Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has congratulated his wife, Erelu Ngozi Adeleke, on the occasion of her birthday and her induction into the Nigerian Books of Record’s Hall of Fame.
The dual celebration, held at Admus Hotels in Osogbo, was graced by top government officials and traditional rulers, including the Elerinmo of Erinmo-Ijesa, Oba Michael Odunayo Ajayi; the Ishi Ubom of Ishi Ubomiri, Imo State, Eze Emma Saint-George Ekeh; and the Timi of Ede, Oba Munirudeen Adesola Lawal.
In his tribute, Governor Adeleke described his wife as a “dependable partner and supporter of his governance legacies,” noting that her life exemplifies joy, grace, and divine blessings.
“I rejoice with my dear wife, Amb. Erelu Ngozi, on her birthday. She is a pillar of support and a beautiful mother. Her empowerment programmes and projects have touched countless lives both locally and nationally,” the Governor said.
He also praised her induction into the Nigerian Books of Record as “a national honour that reflects the depth of her impact, character, and contributions.”
He urged her to intensify her efforts in supporting the poor and less privileged.
Erelu Adeleke, a United Nations Peace Ambassador and the Erelu Soludero of Erinmo-Ijesa, has made remarkable strides in philanthropy through the Esther Adeleke Humanitarian Foundation, which has empowered many in Osun State and beyond.
She has received numerous awards for her humanitarian work.
Neglect of tradition led to jailed monarch’s emergence, Says Apetu Heir
Prince Laboye Ayoola, an heir to the Apetu throne of Ipetumodu, has blamed the disregard for tradition and custom by kingmakers, government, and ruling houses for the emergence of the embattled monarch, Oba Joseph Oloyede, who is currently serving a 56-month prison sentence in the United States over $4.2 million fraud.
Oba Oloyede, who holds dual citizenship, was arrested in May 2024 during a visit to the US over a COVID-19 support fund fraud and later convicted by US District Judge Christopher A. Boyko.
In an exclusive interview with The Nation on Sunday, Prince Ayoola from the Aribile Ruling House accused stakeholders of prioritising wealth over tradition, lamenting that Ifa consultation was abandoned during the selection process.
He revealed that the form fee for the stool was raised from N50,000 to N500,000, while contestants were also compelled to acquire government land worth N12 million.
According to him, Oba Oloyede was favoured for his wealth and never subjected himself to key traditional rites, including consultations at sacred shrines.
“We believed that part of what caused this embarrassment for our community is the disregard for tradition by kingmakers, government, and ruling houses. Oba Oloyede was considered because of his wealth. He only came home to contest the stool and kept shuttling between Nigeria and the US until his arrest,” Ayoola said.
He further alleged that the monarch demolished the ancient palace and desecrated the land by removing the corpses of past kings to build a new one, acts which he described as sacrilegious.
The prince urged that Oba Oloyede’s successor must be chosen strictly through Ifa oracle consultation, regardless of the candidate’s financial status.
“Even if Ifa picks a poor man, that is who should be made king,” he stressed.
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has condoled with the family of the late retired Inspector-General of Police, Solomon Arase, the current IGP, Kayode Egbetokun, as well as the government and people of Edo State over Arase’s passing.
In a statement issued in Ibadan on Sunday, Makinde described Arase’s death as a huge loss to the nation, noting that he was one of the most resourceful retired police chiefs whose wealth of experience remained invaluable to Nigeria.
The governor recalled his personal relationship with Arase dating back to his tenure as IGP, adding that Oyo State also benefitted greatly from his counsel and expertise.
Currently on leave after handing over to the Deputy Governor, now Acting Governor, Makinde prayed for Arase’s eternal rest and for divine protection over his family and loved ones.
Makinde said: “I have just heard about the death of my big brother, IGP Solomon Arase (rtd).
“I condole with his family, the people and government of Edo State and the Inspector-General of Police, on this great loss.
“Retired IGP Arase’s death will leave a huge vacuum in the security sector, as he was one of the finest police officers in his days of active service and one of the retired Police Chiefs with experience and expertise that could have been useful to Nigeria in years to come.
“My relationship with him dates back to many years ago and his experience and expertise had proved useful to us in Oyo State at different points.
“It is my prayer that God grants him a place in paradise and gives his family and friends the fortitude to bear this loss.”
The Baàmẹ̀kọ́ of Ibadanland and Oyo APC guber aspirant, Oloye Saheed Oladele, has received a special recognition award as the political personality of the year in Oyo State.
The special recognition award was conferred on Oloye Oladele by Top Notch Businesses and Professionals Forum during a legacy honorary award dinner 2025 organised by the forum at Mauve 21 Event Centre, Ibadan
The award was in recognition of Oloye Oladele’s exemplary inclusive politics, which stands him out from other politicians in Oyo State.
The TNNBP Legacy Honorary Award is dedicated to recognise, honour, celebrate, network and connect eminent persons who are making good impacts and building enduring legacies in areas of endeavours that boost Nigeria’s political, social and economic landscapes.
While reacting to the award, the Baàmẹ̀kọ́ of Ibadanland expressed profound appreciation to the organisers for honouring him with such recognition.
He stated that the award would challenge him to do more for the people of Oyo State in terms of playing politics for the benefit of the people.
He said further that it was commendable that no monetary request was attached to the Award despite that the event was colourful.
Oloye Oladele received the award alongside Mr Taiwo Iterogba, Zonal Director, NTA Ibadan Network Centre, Media Personality of the year in Oyo State; Medupin Abiodun Augustine, CEO, Dupine Properties, Real Estate Personality of the year in Oyo State; and Dr Tinu Smith, CEO, Datina Design, Fashion Personality of the year in Oyo State.
…begins registration of 1000 grassroots canvassers for Tinubu in 203 wards, 18 LGAs
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has asked members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state to unite, intensify grassroots mobilization, and canvass more supporters in preparation for the 2027 general elections in support of President Bola Tinubu.
The governor made the appeal during the weekend at an expansive stakeholders’ meeting of the party in Akure, where he also briefed party leaders on his administration’s developmental achievements and ongoing plans.
According to Aiyedatiwa, the Renewed Hope Initiative of President Tinubu is deliberately designed to strengthen the grassroots base of the APC with a target of registering at least 1,000 new members in each ward across of the state.
“This is our party, and it is our collective responsibility to make it stronger. The Renewed Hope Initiative has been structured to build the party from the grassroots, and our target is nothing less than one thousand new members per ward.
“We must mobilize, we must organize, and we must be consistent in our engagements. Regular stakeholders meetings such as this are meant to keep us united, informed, and ready for the future,” he said.
On his administration’s development strides, the governor disclosed that efforts were ongoing to attract major investors into the state to revamp the economy.
“We have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the establishment of a cement factory, a fertilizer plant, and a petrochemical industry in Ondo State. These are strategic projects that will create jobs and boost the state’s economy.
“I want to assure our people that all our ongoing infrastructural projects, including those inherited by this administration, will be completed.
“In addition, we are taking steps to assume responsibility for some federal roads in order to ease the burden on our people. Beyond the Ikare-Akungba Akoko, Idanre-Akure, and Okitipupa-Igbokoda road projects that are already in motion, we will not hesitate to intervene in other critical road corridors to enhance connectivity,” the governor added.
In his remarks, the State APC Chairman, Ade Adetimehin, commended governor Aiyedatiwa for convening the meeting and for sustaining regular interaction with party stakeholders.
Adetimehin also emphasized the need for leaders and members to return to the grassroots to consolidate the party’s strength.
“We must all go back to our wards and local governments and redouble our efforts. This is our party, and there is no other party for us apart from the APC. Unity and commitment at the grassroots are critical if we want to sustain our dominance. Come rain, come shine, our identity remains APC, and we must carry that banner with pride.
“There is no division in our party. The government and the party remain one. Members of the party must conduct themselves in a way that respects the supremacy of the party,” he said.
The Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Victor Olabimtan, reaffirmed that the APC remained united and indivisible in his constituency.
“In our area, the APC is one. There are no factions, no divisions. We are solidly behind the governor and the party leadership, and we will continue to work in unity to ensure our strength is felt across the state,” Mr Olabimtan said.
Lauding governor Aiyedatiwa’s performance in the state, the Director, Corporate Services of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde described the governor’s developmental strides as visible across all 18 local government areas of the state.
“Mr Governor [Aiyedatiwa] you have done well, and you are still doing well. Your developmental initiatives can be seen across the entire state. The only thing left is to encourage you to do even more.
While the last presidential election was successful, we believe that with more work and greater mobilization, the APC can achieve an even higher margin of victory in 2027,” Abegunde declared.
Other leaders who spoke at the meeting, including High Chief Jamiu Ekungba and Chief Agboola Kelly, lauded Governor Aiyedatiwa’s for the regular engagement of party leaders and members.
The meeting was attended by top political leaders, including the Deputy Governor, Dr. Olayide Adelami; former Deputy Governor, Alhaji Lasisi Oluboyo; Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji; Secretary to the State Government, Dr Taiwo Fasoranti, among other prominent stakeholders.
His Royal Majesty, Oba Michael Odunayo Ajayi JP, the Arowotawaya II, Elerinmo of Erinmo-Ijesa in Osun State, has extended heartfelt congratulations to the wife of the state governor, Erelu Amb. Ngozi Abeni Adeleke, on her recent milestone celebration.
Erelu Adeleke marked her birthday on August 28, 2025, at the Admus Event Centre, Ede Road, Osogbo, in the presence of a large gathering.
The occasion also featured her induction into the Hall of Fame by the Nigerian Books of Record Research Institute, in recognition of her humanitarian contributions — a double honour befitting her impact.
In his goodwill message, Oba Arowotawaya II praised the First Lady’s virtues, describing her as a compassionate wife and a strong supporter of her husband’s leadership vision, whose legacy and influence continue to touch many lives.
He said, “A hearty cheers and a happy birthday to a kind-hearted and compassionate wife of our dear Governor who has made it her business to look after others in need.
“The manner in which you selflessly look after the welfare of others shows how truly special you are.
“Never one to evade any opportunity to help others, always going the extra mile to ensure problems are solved.
“As Erelu Asoludero of Erinmo-Ijesa Kingdom, you have been a source of support, comfort, and inspiration to me personally and to my domain Erinmo.
“On this special day, may your heart be filled with the same joy and love you so generously give to others.
“May the lines continue to fall in pleasant places for you. May you never lack any good thing that your heart desires. May the abundant grace of God Almighty continue to abide with you now and forevermore.
“May you live long and live well with overflowing good health, peace, and countless beautiful moments in Jesus mighty name Amen,” HRM Oba (Dr) Michael Odunayo Adeagbo AJAYI JP, FIADRN, FICMN, FIIM, Arowotawaya II, The Elerinmo of Erinmo-Ijesa Kingdom.
Kabiyesi Elerinmo who spoke with newsmen on the heels of the occasion, said that Erelu Asoludero which Ambassador Ngozi Adeleke holds as a traditional title from his domain means somebody who makes life easier for those under selfless sacrifices.
“You will see through all her activities that she is always making effort to support the needy, underprivileged and to promote good neighbourliness and peace among people. In all situation, she is very active, supporting youths, women, the downtrodden and assisting all with empowerment.
“On this occasion of her birthday, I am happy for her. Interestingly, on her birthday, she also went to hospitals to celebrate with nursing mothers who just had babies that day. She is known in Osun as mother of triplet because she is always supporting and adopting triplets anytime triplets are born.
“I am wishing her long life, many more years of active duty and selfless services to the people, and also, her very supportive roles to her husband as a governor. I wish her well and I pray that she will use this to do a lot more for the people of Osun and others,” said Elerinmo.
The Ondo State Police Command has arrested a hotel staff member, Temitope Ajayi, for allegedly stealing a gold chain valued at N11 million from a guest in Akure.
Ajayi, who works at a popular hotel in the Alagbaka area of the state, was said to have committed the offence on June 22, 2025.
He was among 100 suspects apprehended in August for various crimes, including murder, kidnapping, robbery, cultism, drug offences, and theft.
Confirming the arrest on Sunday, Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Lawal, said the suspect is in custody and assisting the command with information to recover the stolen property
In a separate case, the Commissioner revealed that another suspect, Gbenga Segun Ojo, allegedly stole a gold necklace worth N5,155,000 and sold it to Garuba Jubril for N3,084,000. Both men have since been arrested.
Meanwhile, an 87-year-old community leader, Chief Kogbona, was also arrested for allegedly supplying arms and ammunition to a robbery gang. His arrest followed the capture of three suspects — Adeife Adewumi, Matthew Johnson, and Diisu Sunday — accused of murdering a 25-year-old motorcyclist, Nwike Sabbat, in Ondo town before making away with his motorcycle.
“Recovered exhibits included two cut-to-size barrel guns, one live cartridge, one expended cartridge, and 10 live cartridges allegedly traced to Chief Kogbona,” he noted.
The police also arrested a suspected fraudster who allegedly duped a victim of N10 million under the pretence of selling scrap materials in Akure.
CP Lawal also explained that the suspect confessed to the crime and implicated an accomplice based in Lagos.
“The command has since frozen the illicit funds and is pursuing the accomplice,” he said.
In another breakthrough, the police boss said his officers in Ikare-Akoko apprehended two suspected kidnappers identified as Mohammadu Usman (25) and Mohammed Idrisa (27) – while three others were neutralised during an operation.
The suspects confessed and were identified by their victim.
CP Lawal reiterated the command’s commitment to making the state unsafe for criminals.
“These arrests serve as a stern warning to fraudsters, robbers, and kidnappers that the Ondo State Police Command will not tolerate crime in any form. We remain resolute in safeguarding lives and property in the state,” he said.
A Former Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development in Ondo State, Gbenga Olaniyi, has hailed the Federal Government over the ongoing dualisation of major federal roads leading to Akure, the Ondo State capital.
Olaniyi, who is also a former Chairman of Akure South Local Government in the state, said the initiative was a strong pointer to President Bola Tinubu’s determination to transform the nation’s road networks and reposition the economy through infrastructural renewal.
He explained that the roads in question had over the years become death traps for motorists and commuters, stressing that their rehabilitation and expansion into dual carriageways would bring great relief to residents of Akure and adjoining communities.
According to Olaniyi, the dualisation project is not just about easing vehicular movement but also about laying the foundation for sustainable economic growth in the state capital.
He said: “This dualisation project is a landmark initiative that will transform the face of Akure and its environs.
“We must give credit to the Federal Government for responding to the cries of our people.
“This will not only open up the state capital to more investment opportunities but also reduce accidents on these busy routes.
“It will also facilitate trade and movement of agricultural produce from rural communities into the city, boosting commerce and livelihood.”
Olaniyi, who is also the coordinator for President Tinubu’s re-election campaign in Akure Federal Constituency, maintained that the development is in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the current administration, which places emphasis on economic prosperity through infrastructural expansion.
He cited such roads that connect Akure to other neighbouring states currently undergoing federal government dualisation as Akure to Benin, Edo State; Akure to Ibadan, Oyo state; Akure to Lagos through Ondo-Ore, and Akure to Ado, the Ekiti State capital.
He added: “The people of Ondo State must continue to support this administration because the dividend of democracy is already manifesting.
“If these projects are sustained, in another few years, Akure will become a model capital city in Nigeria.”
While urging contractors handling the dualisation to ensure quality delivery, Olaniyi appealed to communities along the project corridors to cooperate fully and avoid actions that could frustrate progress.
Olaniyi, who currently the coordinator for Grassroots Mobilisation for Tinubu (GMT) in the area, stressed that Akure, being a gateway to several neighbouring states, deserves modern road infrastructure that would position it as a central hub for commerce, politics and cultural exchanges in the South-West.
The GMT, according to him, is being powered by the Minister of Interior, Mr. Bunmi Tunji-Ojo.
He said: “Since President Bola Tinubu has started the huge projects, he is sure footed to complete them and that’s one of the reasons we need him to continue in 2027.”
Governor Dapo Abiodun has tasked cooperatives leaders, members, regulators and policymakers to embrace sustainable business models toward reducing poverty, enhancing food security, creating jobs and promoting inclusive growth.
Abiodun gave the charge during the 2025 International Year of Cooperatives celebration organised by the Ministry of Community Development and Cooperatives in conjunction with the Ogun State Cooperative Federation Limited (OGSCOFED), held at the M.K.O. Abiola Stadium, Kuto Abeokuta.
The governor noted that beyond economic empowerment, cooperative societies can promote social solidarity, provide community with a sense of ownership, and reduce inequality across the societies.
Represented by his Deputy, Mrs. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, the governor also noted that the theme of the 2025 celebration ‘Cooperatives Build A Better World’, was not only apt but also inspiring, said it underscored the enduring relevance of the cooperative business model in addressing global challenges and accelerating progress towards sustainable development goals, adding that the day was a reminder of the power of collective action and enduring strength of communities.
He said: “This day reminds us all of the power of collective action and enduring strength of community. Over the years, Cooperatives Societies have proven to be a veritable vehicle for driving sustainable, social, and economic development across communities. As the international labour organisation once affirmed, Cooperatives are people-centred enterprises owned, controlled, and run by and for their members to realise their social, common goal, social and cultural needs, and aspirations.
“I want to charge all stakeholders, leaders, members, regulators, and policy makers to remain true to the founding principle of cooperatives while embracing modern realities. With the right leadership, innovation, and collaboration, cooperative will continue to serve as an effective tools for reducing poverty, enhancing food security, creating jobs, and promoting inclusive growth.”
Also speaking, Commissioner for Community Development and Cooperatives, Ademola Balogun, described the day as an opportunity to recognise the immeasurable contributions of cooperative enterprise model to human and socio-economic development, saying they continue to stand as a pillar of peace, job creation, wealth generation, and people-centered empowerment.
On his part, President of the Ogun State Cooperative Federation Limited, Alhaji Wasiu Olaleye, while appreciating the State government’s efforts to improve the sector, called for the provision of one billion naira revolving loan to boost financing for small businesses and individuals, as well as other initiatives that would further enhance the growth of cooperatives in the State.
On behalf of others at the event, the President, Federal Medical Centre United Staff Cooperative Society Limited, Dr. Olusanjo Olugbenga, and his counterpart from Osuolale Cooperative Society, Ita Oshin, Mrs. Olayinka Adeosun both appreciated the State government for the various initiatives aimed at improving Cooperative movement in the state.
The Osun State Police Command has arrested suspected cultists during a celebration of Student Union week in an institution of the state.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Ojelabi in a statement on Saturday confirmed that two suspects named Taiwo Oluwatobi (29yrs) and Oluwabusuyi Ajayi (29yrs) were arrested following an intelligence.
He said: “On 21/8/2025 at about 6:30PM, during the student union week in one of the higher institutions in the State, upon intelligence led and pro-active policing, the Anti-cultism unit of the Command arrested Oluwatobi and Ajayi. They confessed to be member of Aiye confraternity and Buccaneer confraternity (Alora) respectively.”
Similarly, he said the Anti-Cultism Unit also arrested four hoodlums suspected to be members of Aiye confraternity terrorising the residents of Okuku town and environs.
“In another development, upon information received that, some armed hoodlums suspected to be members of Eiye confraternity led by one Gafari, Police detectives from Anti-cultism unit of the Command swung into action and moved to the scene, on sighting the security operatives, the suspects fled the scene.
“Our men recovered one cut to size single barrel gun, one cut to size double barrel gun, five sharp cutlasses, one axe and three lives cartridges from their hideouts in Osogbo while efforts are on top gear to arrest the fleeing hoodlums.”
He noted that the Commissioner of Police, Osun State Command, CP Ibrahim Gotan, encouraged students to focus on their education, as the law will not spare anyone involved in cultism.
