The Nation Newspaper

Category: Southwest

  • Oba Olakulehin gets military honour as Makinde,COAS, family members, others bid farewell

    Oba Olakulehin gets military honour as Makinde,COAS, family members, others bid farewell

    • Cleric slams politicians over desperation for 2027

    Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, his deputy, Bayo Lawal, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, members of the Olubadan-in-Council led by the Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, members of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) led by the President General, Chief Ajeniyi Ajewole, top government functionaries, family, and friends from all walks of life, on Friday, bid farewell to the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin.

    The late monarch, a retired officer of the Nigerian Army, was laid to rest in full military honour at the Cathedral Church of Saint Peter, Aremo, Ibadan, and buried at the church cemetery within the church compound.

    The COAS was represented by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Ojoo, Major General Obinna Onubogun. High point of the military burial was the firing of gunshots signalling the departure of the late soldier and the presentation of the Nigerian flag to the next of kin.

    The cleric condemned the haste with which politicians are showing desperation about the 2027 General elections, saying those promising to spend only one term in office are only showing the height of their desperation.

    Read Also: Oba Olakulehin goes home today

    Delivering his sermon to round off the weeklong burial activities, the Archbishop of Ibadan Ecclesiastical Province and the Bishop, Ibadan North (Anglican) Diocese, Right Rev’d Williams Aladekugbe, urged the people to be mindful of the life they live, noting that on the last day all mortals will give account of their stewardship.

    Referring to I Thessalonians 4: 13 – 14, the Cleric said the passing of the monarch is a significant loss to Ibadanland, Oyo State, and Nigeria as a whole.

    He said: “… Oba Olakulehin has left this world of thriving wickedness and the Church militant, and he is now at rest in the Church triumphant.

  • Ondo: Abductors of AAUA worker demand N7m

    Ondo: Abductors of AAUA worker demand N7m

    Five days after his abduction, the abductors of a staff member of the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA) in Ondo State, Omoniyi Eleyinmi, have now made contact with his family members, demanding seven million naira as ransom for his freedom.

    It will be recalled that Eleyinmi, a faculty officer in the department of education at the state-owned university, was abducted on Monday night while returning to his Supare-Akoko residence from his duty post in Akungba.

    He was ambushed and seized by the gunmen who fired sporadically as he stepped down from a commercial motorcycle, which he rode home from the office.

    A family source, who spoke under the condition of anonymity, revealed on Friday that the kidnappers initially demanded N100 million but reduced it to N7 million after a series of negotiations.

    Read Also: JUST IN: Police confirm abduction of AAUA senior staff in Ondo

    He hinted that the kidnappers on Wednesday allowed Eleyinmi’s wife to speak with him briefly to confirm he was alive.

    In a swift development, the AAUA Alumni Association – of which Eleyinmi is a member – has launched an appeal for donations to raise the ransom.

    The association’s Global Publicity Secretary, O’Seun Ogunsakin, urged members and Nigerians to donate within 24 hours to secure his release, providing a Polaris Bank account for contributions.

    The statement read in part: “Distinguished Alumni, I am sure that the majority of you must have heard the news of the kidnapping of one of us, Niyi Eleyinmi, who is the Faculty Officer of the Faculty of Education, AAUA.

    “Eleyinmi was kidnapped on Monday, and the kidnappers have demanded a sum of seven million Naira (₦7,000,000). It is on this note that I want to passionately appeal to you to donate towards securing the safe release of Niyi from his captors.

    “We have just 24 hours to raise the aforementioned sum. Kindly make your donation into the account below:

    Polaris Bank 1011167606 Akinwande Joyce Morenikeji. May God help us as we donate.”

  • Prevail on those withholding Osun LG fund—Ataoja begs Tinubu

    Prevail on those withholding Osun LG fund—Ataoja begs Tinubu

    The Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun, has urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the prolonged withholding of 30 local government statutory monthly allocation in Osun State.

    Speaking during the grand finale of the 2025 Osun-Osogbo festival at the groove, Oba Olanipekun said the continuous withholding of LGA fund may ground the state, which will not augur well.

    He said the traditional council in the state must play a significant role to ensure the end of the imbroglio at the councils, noting that “we must all go to Abuja over this matter to see President Tinubu.”

     “Some traditional rulers have approached me on what to do with the withheld LG fund. I don’t want to be too forward.

    Read Also: 2027 Presidency: Wike, Fayose, Adebutu incur wrath of PDP pro-Jonathan big shots …for endorsing Tinubu

    “I expected our leader of the Traditional Council to summon a meeting which would be attended by us. I won’t jump the gun, because I am greatly concerned. I am the father of SSG, Governor, some traditional rulers are the fathers of the deputy governor and Chief of Staff…they should call us, the traditional rulers, we are the fathers of those in government, our leader should summon us all to go to Abuja, if we get there, I know what to say because Osun can’t be relegated to the back.

    “Those of you close to the president and advising him should tell him to prevail on those holding Osun LG allocation to release it for the state, and when it is time for the election, call on me and I will deliver for you.”

    He added that the Osun River goddess has endorsed Tinubu for a second term, and he will emerge victorious in 2027 against all odds.

    He said: “During the 16-eyed-lanterned event, Osun goddess has adopted Tinubu and will deliver Osun State in 2027, there is no need to be afraid.”

  • Osun Osogbo: Babayemi advocates preservation of Yoruba cultural artifacts

    Osun Osogbo: Babayemi advocates preservation of Yoruba cultural artifacts

    A governorship aspirant under the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, Omooba Dotun Babayemi, has called for the preservation of cultural artefacts and relics of the Yoruba race in Nigeria.

    Such a move, Babayemi contended, would help to secure the future of the race, especially in the area of the Yoruba language, which he lamented was gradually going into extinction.

    He emphasized that consistent celebration of cultural festivals in Yoruba land would keep the consciousness of their historical backgrounds alive,a development he added, would always assist in fostering unity among the people.

    In a release by his media office, Babayemi congratulated the people of the state, especially the indigenes of Osogbo, on the celebration of this year’s annual Osun Osogbo Festival.

    “Our culture is our identity and our selling point; we must all strive to protect and preserve. It’s our common ancestry heritage which separates us from others, and this we must keep jealously. We need a conscious cultural rebirth that will help to re-engineer and inculcate an enduring belief in our younger generations. More importantly, the celebration of our various cultures links us with the past to foster our unity today and tomorrow.

    Read Also: Osun govt urges mothers to prioritise infants over husbands in breastfeeding campaign

    “It’s a money-spinning venture. Culture and tourism are basically what sustain most countries in the world today, but unfortunately, we are not paying much attention to them. We should endeavour to look at this direction because of its inherent benefits.

    “Osun Osogbo Festival, like others in different parts of Yoruba-speaking states, filled with different artefacts and relics, has ensured we continue to occupy global space for the good of our areas and the people. This, we must not allow to become a thing of the past in our annals,” he further cautioned.

    Also, Babayemi appealed to traditional rulers and stakeholders to always evolve engagements that would continue to promote the Yoruba ethos, pleading further that efforts be made to ensure that the language did not die as a result of the intrusion of foreign cultures.

    While congratulating the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun, and the people of the ancient town on this year’s celebration, the governorship aspirant implored government at all levels in the country to use culture and tourism to generate more funds for the development of the nation.

  • Group hails Adeola at 56

    Group hails Adeola at 56

    A socio-political group, the Ogun Visionaries For Senator Yayi, has felicitated with Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola as he celebrates his 56th birthday.

    In a statement issued on Friday by the Director General of the group, Hon. Leye Odunjo, he described Adeola, popularly called Yayi, as an illustrious son of Ogun State, who is ever committed to the reformation of the State and Nigeria.

    The group thanked Yayi for his outstanding transformation of the entire Ogun West and the State in general, his people-oriented law-making, and contributions to the development of Ogun West, the State, and Nigeria in general.

    The group described the senator as a thoroughbred politician, an epitome of humility, a game changer, and a lover of the people, while urging him to sustain his contributions to humanity.

    The statement noted that Adeola has brought his political experience to bear on the various constituency projects spread across the state.

    Read Also: Fola Adeola, Ozekhome, ministers to lead dialogue at AIHS 2025

    The statement read in part: “Senator, Chief Solomon Olamilekan Adeola has continued to blaze the trail by providing and offering leadership at various levels of governance, the maverick Senator has continued to serve his people well without relenting”.

    “He has continued to provide sound and relevant legislation at different times, and we thank you for always being there for us”.

    ”Over the years, you have carved a niche for yourself by dint of hard work and discipline, maintaining a charismatic and unblemished leadership style that has endeared you to many Ogun  West residents, the entire State, and Nigerians in general”.

    “You (Adeola) have exhibited absolute leadership traits of a man committed to doing things differently, as it is in developed and organised climes,” the statement added.

  • School proprietor urges outgoing students to pursue excellence

    School proprietor urges outgoing students to pursue excellence

    The chairman of the De Dynamic Private School, Ota, Ogun State, Lion Jide Bello, has urged the outgoing senior secondary (SS3) students of the school to seek excellence in their educational pursuits and life goals.

    Bello made the call on Wednesday during the 2025 valedictory service held at the De Dynamic Comprehensive College premises.

    ”It is with immense joy and gratitude that I stand before you today to warmly welcome every one of you to this special occasion — the Valedictory Service for the Class of 2025. Today, we gather not just to mark the end of an academic journey, but to celebrate the beginning of a new chapter in the lives of our dear graduating students.

    Read Also: UNN alumnus donates borehole to school

    ”This year’s theme, ‘Empowered to Excel, Destined for Greatness,” captures the very essence of what De Dynamic Private School stands for. Our mission has always been clear — to empower our students with sound knowledge, strong values, and the skills needed to succeed in life and contribute meaningfully to society.

    ”To our graduating students, this moment is a testimony to your hard work, discipline, and resilience. You came, you saw, and indeed, you are leaving empowered. But beyond academic excellence, you have been equipped with character, confidence, and clarity — qualities that will guide you through the many opportunities and challenges ahead.

  • Lagos Country Club aligns with good governance- President

    Lagos Country Club aligns with good governance- President

    Lagos Country Club (LCC) has no political party or candidate of choice but only aligns itself with good governance, the president,  Seyi Adewunmi, has said.

    Adewunmi, who is the 25th president of the Club, made the statement at the club’s 76th anniversary gala night.

    He assured that the club will support any candidate or party that is willing to provide good governance for the common benefit of everybody in the society. “We are not aligning to any political party; we are only aligning to good governance,” he said.

    He noted that the founding fathers of the Lagos Country Club envisioned a club that would exist endlessly, meaning that one management will succeed another till eternity.

    “In doing that, it has guided a lot of things that the club has done, starting from acquiring the location. This club used to be a corner where pilots used to hang out when they wanted to fly out of Nigeria. Eventually, they got this place as a permanent location. And ever since then, it has become a beehive of activities ranging from sporting activities to social events and a very fantastic platform for networking. So, it is quite strategic and the founding fathers thought well ahead of time to be able to achieve this,” he said.

    On his advice to those coming after him, he said: “First, they should join the club, try to understand and learn the norms, processes, and procedures of the club before they can aspire to serve at the level of president, because we learn a lot of things.

    There are so many unwritten codes that you need to learn. You must learn to entrench the culture of the club. For example, this is a family club, and once you join, your wife and children automatically become members of the club. So, you may not find all of those things written anywhere, but they are entrenched in our culture as a family club.”

    Speaking about measures in place to sustain the vision of the founding fathers, he said the club ensures that the club has a functional constitution.

    Read Also: Lagos completes first phase of Ogudu-Ifako Bridge rehabilitation

    “Once you have a solid constitution, it guides the behaviours, the conduct, and the activities of everything that we do around here. So, the constitution is supreme to every single member of the club.”

    Also, Chairman, Board of Trustees LCC, Aare Kola Oyefeso, noted that with over 15,000 nominal members, a few hiccups are expected but stated that the club had outgrown such challenges.

    “There are no challenges that are beyond the club. Over the past 76 years, there have been tremendous developments,” he said.

    He said the club has grown exponentially. “When we joined the club 47 years ago, there was only one section and that was the bar, but today, we have 11 sections and there is no game that is not in the club,” he said.

    He noted that the club’s contributions to the country’s economy are unquantifiable. “We have professionals from every field of human endeavours. We have several industrialists here. We don’t blow our trumpet, but our members have contributed immensely to Nigeria’s economy,” he said.

    To keep the club going, he stated that members must maintain the constitution of the club, which is the grundnorm that everybody must subscribe to.

    On what should be done to sustain the club’s achievements, he also said: “Whatever we have done to raise the club to this standard, we must continue with it. We must continue to encourage members to obey the rules and regulations of the club.”

  • Rotary Club donates furniture, sanitary items to primary health centre

    Rotary Club donates furniture, sanitary items to primary health centre

    The Rotary Club of Alakuko, under District 9111 Nigeria, has donated durable wooden benches and essential hygiene items to the Abule Titun Primary Health Centre in Alakuko, Lagos State.

    According to the club, the donation was made to support and celebrate Rotary International’s Maternal and Child Health Month and the International Breastfeeding Week, in order to enhance the comfort and dignity of nursing mothers accessing healthcare services at the facility.

    The club noted that the iron-reinforced wooden benches will replace worn-out plastic chairs and ensure nursing mothers have a safe and comfortable space for breastfeeding and postnatal care.

    The club also distributed sanitary pads, washing detergents, and packs of yoghurt to support the health and nutrition of nursing mothers.

    Speaking at the event, the Club’s president, Oludare Oyegbola, said:  “We discovered that the plastic chairs were no longer durable, so we decided to donate sturdy benches that will allow mothers to breastfeed their babies with ease and comfort,” he said.

    He explained that maternal and child health is one of Rotary International’s core focus areas, with July dedicated to this purpose, highlighting the organization’s global efforts to improve healthcare access and outcomes for vulnerable populations.

    Read Also: Rotary Club donates to health centre

    The immediate Past President of the club, Idowu Makinde, praised the execution of the project, describing it as “an applaudable gesture” that reflects the club’s dedication to community service. He also commended the Lagos State Government for its ongoing efforts to strengthen primary healthcare infrastructure, while urging further expansion across local wards.

    The club’s President-elect, Saheed Olaogun, encouraged hospital staff and beneficiaries to care for the donated items, pledging continued support for primary healthcare centers in the community.

    Receiving the donations, the hospital’s Matron, Mrs. Bosede Oladipupo, expressed gratitude to the Rotary Club for its consistent support over the years. She emphasized the importance of exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of a child’s life, noting its critical role in child development and maternal bonding.

    “Mothers should understand that exclusive breastfeeding is not just a health recommendation—it’s a foundation for a healthier future,” she said.

  • Edo monarchs drop ‘HRH’ appellation, adopt ‘HRM’

    Edo monarchs drop ‘HRH’ appellation, adopt ‘HRM’

    Traditional rulers in Edo State, especially those in Edo Central Senatorial District, have dropped ‘His Royal Highness’ (HRH) appellation and adopted ‘His Royal Majesty’ (HRM).

    Before now, only the Oba of Benin is referred to as ‘His Royal Majesty’ in the state.

    There was outcry when Secretary to the State Government, Musa Ikhilor, in a statement, referred to the Okuokpellagbe of Okpella as HRM, instead of HRH.

    Read Also: LP has no candidate in Edo by-election, says INEC

    The adoption of HRM by other traditional rulers is being viewed as an affront to the Oba of Benin.

    Monarchs in Edo Central were referred to as HRM when they were introduced to candidates who visited them for royal blessing.

  • OSOBAN targets N200m for seminary sanitation project

    OSOBAN targets N200m for seminary sanitation project

    The Oke-Are Seminary Old Boys Association of Nigeria (OSOBAN) is embarking on a N200 million fundraising campaign to build modern sanitary facilities at St. Theresa’s Catholic Minor Seminary, Oke-Are, Ibadan.

    As part of the association’s fundraising drive, this year’s OSOBAN Summit and Annual General Meeting (AGM) of its Lagos branch is scheduled to hold on Thursday, September 4, at St. Leo’s Catholic Church, Ikeja, Lagos.

    It will be presided over by Archbishop Alfred-Adewale Martins, with support from Archbishop Felix Alaba Job, Bishop Felix Ajakaye, and other prominent clerics.

    In addition to the fundraising, the national old boys association is planning its AGM scheduled for October, which will feature the unveiling of a Roll of Honour plaque at the seminary in Ibadan.

    Read Also: Mechanic jailed 6 months for stealing auto parts from seminary

    Speaking during a visit to the Vintage Press, head office of The Nation newspapers in Lagos, the Chairman of the Lagos Branch Planning Committee, Mr. Segun Ogunade, said the project was birthed from the urgent need to revamp the school’s decaying sanitation infrastructure and give back to an institution that had produced revered clergy and notable lay professionals for over a century.

    “We are trying to raise as much as N200 million,” he said. “Some say it’s ambitious, but many agree that it is doable.

    This school was founded in 1901 and has trained priests who serve not only in Nigeria but also across West Africa—Cameroon, Sierra Leone, you name it. But when you see the state of the conveniences in the school today, you’ll agree something must be done urgently. That’s why we, the old students, are rising to the occasion,” Ogunade said.

    He emphasised the historic importance of the seminary, noting that it is the alma mater of numerous Catholic leaders, including Cardinal Anthony Okojie, Archbishop Alfred Adewale Martins, and Bishop Peter Odetoyinbo.

    “St. Theresa’s Catholic Minor Seminary is not just a secondary school; it’s a priestly formation ground. When we went there, we believed we’d all become reverend fathers. While some of us went on to become priests, others became laymen, but we all carry the same foundation of discipline and service,” he said.

    According to the association’s secretary, Mr. Patrick Oyewunmi, the plaque will honour past and present contributors to the growth of the Catholic Church and the seminary.