The Nation Newspaper

Category: Southwest

  • Diaspora group commiserates with Makinde over death of ex-Nigerian High Commissioner

    Diaspora group commiserates with Makinde over death of ex-Nigerian High Commissioner

    The Omituntun Initiative in the Diaspora (OID) has commiserated with Governor Seyi Makinde, Oyo State Elders’ Council, the immediate family, and the entire Oyo state over the death of former Nigerian High Commissioner to Zambia and Malawi Ibironke Adefope 

    Adefope, a member of Oyo State Elders’ Council, died at 73. 

    OID described Adefope as an inspiration, a civil rights champion, and a legend, who left a fundamental footprint on Oyo State and Nigerian politics. 

    A statement by spokesperson for OID, Barr. Ayotomiwa Adebayo said the deceased was a beacon of leadership and a significant central figure in good governance whose enormous contribution to Oyo State political landscape and the return of democracy to Nigeria cannot be overemphasized.

    “Mama Adefope can best be described as a philanthropist and a champion of the underprivileged. She showed incredible kindness to those who needed it and sacrificed everything to create opportunities for the underrepresented groups.     

    Read Also: Akpabio to receive prestigious Nigeria Golden Hearts Award in UK for legislative leadership

    “Our mother lived a fulfilled life through selfless service to humanity and had a huge impact on our public life. She leaves behind a lasting legacy of high standards, meritorious and unyielding excellence in service to the people, country, and beyond. 

    “Ambassador Adefope served the country and State she truly loved as former Nigerian High Commissioner to Zambia and Malawi, as well as a member of the Oyo State Elders’ Council and Advisory Council. She will be dearly missed by many.

    “Our thoughts and prayers are with the Oyo State government, the good people of the State, her immediate family, and associates. 

    “We pray to God Almighty to grant her family and everyone touched by Mama’s demise the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss. 

    “Mama has indeed fought a good fight, run the race, finished the course, and has gone to be with the Lord. May her gentle soul rest in perfect peace.”

  • 11 years after robbery, Ekiti community seeks return of banking service

    11 years after robbery, Ekiti community seeks return of banking service

    Residents of Okemesi-Ekiti, headquarters of Okemesi/Ido-Ile Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Ekiti State are yearning for the return of  banking services to their community, 11 years after a deadly robbery attack on a bank branch.

    The robbery attack left two people dead and many injured, leading to the closure of the bank branch. Since then, the community has been without banking services.

    The residents under the auspices of the Likes Group, a prominent club  in the community, lamented that the absence of banking services had been devastating on the town with economic activities negatively affected.

    The Mayor of the group, a former Deputy Speaker of state House of Assembly, Adesina Animasaun, spoke at Okemesi-Ekiti during the third Socio-Economic Summit and investiture of new executives for 2025/27.

    READ ALSO; June 12: Remembrance and omissions

    Animasaun, who explained no business can thrive without a functional banking environment, said efforts were already ongoing to partner a private university in the town, for the return of the banking activities.

    He said it had always been the agenda of the group to seek the reengineering of the economic and commercial focus of the community, by way of intervening and contributing to the welfare and well-being of the able class, particularly the youth, mostly the unemployed, students, farmers, traders and artisans alike.

    “The responsibility of The Likes Group transcends self-interest. We have a responsibility to help our community flourish. It’s about lifting one another and facilitating opportunities where everyone can access the resources and support they need to realize their full potential.

    “The Likes Club Reimagine dialogue is a catalyst aimed at creating a ripple effect that should transform our community.

    “This community dialogue event is aimed at fostering collaboration, learning, and empowerment within our local community. It will address critical issues and aspirations that impact our collective well-being and future.

    “We aspire to create a dynamic and inclusive event that inspires positive change and action through engaging sessions, meaningful dialogue, and community participation,” he said.

    The traditional ruler of Okemesi-Ekiti, Oba Gbadebo Adedeji, commended the contributions of the group to the socio-economic development of the town.

    Oba Adedeji, who described TLG as one of the few most functional groups in the town, urged other clubs to emulate its good works.

    He lauded Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s administration for its efforts in uplifting Ekiti to its pride of place, saying the governor deserved a second term in office.

    The lead discussant, and Chairman/CEO, Conference For Africa Studies, Bayo Ajijola, saluted the courage of TLG, for championing the struggle for economic emancipation of the community.

  • Monarch petitions IG over alleged plot to raze Osun community

    Monarch petitions IG over alleged plot to raze Osun community

    A traditional ruler in Osun State, Oba Taofeeq Osunmakinde, has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, over the threats by suspected armed hoodlums to raze his community.

    Osunmakinde said the threat stemmed from a protracted boundary dispute between his community and neighbouring communities in Ijebu.

    The monarch alleged that the hoodlums who had the backing of the state government have been harassing, extorting residents and passerby on the federal road connecting Ife South to Ijebu West.

    Addressing reporters at the weekend in Akure, the Ondo State capital, the traditional ruler, asked the IG to investigate and also apprehend those sponsoring the hoodlums to cause an unrest hiding under the cover of the border dispute between Ife and Ijebu over the 30-mile land area known as Ifetuntun.

    He expressed concern that some top government officials are threatening to level Ifetuntun within the next 24 hours, noting that the hoodlums are beginning to take control of the community.

    “We are appealing to the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun. We have submitted petitions with evidence to his office, as well as to the Osun State and Federal Governments, to come to our aid.

    “We are law-abiding citizens and cannot take the law into our own hands. We seek justice and government intervention,” he said.

    READ ALSO; Tinubu’s 2027 landscape: Reform, resistance and the road ahead

    Osunmakinde traced the history of Ifetuntun community, saying it is a government-reserved area where he served as a chief, known as “Baale.”

    He recounted that in 2001, during President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration, a conflict erupted between the settlers of Ifetuntun and the Ijebu, prompting federal government intervention.

    According to the monarch, the Surveyor-General of the Federation demarcated the borders, allowing both communities to coexist peacefully until now.

    Also, he noted that between 2008 and 2009, a chieftaincy inquiry in Osun State included Ifetuntun, affirming its status as a town.

    Osunmakinde said he was crowned as monarch in 2010, by the late Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuade, and the then Governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, who presented him with a certificate and staff of office.

    The traditional ruler stressed that while Ifetuntun had existed before 2010, this recognition of the throne solidified their peaceful way of life, which has persisted since.

    The monarch, however, highlighted that Ifetuntun has experienced the rule of nine military and civilian administrations without significant conflict or disarray in the community.

  • Siege of underdevelopment is broken in Ogun West, says Adeola

    Siege of underdevelopment is broken in Ogun West, says Adeola

    Chairman, Senate Committee on Appropriations, Senator Solomon Adeola (APC, Ogun West), has stated that the siege of underdevelopment and marginalisation that had been the lots of the people of Yewa- Awori in Ogun West Senatorial District since the creation of the state is over with his representation and the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    Delivering an address at the Third Session of the 12th Synod of the Diocese of Yewa, The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) with the theme: “The siege is broken” at Rev Fry Memorial Anglican Church, Ishaga- Orile in Ogun State, the senator said that since his coming back home from Lagos two years ago under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu and his complementary delivery of democracy dividends with Governor Dapo Abiodun, the Yewaland people and all parts of the Senatorial district has witnessed unprecedented infrastructural and socio-economic development.

    Senator Adeola, popularly called Yayi by his admirers, said about five years ago, when he was still a senator representing Lagos State, he was similarly invited to chair the Second Session of the 11th Synod at Ilaro-Yewa, adding that waiting on the Lord by the faithful paid off in the end as is the case with the people of Ogun West.

    “At the time of that Synod in Ilaro, I was the Senator representing Lagos West Senatorial District in Lagos State. It was a trying time that I made efforts to come back home to render service for my people in Yewaland, Ogun West and indeed, Ogun State. Today, by the special grace of God Almighty and the votes of the people, I am the Senator representing Ogun West Senatorial District in Ogun State. We waited on the Lord and he answered us in his own time.

    READ ALSO; Tinubu’s 2027 landscape: Reform, resistance and the road ahead

    The waiting is over and in the last two years we can sing “Come and See What the Lord has done” in Yewaland and Ogun West.” he stated.

    Reflecting on the text that informed the theme of the Synod taken from 2 Chronicles 20:15-25, Adeola said just as the Lord fought for the people of Israel and Judah against a host of powerful and hostile enemies, Almighty God has been fighting for him, the people of Yewaland and Ogun West since he became their senator two years ago adding that everyone can attest to the tremendous development that the senatorial district and elsewhere has witnessed in the areas of infrastructural development particularly construction of roads, school buildings, healthcare centres, ICT Centres, ultra-modern markets, town halls and Police Stations, electricity and solar lights, among others.

     “Our mega empowerment programmes for our constituents also look like spoils collected by the Israelites after God destroyed their enemies with reference to 2 Chronicles 20: 25. As it is, the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu is yielding positive results and so far, prevented the economic collapse that faced the nation two years ago. The bold and innovative policies of the President like the removal of oil subsidy, floating of exchange rates, student loan, consumer credit and massive infrastructural development, signing the minimum wage law among others, have positioned the nation’s economy on the path of steady and sustainable growth. And to the Glory of God, we are part of the direct beneficiaries of the Renewed Hope Agenda on Infrastructure” he stated.

    While urging the cleric to continue to pray for our nation, our armed forces and all leaders as they seek solutions to the problem of insurgency, kidnappings and other criminal vices assailing our society, Adeola commended the governor of the state Prince Abiodun for his giant strides in bringing development to our people in Ogun in general and Yewaland in particular, adding:  “Our people are witnesses to your rehabilitation of structures in the educational and health sectors, the completed housing projects and more importantly road construction and rehabilitation with references to Ilashe-Koko- Alari Road in Ipokia, Imasayi-Ayetoro Road and ongoing work on Ilaro-Owode Road, Afa Bridge, Ipokia, Oke Ola Road, Imeko, internal road of State Hospital, Ilaro, Renovation of State Hospital, Ilaro and the Atan-Lusada-Agbara Road, among others,”

    Earlier, the  Bishop of Yewa Diocese, The Rt. Revd Michael Oluwarohunbi said Adeola infrastructural interventions and empowerment programmes has helped in breaking the siege of Yewaland adding that the advent of Yayi in Ogun State is God’s answer to the prayers of the people that had changed the narratives.

    “There is an infrastructural revolution in Yewaland courtesy of Yayi. He has brought the first federal university through his representation to Ogun West, a sign of broken siege” the Bishop added.

  • 2027: Aiyedatiwa backs Tinubu’s re-election bid

    2027: Aiyedatiwa backs Tinubu’s re-election bid

    Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has pledged support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, saying his reforms and policies are unprecedented in the history

    Aiyedatiwa also said his people would support Tinubu because of the federal infrastructural projects and appointments extended to the state with his Renewed Hope Agenda.

    He highlighted some of the projects to include the dualisation of Ore-Ondo-Akure Road, establishment of the Federal University of Technology Teaching Hospital, and an aviation school and construction of the Lagos/Calabar Coastal Highway passing through the state.

    The governor spoke at the weekend while receiving coordinators of ‘The Lucky Guy’ at the state, local, and wards in Akure, the state capital.

    The Nation reports that the group is already mobilising grassroots support for Tinubu’s re-election in Ondo State under the banner of “AsiwajuDatiwa.”

    Aiyedatiwa noted that the President deserved a second term as his reforms have led to an increase in the revenue coming to each of the states.

    “With these and many more, we have no reason not to give our utmost support to the re-election of Mr President in 2027.

    “You will recall that Ondo was among the states that gave him the highest vote percentage in 2023 with 69 per cent of the total votes.This time around, in 2027, we are ready to do much more than that.

    READ ALSO; June 12: Remembrance and omissions

    “We are happy with the increase in federal presence here in Ondo State since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assumed office. The support given to our state by the federal government in the last two years has been unprecedented,” Aiyedatiwa said. 

    He commended the group for their innovation, dedication, and intellectual engagement in the state’s development journey. charging the members to remain sincere, loyal, and truthful in their dealings, while working as ambassadors of progress in their respective communities.

    “I am impressed with your passion and intellect. What you have started is not just about supporting a person, but about pushing for a better Ondo State. As you carry this message to the people, I urge you to do so with sincerity, loyalty, and truthfulness,” the governor added. 

    He, however, urged members of the group to mobilise more people to join the All Progressives Congress (APC), especially at the grassroots, ahead of the next general elections.

    The Convener of “The Lucky Guy”, MoyinOlorun Ogunwumiju, noted that TLG was formed to promote the political leadership and ideals of Governor Aiyedatiwa.

    “We are ready to be your foot soldiers in the 18 local governments. We are itching for more responsibility, in readiness to work for the upcoming “Asiwaju Datiwa 2027 project,” he said.

    The Director-General, Mobilisation, Muritala Suleiman, noted that TLG was coined from Aiyedatiwa’s name to create a platform for the youths who are loyal to the governor and are interested in politics.

  • Osun council crisis: Police deploy operatives in councils as APC, PDP executives resume Monday

    Osun council crisis: Police deploy operatives in councils as APC, PDP executives resume Monday

    A fresh crisis is looming in Osun State as local government executives of the All Progressives Congress(APC) and Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) are laying claim to the control of the councils amid dismissal of the case that was relisted.

    The Nation recalled that the Appeal Court on February 10, this year reinstated the APC executives earlier sacked by two Federal High Court verdicts. However, 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.

    Subsequently, the PDP executives elected on February 22, this year and Osun State government declared that they would resume councils, which had earlier been taken over by APC executives, stating that the dismissal of the fresh appeal upheld the sack of reinstated chairmen.

    Speaking with the chairman of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria(ALGON) for APC, Abiodun Idowu, stated: “The keys of the councils are with us, we have an enrollment order which validates that we are the legal occupant of the councils. Let the PDP’s illegal officials show the police their enrollment order.

    READ ALSO; Tinubu’s 2027 landscape: Reform, resistance and the road ahead

    “There is no fear, we are in control of the local government which is why our enrolment order made the IGP deploy its men to us. No fear, Osun residents should go about their normal business.”

    However, the ALGON Chairman for PDP, Sarafadeen Awotunde, told The Nation: “We are not interested in disrupting the peace and good governance we are enjoying in Osun State under Governor Ademola Adeleke. Resumption does not matter to us for now, but the developmental projects that we are enjoying in Osun State.

    “The Court of Appeal that gave the judgment on Friday knows the next step to take to chase out those hooligans, the government is continuing. We respect the rule of law. This issue is not between Osun APC and PDP but APC against the people of Osun State.

    Speaking with the Osun State Police Command through its spokesperson, Abiodun Ojelabi, he confirmed that they have deployed their men at the councils to forestall breakdown of peace.

    Meanwhile, Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has ordered the probe of heads of radio stations in the state for allowing opposition leaders to spread inciteful and violent comments over fresh Appeal Court verdict on council control.

    Adeleke noted that those comments and messages by the opposition leaders in the state breached the national broadcasting codes.

  • Ado Royal Family backs  Lagos Monarch, calls for peace, development

    Ado Royal Family backs  Lagos Monarch, calls for peace, development

    The revered Ado Royal Family of Lagos State has expressed its strong support for His Royal Majesty, Oba Sulaimon Surajudeen Adisa Ba-Wahala Fabuwa II, the current Alado of Ado.

    In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by Olanrewaju Olakunle Isiaka, Secretary to the Ado Royal Family, on behalf of the Royal Palace of Abule Ado, the family reaffirmed the legitimacy of the monarch as the rightful choice for the people, having been duly enthroned by traditional authorities, government, and the court.

    This declaration comes in response to a misleading public notice circulated by a group seeking to challenge the monarch’s lawful ascension and installation.

    The Ado Royal Family firmly dismissed the report, highlighting three key points to reaffirm the legitimacy of Oba Ba-Wahala Fabuwa II.

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    The statement outlined: “First, the Lagos State Government, through the Honourable Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, has confirmed and recognised Oba Fabuwa II as the legitimate monarch of Ado.

    Secondly, the grand coronation ceremony was successfully conducted, attended by traditional rulers, government officials, community stakeholders, and the proud citizens of Abule Ado.

    Most importantly, a court case filed against the installation of Oba Fabuwa II has been heard and dismissed by a competent court, which found the claims to be frivolous, baseless, and lacking in merit.”

    The statement also noted that, despite receiving the court’s ruling from the Alado’s legal counsel, the antagonists have continued to propagate confusion through public notices and remarks.

    The Ado Royal Family described the recent public notice against the monarch as a “futile charade” aimed at intimidating the people of Ado Kingdom and discouraging their participation in upcoming community development programmes initiated by His Royal Majesty.

    The statement further noted: “Once a king is crowned with lawful authority and wise counsel, no single hand can take the drum of power from him.”

    The Family reiterated that the current monarch is not only legally and traditionally enthroned but is also dedicated to fostering peace, development, and unity within the Ado Kingdom.

    Additionally, the Royal Family reassured citizens that all scheduled programmes led by His Majesty would proceed as planned, encouraging full participation from the community.

    “No amount of distractions will derail the vision of transformation and unity that this reign represents,” the statement concluded.

  • 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.”