The Nation Newspaper

Category: South West

  • Police arrest mother, son over alleged conspiracy, money ritual

    Police arrest mother, son over alleged conspiracy, money ritual

    The operatives of the Ondo State Police Command have apprehended a mother and her son for allegedly attempting to use a 10-year-old boy for money ritual purposes.

    The suspects, identified as Maria, 53, and her son, Adewale, 28, were arrested in Ile-Oluji, the headquarters of Ile-Oluji/Oke-Igbo Local Government Area of the state.

     The victim was rescued by operatives of the Police SWAT Tactical Team, while the suspects were taken into custody.

     Police sources said the duo allegedly confessed to engaging the services of an herbalist for the ritual.

     Confirming the incident in a release, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Mr Jimoh Abayomi, said the planned ritual was foiled following a tip-off from a concerned member of the public.

    He explained that operatives swung into action immediately after the report was received, leading to the rescue of the child, who was subsequently taken to a hospital for medical attention.

    Read Also: Police confirm abduction of medical doctor in Edo

    According to Abayomi, preliminary investigations revealed that Maria allegedly conspired with her son to use the victim for a money ritual. He added that the suspects would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.

    Commending the operatives for their swift response, the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Adebowale Lawal, emphasised the importance of intelligence-led policing in crime prevention and reassured residents of the Command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property.

     The police boss also appreciated the support of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun,  noting that ongoing reforms and technological innovations were improving policing efficiency across the state.

    Lawal advised parents, especially mothers, to shun criminal activities and serve as positive role models for their children.

     He also warned against the “get-rich-quick” mentality, urging parents to instil the values of hard work and integrity.

     He further called on members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to security agencies, stressing that collective responsibility is key to achieving a safer society.

  • Olorunda council area proposes N9.8b 2026 budget

    Olorunda council area proposes N9.8b 2026 budget

    The chairman of Olorunda Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Lagos State, Ajose Peter Kumayon, has presented a N9.8 billion 2026 budget proposal to the 6th legislative arm of the council.

    Ajose, while presenting the budget, tagged: “Budget of Development”, said the proposal represented a 44 per cent increase over the 2025 approved appropriation.

    He thanked President Bola Tinubu for allowing the council to plan and prepare for effective execution, adding that much could be achieved with the available allocation.

    READ ALSO; Why I walked away as Finance Minister – Kemi Adeosun

    He said that within his first 100 days in office, significant changes had been recorded at the council area, stressing that with the support of staff, residents would continue to feel the impact of his administration.

    According to him, the administration is guided by placing priorities on  Security, Education, Enhanced healthcare and Development, aimed at boosting economic and infrastructural growth in the area.

  • Osun 2026: Akande, Oyetola will lead APC to victory – Owoeye

    Osun 2026: Akande, Oyetola will lead APC to victory – Owoeye

    A former speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Timothy Owoeye, has assured residents of the state that the pioneer National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress(APC), Chief Bisi Akande, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adeboyega Oyetola and other party chieftains will lead the party to guber victory on August 8th 2026.

    Owoeye, in his New Year message, congratulated the people of the state, urging them to wait patiently for the emergence of APC candidate, Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO) as the governor of the state.

    He noted that Oyebamiji’s victory at the primary election, which earned him the APC gubernatorial ticket, is the best thing that happened in 2025. He lauded the leadership of the party in Osun for the choice of his candidacy.

    Owoeye noted that AMBO is the best to secure victory for the party next year, saying: “I want to salute the leadership of the party under the Chief Bisi Akande and the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola. I am very confident that Mr Oyetola and the other party leaders would lead the APC to victory in the 2026 and 2027 elections.”

    READ ALSO; Why I walked away as Finance Minister – Kemi Adeosun

    He charged members of the APC to remain steadfast and committed to the party’s ideals.

    Also, a chieftain of the party, Ademola Adedapo, tasked residents of Osun to be steadfast and united, noting that the economic reforms under President Bola Tinubu are poised to bring prosperity and a brighter future.

    The APC chieftain also called for support for the candidate of the party in the August 08 2026, election, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, adding that he is the best person to deliver true governance for the Osun people.

    “I know year 2025 was challenging due to some reforms initiated by our President, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. However, I want us to know that it was for the good of the country. Let us continue to support the federal government as these reforms are poised to bring prosperity and a brighter future to our great nation,” Adedapo noted.

  • Olaniyan joins Oyo House of Representatives race

    Olaniyan joins Oyo House of Representatives race

    The Founder of DOTYES-I, Dr. Abdulraheem Olaniyan has declared intention to contest as a member of Federal House of Representatives for Iseyin/Itesiwaju/Iwajowa/Kajola in 2027 under the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    He said he was ready to serve the constituency with justice, equity and transparency.

    Speaking during a meeting with leaders and stakeholders of APC in Iseyin Local Government area, Olaniyan said the party will not regret entrusting him with the ticket.

    He noted that his background and impact in the people were gravitate votes in the region. 

    He sought the prayers, guidance and unwavering support of party elders, leaders and stakeholders in the four local government areas as he embarked on the journey to serve people of the Federal Constituency.

    He assured the leaders and the entire people in the Constituency of his commitment to a purposeful leadership, inclusive representation and advancement of collective interests.

    While expressing readiness to serve the people better, Olaniyan stated “together with unity and support, this vision can be achieved”.

    Read Also: Osimhen: Onyedika Nigeria’s most underrated player

    Olaniyan, also attended the APC general meeting at L. A.  Demonstration, Oluwole where he donated 11 sets of public address system to executive of 11 wards in Iseyin Local Government area to help in the propagation of the party in their respective wards.

    He hinted that he had eight good years experience as a Senior Legislative Aide to a member of Federal House of Representatives, adding that the party will never regret giving him the ticket to contest. 

    He celebrated the beginning of another new year by giving free fuel to 400 commercial motorcyclists and tricyclists to reduce cost of transportation in the Federal Constituency.

    The aspirant paid homage to Aseyin of Iseyinland, Oba Dr. Sefiu Olawale Oyebola Ajirotutu 1-Adeyeri III who commended his courage to come out boldly to aspire, urging him and every other aspirant to see the contest from the spirit of sportsmanship.

  • New Year: Babayemi tasks govt on grassroots development

    New Year: Babayemi tasks govt on grassroots development

    A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, Dotun Babayemi, has called on government at all levels in the country to place a premium on grassroots development in the new year.

    Babayemi, who expressed concern, said that the call had become imperative in view of the neglect and degradation being suffered by the people at the grassroots.

    In his New Year message released by his media office, the leader of the Ireti Osun Movement said President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Ward Development Program (RHWDP) could be used as launchpad to achieve this.

    READ ALSO; Guru Maharaj Ji predicts Tinubu, APC’s victory in 2027

    “At the risk of sounding immodest, I can talk about my state, which has 332 wards. Out of these, I visited 299 wards with 33 remaining. I can safely say that the experience was far from being palatable as it shows people going through excruciating pains and completely cut off from modernity,” he decried.

    He lamented that the absence of basic social amenities such as good roads, potable water, electricity, schools and hospitals, among others, was the hallmark of the rural areas.

  • Yayi’s town hall meeting to hold in Ogun East February

    Yayi’s town hall meeting to hold in Ogun East February

    Following a successful town hall meeting in Ogun West, which drew over 1,500 participants and guests, Senator Solomon Adeola Yayi’s town hall meeting series is set to proceed to Ogun East, with the second edition scheduled for February 12, 2026.

    According to the organisers, the Ogun Visionaries, the meeting is expected to draw the ‘who’s who’ in the Ogun East political circle to interact and engage with the electorate.

    A statement issued by the Director General of the Ogun Visionaries, Hon. Odunleye Odunjo, said the theme of the meeting is: Yayi’s Candidacy: For Equality and Innovation.

    READ ALSO; Why I walked away as Finance Minister – Kemi Adeosun

    The statement read in part: ”Feedback from November’s town hall meeting in Ogun West shows that the people of Ogun state are ready for a new leadership led by Sen. Solomon Olamilekan Adeola Yayi in 2027. From the turnout to the buzz on social media, it is important to continue with meetings from zone to zone, constituency to constituency, LGA to LGA, and finally ward to ward.

    ”As usual, discussants will be invited to discuss issues affecting critical sectors, and participants registered from the nooks and crannies of Ogun state. In an event envisaged to be the biggest political event in the first quarter of 2026, it is expected to put a colourful carpet of social acceptance for Sen. Solomon Olamilekan Adeola in the Ogun East Senatorial zone of Ogun state.”    

    ”These discussions and engagements are the first in a series of activities preceding the official declaration of Sen. Solomon Olamilekan Adeola for the number one seat of Ogun state in 2027,” Odunjo.

  • 2026 is year of victory, Adeleke tells Osun residents

    2026 is year of victory, Adeleke tells Osun residents

    The Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has described the year 2026 as an era of victory and prosperity when citizens must engage in electoral vigilance and activism.

    Adeleke, in a statement through his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed praised Almighty God for the successes and achievements of 2025 and prayed for an even more prosperous new year for all strata of Osun society.

    Describing 2025 as a challenging year for Osun state due to externally induced constraints, the Governor expressed optimism that 2026 will be a year of liberation from all obstacles impeding the delivery of good governance and democratic dividends in Osun state.

    The governor urged the people to pray fervently for Osun state for a successful, hitch-free electoral process and to ask God for the failure of evil plots by some dark forces to plunge the state into chaos.

    “2026 is a defining moment for Osun state as the election year for the governorship poll. Some people are busy beating the drums of war. We should pray to God to disappoint them and to make their plots come to nought.

    READ ALSO; Guru Maharaj Ji predicts Tinubu, APC’s victory in 2027

    “Election is not war; it is the exercise of sovereignty by the people. This is a democracy where people reserve the right to vote for leaders of their choice. Any attempt to deny the people their right to vote amounts to undermining the democratic life of the state.

    “I must also add that those seeking power through inflicting hardship on the Osun people will fail at the polls. People will surely use their votes to punish those behind the illegal seizure of Osun funds. There can be no shortcut to power in a true democracy; the votes and voices of the people are the undiluted channels.

    “Osun is enjoying good governance, and I call on our people and residents to rise in defence of their constitutional rights. We must ensure our vote count; we must defend our rights to enjoy good governance as enshrined in the constitution, the governor was quoted as saying.

    He reassured the people of the state of his resolute determination to forge ahead with the delivery of services and democratic dividends, promising and vowing to lead the people to another victory in the August 2026 polls.

  • Terrorists attack: Ondo monarch calls for vigilance, community cooperation

    Terrorists attack: Ondo monarch calls for vigilance, community cooperation

    • Police condemn attack, launch manhunt for perpetrators

    • As Aiyedatiwa orders intensive security patrol

    The Olowo of Owo Kingdom and Chairman of the Ondo State Council of Traditional Rulers, His Imperial Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III has called on residents of Ipele to remain vigilant following the New Year’s Eve attack on a local police station.

    In a statement released on Friday by his Special Assistant on Media, Sam Adewale, the monarch described the assault as “very sad and condemnable,” noting that it was intended to disrupt peace and spoil the festive spirit of the yuletide season.

    Oba Ogunoye, who noted that no lives were lost in the attack, emphasized that the preservation of human life was a key relief despite the destruction of property.

    He commiserated with the monarch of the community, the Nigeria Police Force, and the entire community, assuring them of his full support and solidarity during this difficult period.

    The monarch urged citizens to be security-conscious and proactive, advising them to report any suspicious movements or unfamiliar faces to the nearest security agency or trusted community leaders.

    He stressed that community cooperation with security agencies is crucial for protecting lives and property, adding that collective responsibility remains the most effective strategy against crime.

    READ ALSO; Why I walked away as Finance Minister – Kemi Adeosun

    In his assessment of the attack on the Police Divisional Station, the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Adebowale Lawal, vowed to clamp down on the mastermind of the destruction of the police station.

    The police boss, who visited the affected station in the company of other officers of the command, further affirmed that no life was lost and no church was destroyed during the attack.

    He explained that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has already held a meeting with the security chiefs, which included the police, the military, the DSS, the NSCDC, and the Amotekun Corps, in order to get a proper briefing on the attack.

    “Following the meeting held with the governor, we will be able to assess the situation of what happened yesterday and come up with strategies that we would activate to ensure this attack doesn’t occur again in our state.

    “Also, let me correct this rumour on social media. No life was lost, and no church was attacked, but I want to assure you that we are up to the task. We are going to ensure that the perpetrators of this dastardly attack do not escape justice.

  • Police warn politicians against sabotage of Osun LG workers’ resumption

    Police warn politicians against sabotage of Osun LG workers’ resumption

    The Osun State Police Command has warned politicians and other interest groups against any act of sabotage against the planned resumption of local government workers across the state on January 5, stressing that it will not tolerate actions that could disrupt peace, public order, or the smooth functioning of council activities.

    The leadership of the Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees(NULGE) had announced that its members will resume their duties after 11 months strike action over the battle for the control of council areas between the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the People’s Democratic Party(PDP).

    The spokesperson of the state police command, Emmanuel Giwa-Alade, in a statement on Friday, stated that credible intelligence indicated that certain ‘unscrupulous’ politicians are planning to disrupt the peaceful resumption of duties by local government employees at various council secretariats.

    “The Commissioner of Police, Osun State Command, CP Ibrahim Gotan, hereby warns that any individual who is not a bonafide staff member of the local government authorities must refrain from approaching or loitering around the secretariats. Personnel(police operatives) have been directed to deal firmly and professionally with anyone attempting to incite unrest or cause disturbances.

    READ ALSO; Guru Maharaj Ji predicts Tinubu, APC’s victory in 2027

    “The Command will not permit miscreants to undermine the peace and tranquillity that have been diligently sustained in the state.”

    He reassured residents of Osun State of the command’s unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property, as he vowed that operatives will continue to discharge their constitutional duties with vigilance and professionalism.

    He urged residents to remain law-abiding, vigilant, and cooperate with security agencies, and promptly report suspicious movements or activities to the nearest police station or through these numbers and social media handle: Control Room numbers: 08039537995/ 08123823981, Complaint Response Unit (CRU) numbers: 08035143235/08066286549/08030732461.”

  • Oyebanji urges support for Tinubu’s reforms, peaceful conduct ahead of June guber poll

    Oyebanji urges support for Tinubu’s reforms, peaceful conduct ahead of June guber poll

    Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State has urged the people of the State to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in his bid to rescue Nigeria from saboteurs who don’t want the country and its citizens to be free from hardship.

    Oyebanji urged Ekiti people to intensify their prayers for the President and his administration to successfully implement impactful reforms that will make life better for Nigerians and rescue them from those holding the country by the jugular.

    The governor made the statement on Friday at an Inter-faith Thanksgiving Service to mark the first working day of the year 2026, which took place at the Obafemi Awolowo Civic and Convention Centre, Ado Ekiti, where he led the people, including top government functionaries, in prayers for peace, progress, and prosperity of the state and the country at large.

    READ ALSO; Guru Maharaj Ji predicts Tinubu, APC’s victory in 2027

    He reiterated his call to politicians, political parties, and the people of the state to maintain peace before, during, and after the June 20 governorship election, promising to manage the affairs of the state well, such that electioneering activities would not affect governance and service delivery.

     Oyebanji emphasised his readiness as a governorship candidate and that of his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), to play the game according to the rules, expressing confidence that his superlative performance in the last three years would earn him and his party another four-year term in office.

    While attributing the success recorded by his administration to God and the Ekiti people, Oyebanji also reserved a special commendation for President Tinubu, whom he noted had so far supported Ekiti immensely to be better than what it used to be, urging the people to reciprocate by supporting the policies of the President and praying for him to succeed.

    Speaking further, Oyebanji said the President’s policies, although painful initially, have started to yield dividends. He cited the remarkable drop in prices of food items and the pump price of petrol as some of the noticeable gains.