The Nation Newspaper

Category: South West

  • LG crisis: Adeleke orders probe of Osun radio stations over alleged inciteful comments

    LG crisis: Adeleke orders probe of Osun radio stations over alleged inciteful comments

    Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has ordered a probe of the heads of some radio stations in the state for allegedly allowing opposition leaders to make inciteful and violent comments on air following the recent Appeal Court verdict on local government administration.

    In a statement issued on Sunday by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, the governor expressed concern that the comments made by opposition figures breached national broadcasting codes and posed a threat to public peace.

    Governor Adeleke condemned the conduct of some broadcasters who, according to him, failed to uphold journalistic ethics by permitting inflammatory statements without granting fair hearing to the affected parties. 

    He further criticized the stations for allowing libelous and seditious allegations against public officials to go unchecked.

    “The Governor expressed displeasure at the activities of some radio stations who allowed guests to incite the public to violence and also manifest disdain for fair hearing to stakeholders,” the statement read.

    “He condemned the refusal to caution guests who made libelous and seditious allegations against public officials, while at the same time blocking the right to fair hearing for affected people.”

    READ ALSO: Top 10 affordable countries Nigerians can visit with low budget

    As part of immediate steps, the governor has directed the Commissioner for Information to summon the General Managers of the implicated stations for a briefing ahead of possible further actions.

    While reiterating his administration’s commitment to press freedom, Adeleke emphasized the importance of adhering to broadcasting codes as a hallmark of responsible journalism. He warned that any station found guilty of violating the rules would face sanctions.

    “We task our people to be law abiding. The local government question is being resolved without any further bloodletting. Those promoting violence will face the law at the right time”, the Governor was quoted as saying.

  • LG polls: Lagos APC kicks off campaigns Tuesday

    LG polls: Lagos APC kicks off campaigns Tuesday

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State would begin campaigns for the local government elections on Tuesday.

    The chairmanship and councillorship polls will be held in 57 councils on July 12.

    The campaign would take off with the presentation of candidates at the State Secretariat in Ogba, where the party chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, would hand them flags.

    The campaign has been decentralized across the three senatorial districts of Lagos East, Central, and West, while that of Lagos West has been divided into two due to its size.

    A statement by the Publicity Secretary, Seye Oladejo, said party chieftains, elected and appointed officials across the three tiers of government, would witness the ceremony.

    Read Also: Jigawa APC warns against disunity, vows disciplinary action

    The party had earlier directed its leadership in the local governments to put in place Local Organizing Committees (LOC) to ensure effective and massive mobilization.

    The chairmanship, vice chairmanship, and councilorship candidates for the 20 local governments and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), and councillorship candidates for 377 wards had earlier emerged during its primaries.

    Oladejo said the APC campaign would focus on the unprecedented landmark achievements of the outgoing governments in the councils, the numerous timely social interventions, and the promise to do more in tandem with the party’s progressive philosophy.”

    He added: “We wish to seize this opportunity to urge all voters to endeavor to perform their civic responsibility on the day of the elections to further grow our nascent democracy.

    “The campaign will end a day before the elections under the extant laws.”

  • Osinbajo calls for political engagement for national transformation

    Osinbajo calls for political engagement for national transformation

    Former vice president, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, has called on Nigerians, especially Christians and young people, to play vital and impactful roles in the political terrain.

    He made the call on Saturday, at the second Annual Memorial Lecture of the late Daniel Taiwo Odukoya, held at Fountain of Life Church, in Lagos.

    Speaking on the theme, “The Evolving Relationship Between the Church and the Government in Nigeria,” Osinbajo noted that the role of the church in society is crucial because it embodies honesty and transparency.

    “The role of the church is to transform society. The church’s role is very radical in transforming society and the lives of the citizens.

    He stressed that political involvement must be rooted in knowledge, preparedness, and moral clarity.

    He described the late Pastor  Odukoya as the preacher of the gospel in words and actions, and an authentic Christian.

    He highlighted how the church, from an early age, was a transformative force. Noting that the church played a vital role in shaping society in areas of marriage, it served as a voice of conscience during the military era.

    Read Also: Legal profession crumbling under corruption, ethical breach — Osinbajo

    He emphasized the need for transparency,  urging Christians to portray what Jesus taught, adding that the church must not place money over the things of God.

    He debunked the disillusionment with politics, noting that despite its bad reputation, politics remains the only legitimate pathway to leadership and influence.

    “No matter how dirty politics appear, it is still the only way we choose our leaders. Churches should self-regulate. If we say we want accountability from the government, there’s no reason we shouldn’t be open in our accounting. We must uphold democracy, the judiciary, and the legislature.

    “We have the right to ask questions on why the gospel is not transformative in our part of the world. The gospel has to be preached in a manner that upholds moral values. That’s the way to society.

    Advising young persons, he said: “Any young person who wants to be in politics must study, be interested in things that are around you. You must understand how things work. Read biographies, understand healthcare, education, and economic systems, particularly in the African context.”

    He urged Christians to set the standard and have a different approach to life.

    “When a convicted Christian is in office, you’re relating to God. We must set the standard as Christians. We must have a different approach to life. Life itself is a journey. Don’t compromise yourself in a bid to make money.

    Speaking of Christians who have been murdered unjustly, he said that it’s crucial “we continue to advocate for justice in our society. Law and order must be maintained in a society. That’s fundamental. Everyone deserves to live.”

    Pastor Jimmy Odukoya advised the citizens to “be the change you want to see. Change starts with us. Let’s look within ourselves before pointing fingers at the government. If we want law and order, let us obey the law.”

  • Fresh Appeal Court verdict revalidates reinstatement of council chairmen -APC chieftain

    Fresh Appeal Court verdict revalidates reinstatement of council chairmen -APC chieftain

    • NIWA boss warns against use of Amotekun to seize council secretariats

    The dismissal of a suit relisting the control of Osun State local government areas by the Court of Appeal has revalidated the reinstatement of the council chairmen, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress(APC), Temilade Adewusi, has said.

    It will be recalled that the Appeal Court on February 10th reinstated APC members who had earlier been sacked by two Federal High Court verdicts, but the appellate court dismissed an application by the APC seeking to relist an earlier appeal that had been struck out on January 13 for lack of diligent prosecution.

    Adewusi, who is one of the leaders of APC in Osun State, in a statement on Saturday, berated Osun State Government for misinterpreting the fresh verdict and demanding an apology from APC and the Minister of Marine, Adegboyega Oyetola.

    She said: “The Friday ruling is a revalidation of the February 10, 2025, appeal court judgement reinstating the APC-led chairmen and councillors sacked by Governor Adeleke in 2022.”

    She promised that her civil society group was ready to collaborate with the reinstated APC council chairmen in Atakumosa East/Atakumosa West/Ilesa East/Ilesa West to drive development in Ijesa South Federal Constituency.

    She warned that the attempt by the Osun State Government and its handlers to read extraneous meanings to the unambiguous ruling would heat the polity, a development capable of igniting a serious political crisis in the state.

    “Justice Obiora said in the fresh verdict that the sudden attempt to resurrect the appeal through this same court will only lead to confusion, and this Court will resist such attempt to lure it to unwittingly seat on Appeal in CA/AK/270/2022.’ The CA/AK/270/2022 case in question is the appeal delivered February 10, 2025, which reinstated the APC-led local government executives and councillors. This ruling is a clear revalidation of the February 10, 2025 judgment of the Court of Appeal.”

    Read Also: Natasha: Appeal Court strikes out Akpabio’s motions, slams ₦100,000 fine

    Meanwhile,  the Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji, has warned against attempts to use the Amotekun corps to forcefully seize control of local government secretariats from the All Progressives Congress(APC).

    This is just as he noted that the recent Appeal Court verdict, which dismissed the relisting of their suit, revalidated the reinstatement of APC council chairmen earlier sacked by the Federal High Court.

    Oyebamiji, in a statement through his campaign coordinator, Adebayo Adedeji, on Saturday, cautioned Osun State Government against misinterpretation of the Appeal court verdict on who to control the councils.

    He noted that that misleading stance is capable of inciting the public against the duly elected local government executives who, since February, have been conducting the affairs of the local councils following the judgement of 10th February, 2025, which backed their return to office.

    He assured that no political force can clinch the local government affairs from the duly reinstated APC chieftains.

    He reminded the governor that the primary responsibility of any government is security of life and property, urging the governor to be statesmanly in discharging this responsibility by not setting the state on needless violence as experienced on February 17th, 2025 when Hon Remi Abass, former Chairman of Irewole Local Government, was murdered in broad daylight.

  • PSN restates commitment to well-being of Ogun residents

    PSN restates commitment to well-being of Ogun residents

    The Chairman of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Ogun State branch, Adewale Adenugba, has restated the commitment of the society to the health and well-being of the people through effective policy advocacy, professional ethics, capacity building, and innovations.

    Adenugba, who made this known in a statement heralding the 2025 Pharmacy Week with the theme: “Harnessing Pharmaceutical Innovations for Equitable Healthcare in a Rapidly Evolving Economy,” disclosed that Ogun PSN is positioning itself as a national model in pharmaceutical excellence.

    He revealed that the society would continue to promote responsible drug use, health education, and easier access to pharmaceutical services for the overall benefit of the people.

    He disclosed that the weeklong programme will begin tomorrow with an Health Walk Against Drug Abuse and Misuse where pharmacists across the state-led by the Executive Secretary, Ogun State Drug and Health Commodities Management Agency, Funke Oyeneye would visit the Kuto Motor Park in Abeokuta to enlighten the public on the dangers of drug abuse and misuse.

    Read Also: PSN calls for stronger laws to tackle fake drug crisis

     According to the statement, the enlightenment programme would be followed by a grand opening ceremony on Tuesday, the 17th at DLK Events Centre, Leme, Abeokuta, while the week will be rounded off with an Annual General Meeting (AGM) scheduled for Wednesday, 18th June 2025.

    Adenugba added that investiture of the newly elected PSN Ogun State Chairman, inauguration of new state executives, recognition of trailblazers in the healthcare sector through merit awards, and a luncheon and fundraising event in support of the PSN Ogun Pharmaresource Hub Project would wrap up the week’s activities on Wednesday 18th June by 1.00 pm.

    The release further indicated that Samson Yomi Osewa, a pharmacist and founder of The Ambassadors Schools,  Ota, would be the Chairman, while the Special Guest of Honour is the First Lady of Ogun State, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun.

    The president of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Ayuba Tanko, is the Chief Host, while the keynote address will be delivered by an icon in pharmacy and a thought leader on pharmaceutical innovation, Pharm. Lekan Asuni.

  • Lagos LG chairman dies at 68

    Lagos LG chairman dies at 68

    • Sanwo-Olu, APC mourn

    The Chairman of Oto-Awori Local Council Development Area, Musibau Asafa, is dead.

    Ashafa was said to have died from an undisclosed prolonged illness.

    Asafa’s death was announced via a statement shared on Facebook on Saturday by his media aide, Bodunrin Ayodele.

    The statement did not disclose when Asafa died.

    The statement read in part:  “Oto-Awori Local Council Development Area is in mourning following the passing of its Executive Chairman, Prince Musibau Adekunle Asafa.

    “Prince Ashafa, a respected politician, leader and dedicated public servant, succumbed to a prolonged illness, leaving behind a legacy of service and commitment to the people he served.

    “According to a close family member, Prince Ashafa’s passing was confirmed after a long battle with illness. Despite the efforts of medical professionals, he was unable to recover and passed on, leaving his family, friends, and colleagues in shock and grief.

    Read Also: LG chairmanship poll: Olasunkanmi picks nomination form, promises grassroots development

    “As news of his passing spreads, tributes and condolences are expected to pour in from well-wishers, community leaders, and government officials who had the privilege of working with him. Prince Asafa’s leadership was marked by a commitment to improving the lives of his constituents, and his contributions to the local government will be deeply missed.

    “Oto-Awori LCDA has lost a dedicated servant, and his passing will be felt by many. May his legacy live on, and may his family find solace in the memories of his life and service.”

    Meanwhile,  Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Saturday mourned the passing of Ashafa via a condolence message issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Gboyega Akosile.

     The governor described the passing of Ashafa, who died at age 68, as a great loss to the people of Oto-Awori LCDA, the All Progressives Congress (APC), and Lagos State.

    The governor commiserated with the deceased’s family, friends, political associates, and members of Conference 57, which is a group of all the council chairmen in Lagos State.

    Governor Sanwo-Olu also sympathised with the Vice Chairman of Oto-Awori LCDA, Hon. Abiodun Azeez, as well as the management and staff of the council over Ashafa’s death.

    The governor said, “I am saddened by the news of  Hon. Musibau Ashafa’s death. It is a great loss to the Oto-Awori LCDA, Lagos APC, and the State. We have lost a committed, humble, passionate, visionary, and devoted public servant and grassroots politician.

    “He made positive impacts during his tenure as Chairman of Oto-Awori LCDA to deliver dividends of democracy to people at the grassroots level. He was committed to the development of the council in critical sectors.’’

    Also, the APC in Lagos State has expressed sadness over Ashafa’s death, describing it as painful.

    In a statement issued on Saturday, the chairman of the party, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi said: “The news of your passing, dear Hon. Musbau Ashafa, has left me with a heavy heart.

    “As a fellow party member and brother, your departure is a painful loss, not just for me, but for our entire party.

    “As chairman of Oto-Awori LCDA, you played a pivotal role in shaping grassroots politics, leaving an indelible mark on our community.

    “Your dedication, passion, and leadership inspired countless individuals, and your legacy will continue to inspire future generations,” Ojelabi added.

  • Osun Rep lauds Tinubu for posthumous national honour for late Bola Ige

    Osun Rep lauds Tinubu for posthumous national honour for late Bola Ige

    Member of the House of Representatives representing Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency of Osun State, Hon. Oluwole Oke, has extended heartfelt appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for conferring a posthumous national honour of Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) on the late Chief Bola Ige, SAN.

    In a statement personally signed, Hon. Oke described the recognition as a “fitting and long-overdue” tribute to one of Nigeria’s most iconic statesmen, hailing it as a significant gesture that reinforces the nation’s democratic foundations.

    Chief Bola Ige, widely referred to as the Cicero of Esa-Oke, was a former governor of the old Oyo State and also served as the Attorney-General of the Federation.

    Hon. Oke noted that Ige’s unwavering dedication to justice, democracy, and national unity had left “an indelible mark” on Nigeria’s political landscape.

    He said: “Chief Bola Ige was not only a son of Osun State but a beacon of hope and resilience for all Nigerians.”

    “This recognition by President Tinubu is a testament to the enduring impact of his contributions to our country’s development and democratic ideals. It reminds us that true patriotism transcends time and that the values he stood for remain vital to our collective progress.”

    Read Also: You lied against me, Ladoja faults ex-Osun governor over Bola Ige’s death

    He lauded President Tinubu for demonstrating what he termed “foresight and unwavering commitment” in honouring Nigeria’s heroes, stressing that such gestures not only promote national pride. but also inspire the younger generation to emulate selfless public service.

    Oke described Ige’s legacy as one defined by courage, integrity, and visionary leadership. “His life and work remain a beacon of hope and resilience, not only for Osun State but for all Nigerians.”

    The lawmaker called on Nigerians to reflect on the sacrifices of leaders like Chief Ige and to recommit themselves to the ideals of justice, unity, and national development.

    “This posthumous award will rekindle national pride and inspire younger generations to emulate the late Chief’s exemplary dedication to public service,” he said.

  • Pa Omolodun for burial June 20

    Pa Omolodun for burial June 20

    The remains of Pa Augustine Olayiwola Omolodun, who died in April at the age of 88, will be buried in Lagos on June 20, 2025, his family has said.

    A statement issued on Friday by one of his children, Barrister Olanlokun Omolodun, stated that the funeral programme will commence on Thursday, June 19, with a Christian wake at his residence at No. 4 Atiba Street, Idimangoro, Ikeja.

    Read Also: Peter Obi, Okaro, others attend Nkechi Nweje burial ceremony

    “A requiem mass will take place at St Dominic  Catholic Church, Herbert Macauley Way, Yaba, Lagos, while the internment will be held at Atan Cemetery, Yaba. Entertainment of guests will take place at Banilux Place, near Ozone Cinemas, Yaba, Lagos.’’

    He is survived by children and grandchildren.

  • Group seeks unity among traditional rulers for Ogbomoso advancement

    Group seeks unity among traditional rulers for Ogbomoso advancement

    A group, The Ogbomoso Torch Bearers, has called on traditional rulers across Ogbomosoland to set aside their differences and unite in the interest of the region’s development.

    The group expressed concerns over growing disunity among traditional rulers in the zone, saying disunity has been one of the factors hindering the progress of the five local government areas that make up Ogbomosoland.

    A statement jointly signed by the Chairman of the group, Adekojo Adeniran, and the Secretary, Mr. Ayobami Olusegun identified activities of selfish conflict entrepreneurs and misguided advisers as the root cause of division among the monarchs. 

    The duo alerted monarchs in Ogbomosoland to remain vigilant and guard against such individuals, warning that these people are often driven by personal gain at the expense of the community’s collective well-being.

    “There are many people of high integrity and native intelligence who are capable of contributing meaningfully to the growth of Ogbomoso, but they are often denied access to the royal institutions due to hidden agendas and selfish interests.”

    The group emphasised that everyone has a crucial role to play in making Ogbomoso a model city. 

    Read Also: Ibadan, Ogbomoso traditional leaders reject move to make Alaafin permanent chair of Oyo council of Obas

    It called for unity of purpose, mutual respect, and love among the monarchs, regardless of historical differences. 

    “We must be bound by our shared passion for the advancement of our land. How beautiful and inspiring it would be if the Soun, Olugbon, Onpetu, Aresa, Onikoyi, and other royal fathers could speak with one voice, united in vision and purpose.

    “Unfortunately, the reverse is currently the case, and it is disheartening to see those who should be exemplars engaging in public disputes and harboring resentment.”

    The Ogbomoso Torch Bearers camvassed reconciliation and collaboration among all stakeholders to ensure progress and pride of Ogbomosoland.

  • Ajah community holds Eid carnival, urges govt interventions in security, health sectors 

    Ajah community holds Eid carnival, urges govt interventions in security, health sectors 

    Chief Adewale Adamson, the Baale of Ajah Community has reiterated the need for the Lagos State Government to build general hospital and intensify more security operations in the Ajah community.

    Adamson disclosed this on Friday while celebrating the annual ‘Jimo Oloyin festival’ which comes every Friday after Eid- el-Kabir.

    “Well, today is Friday, we are celebrating Eid and we are doing it every Friday following the Eid.

    “And then all the community are coming out to celebrate it, the family, home and abroad are here to celebrate the festival.

     “All the religions in the community are in one accord and then we are celebrating together. Whatever the religion you are, as long as you are a Muslim, Christian or whatever religion you are, we are coming together to celebrate whatever the celebration is

    “We have been doing the carnivals back in the past years. But when I became the Baale of Ajah, the community changed the way they are doing it and we started elaborating it.,” he said.

    The community leader also pleaded and reiterated the urgent need for the government to build a General Hospital in the Ajah community.

    According to him, the residents are just pleading to the government to look into our matter. And then we plead to the government to help us build a general hospital. And then we need more security, especially as Aja underbridge.

    “There is a lot of crime being committed. And then as the family of Aja, the community, I myself am doing the best I can do to make sure that we put the situation under control,” the community leader added.

    Alhaji Abdukabir Ogunsemo, the General Secretary Ogunsemo Royal Family in Ajah community said that the carnival has been a long tradition celebrated on Friday after Eid.

    “It has been a tradition all along that every Eid festival, the Friday that is after Ileya, we do what is called ‘Jimo Oloyin’ all indigenous, sojourners, and visitors, come together to celebrate the festival.

    “We are religious tolerant, we don’t have any problem within our community, we have the traditional religion, Christianity, and the Muslims, and we all live like family.

    Read Also: JUST IN: Tinubu heads back to Abuja after Eid holidays in Lagos

    “And we have all these religions present in every family like in my own family now, I’m a Muslim, we have our fathers who are traditionalists and Christians. 

    “Even our wives who are Christians, and even our own sons that are married Christians, we all live together.

    “So it has been an age-long tradition that we all celebrate together. As we are celebrating today, the tradition, Egungun worshippers, oro worshippers, everybody felicitates with us. And that has been our tradition, we thank God for that,” he said.

    According to him, Ajah is an ancient town established in 1704 and since 1734, we have been having the Baaleship up to today. (1:58) And we have been organising this since ancient times.

    Ogunsemo also appealed to the Lagos State government to upgrade the office of Baale Ajah to Obaship to foster more development in the community.

    “We have Ilaje, we have the Hausas, the Igbos and the Igalas every clan is ethnic groups in Nigeria ars here present in Ajah community as you can even call Ajah the Federal Republic of Ethnic Groups,” he added.

    The community leader also said that Ajah area needed a substantive traditional ruler who would foster more development into the community.

    “And one of the major things that is paramount to every Aja community now is for the government to elevate our baale to Oba,” he added.

     Chief Ibrahim Olokonla, one of the High Chief in Ajah community also thanked the Baale for organising the carnival in a big form saying the festival would bring more bonds and unity to Ajah community.

    “We have been doing it for a long time more than 40 years ago and this one is very unique.

    “We urge the people of Ajah to be more peaceful and support the community leaders to ensure more development and infrastructure,” he said.