

    The allegations emanated from findings presented by a Lagos-based forensic audit firm contracted by Osun State Government in April 2023 to undertake a comprehensive verification of the state’s payroll.

    According to the firm, its audit reduced the monthly payroll from N4.48 billion for 37,456 workers and 17,918 pensioners in January 2023 to about N3.34 billion for 29,004 workers, with the pensioners’ figure unchanged.

    It further alleged the discovery of 8,452 ghost workers, estimating monthly savings of N1.14 billion and annual savings of N13.7 billion.

    Shittu condemned the alleged findings, saying Osun State required leadership driven by accountability and transparency.

    Read Also: Prioritise payment of local contractors, APC group charges Tinubu, Ministers

    He said if validated, the allegations should compel Governor Adeleke to resign.

    He urged residents to support the APC’s 2026 governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, whom he described as a credible alternative with the capacity to reposition the state, citing his experience as a former managing director of National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA).

    However, Osun State Government has dismissed the allegations, describing the audit firm’s claims as an attempt to impose a flawed and possibly fraudulent report on the state.

    In a statement issued at the weekend, Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, said the figures presented by Sally Tibbot Consulting Ltd were inflated, prompting a re-verification exercise that uncovered substantial discrepancies.

    According to the government, many individuals labelled as ghost workers appeared physically during the re-verification, confirming they were legitimate employees.

    The government said it offered to provide the firm with proof of the workers’ existence, noting that the company neither requested the documentation nor issued an acceptance letter for payment based on the 1,316 workers who were genuinely unaccounted for.

  • Oyebamiji: we will resist rigging against APC

    Oyebamiji: we will resist rigging against APC

    The candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC) in the coming governorship election in Osun State, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO), has vowed that the party would resist rigging during 2026 election slated for August 8.

    He alleged APC was rigged out during the 2022 Osun State governorship election, asserting that the party would take over governance in 2026.

    The standard-bearer, speaking yesterday at the APC state secretariat in Ogo-Oluwa, Osogbo, during a meeting with the youth arm of the party, urged members to begin door-to-door awareness.

    Addressing the youth, he said: “I want to assure you that 2026 will not be like 2022 when we were rigged out of office. We should work hard. For this forthcoming election, governments across the world will stand with us.

    Read Also: Oyebamiji’s posters, billboards flood Osun

    “Many people, who are seeing what President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is doing, are willing to join the cause. We must deliver. You must work. This government will be for youths. We are going to programme a system that will reward youths.”

    He admonished the youth not to be lackadaisical about the forthcoming poll.

    “We are eager to take over, but we have yet to work towards it. God has given us a goal post and set us up to play penalty into an empty net. Despite this, we should work assiduously.

    “We must go back to doing house-to-house, door-to-door awareness about the forthcoming election. Our opponents have started lying to Osun people, you must break these lies.”

    The state APC Youth Leader, Olagoke Akinwemimo, said: “The choice of Oyebamiji is perfect, which has shattered the expectations of the opposition, who predicted division and failure within our party.”

  • Stalwart felicitates Aiyedatiwa at 61

    Stalwart felicitates Aiyedatiwa at 61

    A scholar, Dr. Akinola Awodeyi-Akinsehinwa, has felicitated Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on the occasion of his 61st birthday.

    In a congratulatory statement, he lauded the governor’s contributions to the development of the state.

    Dr. Awodeyi-Akinsehinwa described Governor Aiyedatiwa as a problem-solver, whose pragmatic and inclusive approach had fostered stability, progress and renewed hope across the state.

    “The governor’s leadership has brought stability and progress to Ondo State

    “His commitment to infrastructure, security, education, health care and economic empowerment has not only addressed challenges, but also laid a solid foundation for sustainable growth.

    Read Also: Sule, Otti, Soludo, Adeleke, Aiyedatiwa, Abiodun, Zulum, Yusuf sign 2026 budgets into Law

    ”Governor Aiyedatiwa should rededicate himself to the service of the people of Ondo State by building on the remarkable achievements recorded so far,’’ he said.

    The APC chieftain expressed confidence that the governor would sustain his efforts to better the state, inspire current and future generations with his visionary leadership and passion for inclusive development.

    “As Governor Aiyedatiwa enters this new year of life, Dr. Awodeyi-Akinsehinwa wishes him good health, wisdom, divine guidance and greater successes in steering Ondo State toward even brighter horizons,” the statement said.

  • Firm urges distributors to strengthen businesses

    Firm urges distributors to strengthen businesses

    NeoLife, a global wellness and nutrition firm with operations in more than 50 countries, has underscored its dedication to ethical and transparent business practices

    It said this in Lagos at the weekend during a meeting.

    About 60 of the company’s top-performing partners attended the meeting, which focused on reviewing business strategies, soliciting feedback and reinforcing adherence to company policies.

    The executives addressed growing concerns over negative public perceptions and social media criticism, noting that integrity and transparency remained central to NeoLife’s long-term strategy.

    They said ethical leadership and accountability were key to sustaining the company’s reputation for future generations.

    Read Also:‘CBN’s new policy decision sanction for banks not lending to businesses’

    NeoLife’s Vice-President of Field Development for West Africa, Olusanmi Asalu, urged the company’s top-performing partners to prioritise honesty and integrity over profit, emphasising the importance of compliance with company policies.

    He said the meeting was part of the company’s ongoing efforts to train partners in building their business, while upholding ethical standards.

    Feeds Support Director, Adesina Mustapha, said the meeting was aimed at engaging President Team members, who had achieved success.

    He outlined the company’s plans for the year and reinforced compliance with NeoLife’s policies and procedures.

  • Three held over killing of Abuja lawyer

    Three held over killing of Abuja lawyer

    The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command yesterday announced the arrest of three notorious robbery suspects involved in the killing of an Abuja-based lawyer, Chigbo Nwamaka Mediatrix.

    The suspects are Saifullahi Yusuf, 22 – from Kaduna State, resident at Dan-Tata Community; Dei-Dei, Abuja, Ishau Yusuf, 24 – from Kaduna State, resident at Dan-Tata Community, Dei-Dei, Abuja and Minka’ilu Jibril, also known as Dan-Hajia – from, Kaduna State.

    The police said the first and second suspects are brothers.

    The police said Mediatrix was killed last week by ‘one chance’ operators but her family insisted that she was murdered by kidnappers for failing to pay a N3million ransom on time.

    Her body was discovered on Kubwa Expressway Roadside.   

    FCT Police Public Relations Officer, Superintendent of Police Josephine Adeh said the arrest followed the directives of the Commissioner of Police, Miller Dantawaye, to ensure that the perpetrators were nabbed.

    She said between January 5 and 10, a team led by the command’s Scorpion Squad, led by Assistant Commissioner of Police Victor Ogbeide Godfrey, tracked the victim’s mobile phone and followed up at Dei-Dei, Dakwa, and Dan-Tata communities in Kubwa.

    Adeh said the suspects are members of a notorious “one-chance” armed robbery syndicate who had been operating in the FCT for several years, particularly during festive periods.

    Read Also: Jersey returns $9.5m looted funds to Nigeria for Abuja–Kano road

    She said about 5:50 p.m. on  January 5, this year,  Princess Chigbo boarded their black Volkswagen Golf 3 car on the Kubwa Expressway, unaware that the occupants were criminals. Upon entry into the car, the suspects wound up the tinted windows and threatened the victim with weapons to force her to pay ransom for her release. When she allegedly refused to cooperate, she was assaulted and pushed out of the moving vehicle on the expressway, resulting in her death.

    The police said the suspects admitted to dispossessing the victim of her Android mobile phone, later sold at Dei-Dei for N120,000.

    Jibril received N30,000, Yusuf got N15,000, while Ishau and the suspect at large, Musa, shared the balance, she added.

    The police recovered five scissors, two sharp dagger knives, two knives, one long chain used for restraining victims and a plier from the suspects.

    Investigation is ongoing, and efforts were in top gear to apprehend the fleeing suspect, as well as to uncover any criminal networks linked to the syndicate, Adeh said.

    She said Dantawaye commended the operatives for their efforts and reassured residents of the Command’s commitment to rid the Territory of criminals.

    “”Members of the public are once again advised to remain vigilant, avoid boarding unregistered or suspicious vehicles, and promptly report any suspicious activities through the command’s emergency numbers,’’ she added.