The Nation Newspaper

Category: Southwest

  • APC Elders’ Forum hails Oyebanji

    APC Elders’ Forum hails Oyebanji

    Ekiti State All Progressives Congress (APC) Elders’ Forum has extended New Year greetings to Governor Biodun Oyebanji and his family; members of his executive council (exco) and aides; the leadership of APC at all levels; the state party chairman and members of the state executive committee, party stakeholders and members of APC; as well as indigenes and non-indigenes living in Ekiti State.

    A statement by Chairman, APC Elders’ Forum,

    Adebayo Oni, and Secretary, Babatunde Odetola, an engineer, said: ‘’We extend our New Year greetings to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his family, as well as his ministers and aides, praying for a peaceful year and for the success of security measures put in place to end terrorism and insecurity in the country.

    ‘’As we step into the New Year, the Elders Forum prays it will usher in peace, stability and socio-economic progress for Ekiti State and the entire country.

    ‘’The forum appeals to elders, leaders and committed members of APC to mobilise other members and well-meaning citizens, who are desirous of joining our party, to participate in the ongoing APC e-registration across the wards. This exercise is vital to strengthening the party’s structure and deepening internal democracy.

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    ‘’The Elders’ Forum calls on prospective aspirants seeking elective positions, particularly ward councillorship and local government chairmanship positions, to conduct their political activities with maturity, peace and decorum.

    ‘’We urge them to eschew actions or utterances capable of generating acrimony, rancour, or division within the party.

    ‘’Ekiti State APC Elders’ Forum also lends its voice in support of the decision of party stakeholders to adopt the consensus approach in the selection of candidates for the forthcoming local government elections. The forum expresses satisfaction that elders at the ward and local government levels are being fully involved in the transparent process of recommending credible, competent and acceptable candidates to the party.

    ‘’We therefore appeal to elders entrusted with this responsibility to be forthright, fair and guided by the overall interest of the party and the state.

    ‘’The forum prays for the continued peaceful coexistence of residents of Ekiti State and hails Governor Oyebanji for the commendable work his administration is doing across the state. We pray that God, in His infinite mercy, will grant him wisdom, strength, good health and continued success in the task of governance.’’

  • Abductors of Edo hotel guests slash ransom to N40m

    Abductors of Edo hotel guests slash ransom to N40m

    Abductors of eight guests of a hotel in Ibillo, Akoko-Edo Local Government Area, in Edo State, have reduced their ransom demand from N100 million to N40 million.

    The kidnappers were allegedly dressed in military camouflages to gain access into the facility where they took away the hotel owner and seven lodgers.

    Read Also: Kidnappers of hotel lodgers in Edo reduce ransom to N40m

    The monarch of the town, Okpahi of Imoga Kingdom, Oba Patrick Abudu, confirmed the reduction, which according to him, was communicated to them Monday night.

    “We are worried over the safety of our people as it has been five days since they were kidnapped”, Oba Abudu said.

  • The Nation correspondent emerges Oyo Chapel’s chairman

    The Nation correspondent emerges Oyo Chapel’s chairman

    The Oyo State Correspondent of The Nation Newspapers, Yinka Adeniran on Tuesday emerged the Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council.

    Adeniran was declared winner after polling 31 votes to defeat his closest rival, John Alabi of Silverbird Television who scored 10 votes.

    For the position of the Secretary, Rotimi Agboluaje of The Guardian polled 31 votes to defeat Musliudeen Adebayo of Daily Post who had 10 votes.

    Also in the election, Remi Koleosho and Sheu Sulaimon both of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) were elected Vice Chairman and Treasurer respectively.

    The election was monitored by officials of the state Council including, Comrade Temiday Adu (Secretary), Comrade Moses Morenikeji (Treasurer) and Comrade Khalid Imran (Ex-officio).

    In a brief remark before swearing-in the new leaders, the Chairman, Oyo State Council of the NUJ, Comrade Akeem Abas who was also present to participate in the process which held at the  Correspondent Chapel Secretariat, Mokola, Ibadan, expressed gratitude for the peaceful conduct of the Correspondent Chapel members and the success the election.

    He said the Chapel where he is also a member has conducted one of the best elections recorded in the history of state Council, while charging members to be of good conduct and professional in all their endeavours.

    He charged the new leadership to promote professionalism and ethical practice while showing concern for the interest of their members.

    The election was the first to be so monitored and conducted by the Akeem Abas led leadership having just spent barely one month in office as the State Chairman.

    In his acceptance speech, the new Correspondent Chapel Chairman, Adeniran appreciated all leaders, elders and members for their support, commending them for giving him the opportunity to lead the Chapel at a time like this.

    He said while he works to build a common front for the Chapel, he will, with the collaboration of all members work to restore the lost glory of the profession among the members while ensuring that their interest is protected every time.

    He assures that himself and other members of his team are firstly members of the Chapel before assuming the position of leaders, while assuring the members that his team will serve for the good of humanity and for the progress of the Chapel, and the Union at large.

    Adeniran also called on the members to support and work with the executive members to attain success for the Chapel.

    Out of the 48-members register, 42 members were accredited to vote while one vote was voided in both the Chairmanship and Secretary election of the Chapel.

  • Teenager docked for alleged Ponzi fraud

    Teenager docked for alleged Ponzi fraud

    A 19-year-old Taoheed Olaniyan has been arraigned before Osun State Magistrates’ Court sitting in Osogbo for alleged Ponzi scheme fraud and using the proceeds to purchase a mobile phone.

    Taoheed was dragged to court by the state Commissioner of Police on two counts of fraud and stealing.

    The Prosecutor, Inspector Kayode Adepoju, told the court that the defendant committed the offences  about 4pm on January 2, this year, at No.1 Koledowo Estate Ibuaje Community behind Garage Ilesa, Osogbo.

    According to him, Taoheed stole N326,000, property of One Baruwa Augustine Oluwabukola and thereby committing an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 390(9) 419 of criminal code Cap 34 vol. 11.Laws of Osun State of Nigeria 2003.”

    He explained further that the defendant met his victim on WhatsApp where he introduced the 16-year-old girl to a Ponzi scheme.

    “He told her to pay N2,000 to get N10,000. After which the victim started sending money to him from the mother’s bank account.”

    READ ALSO; Between Wike and Fubara

    The mother of the victim explained: “My daughter has the password to my bank account. Then she transferred the money. I had warned my daughter against it when Taoheed introduced her to the scheme, unknowingly, that she went ahead to transact with him.”

    However, he pleaded not guilty to the offences pressed against him, as his lawyer, Najite Okobe applied for the bail of the defendant on the most liberal terms.

    The presiding Chief Magistrate, Dr Olusegun Ayilara, granted bail to the defendants with the sum of N500,000 and one surety in likesum.

    He adjourned the matter to February 19, 2026 for mention.

  • Amotekun intercepts coal-laden truck

    Amotekun intercepts coal-laden truck

    The Ondo State Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun, has arrested a coal-laden truck conveying 38 passengers into Akure, the state capital.

    The passengers were arrested at Cathedral, during a routine security operation.

    The suspects, mostly youths aged between 20 and 27, were conveyed in a brand-new Mercedes-Benz truck with registration number GML 335 XR Jigawa.

    The Commander of the Amotekun Corps, Adetunji Adeleye, said the suspects could not explain their destination after a series of interrogations.

    Adeleye said the suspects were being profiled to ascertain their identities and mission in the state.

    “We are profiling all of them thoroughly. Anyone found culpable after investigations will face the full weight of the law, while those cleared will be returned to their states of origin,” he said.

    He added that the area where the driver claimed to have picked up the passengers was considered prone to extremist activities.

    READ ALSO; Between Wike and Fubara

    But, sources said the suspects claimed they were unaware they had entered Ondo State when they were intercepted.

    The source added that the suspects told operatives they were on their way to meet their relatives in Ondo State but failed to provide verifiable addresses or contact details.

    One of the passengers was reportedly found in possession of a uniform bearing the inscription “Commander,” alongside some charms.

    He allegedly claimed to be a hunter but could not explain his destination after leaving Gombe State.

    The 20-year-old driver of the truck and his 19-year-old conductor told Amotekun operatives that they picked up the passengers along the route and had no prior relationship with them.

  • Folarin, Adelabu, others unite for Tinubu

    Folarin, Adelabu, others unite for Tinubu

    In a show of solidarity and determination, a former Senate leader and Ambassador of the Renewed Hope Agenda in Oyo State, Senator Teslim Folarin and other leaders of the party have united for the re-election bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    They also made a commitment to deliver unprecedented votes in 2027 in Oyo State. The leadership of the party at the unity rally held at locations in Ibadan yesterday said the members had put aside their differences to work for the actualisation of the re-election bid of President Tinubu.

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    The rally was attended by the widow of former Oyo State governor, Florence Ajimobi, Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, Senators Sharafadeen Alli, Abdulfatai Buhari, Yunus Akintunde, Femi Lanlehin, Ayo Adeseun, Hosea Agboola and Kola Balogun; alongside Alhaji Olayide Abass, Alhaji Fatai Ibikunle, Akeem Agbaje and other key party stakeholders.

    The rally, which is in continuation of the 14-Federal Constituency Tour, was organised by the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, in collaboration with Oyo State chapter of All Progressives Congress (APC), covering Ibadan North-East/Ibadan South-East and Ibadan North-West/Ibadan South-West federal constituencies.

    Senator Folarin said the tour was designed to strengthen internal cohesion, rebuild confidence within party structures and lay a solid foundation for early and disciplined mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general election.

  • Governor Makinde justifies SSG’s sack

    Governor Makinde justifies SSG’s sack

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

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

    READ ALSO; Between Wike and Fubara

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

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

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

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

    Ikeja residents laud council vice chairman Omisore over yuletide food support

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Awujale: Fusengbuwa House resumes nomination process today

    Awujale: Fusengbuwa House resumes nomination process today

    • KWAM1 condemns exclusion

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    The musician eventually withdrew the suit without providing explanations.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • APC chief demands Adeleke’s resignation

    APC chief demands Adeleke’s resignation

    • Govt: allegations baseless

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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