The Nation Newspaper

Category: Southwest

  • Why I won’t appear before Edo Assembly panel, by Obaseki

    Why I won’t appear before Edo Assembly panel, by Obaseki

    Former Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki has given reasons he will not appear before Edo State House of Assembly Ad hoc Committee set up to investigate funding and ownership of the Museum of West African Arts (MOWAA) and Radisson Blue Hotel.

    Edo Assembly set up the panel following a request by Governor Monday Okpebholo that it should probe funding and ownership of the projects, including extent of the state government’s N3.8billion investment in MOWAA and N28billion in Radisson Blue Hotel.

    Obaseki is scheduled to appear before the committee on Thursday.

    The committee had in a letter signed by its Secretary, Bekisu Wilson, listed other persons invited to include former Edo Finance Commissioner Mr. Joseph Eboigbe, ex-Attorney General of Edo State Mr. Oluwole Osaze-Uzzi and Managing Director, Tilbury House Nigeria Limited.

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    Others are Mr. Pramod Thorat, Project Manager of Hospitality Investment and Management Company (HIMC), Mr. Ugochukwu Anigbogu, Managing Director, Afrinvest Capital Limited, Managing Director, Meristem Trustees Limited and Managing Director, Emerging Africa Trustees Ltd.

    The statement said attendance by Obaseki and others were required as part of the committee’s investigation.

    Obaseki, who spoke through his media adviser, Crusoe Osagie, said it was offensive and laughable for the assembly to invite him over a matter that was already in court.

    He said Edo Assembly should learn to know how the law worked.

    The former Edo governor said he could not be subjected to answer separately on the same issue.

    “It is subjudice for the former governor to appear before Edo Assembly in a matter already in court.

    “Why subject him to another round of questioning on the same issues?”

    Management of MOWAA had also refused to appear before Edo Assembly Ad Hoc Committee.

    Its counsel, Olayiwola Afolabi, said the assembly could only make recommendations but that the court would make the final decision on the issues.

  • Adeleke, APC, Basiru, Oyebamiji, others mourn passing of Owa of Igbajo

    Adeleke, APC, Basiru, Oyebamiji, others mourn passing of Owa of Igbajo

    Governor Ademola Adeleke has led tributes from across Osun State’s political spectrum following the death of the Owa of Igbajo, Oba Adegboyega Famodun, who passed away after a brief illness.

    Adeleke, in a statement issued by his spokesman, Olawale Rasheed, condoled with the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Gbeleru royal family and the people of Igbajo, describing the monarch’s passing as shocking.

    “On behalf of the government and people of Osun State, I condole with the family of our late brother, Adegboyega Famodun. I got the shocking news as I was arriving in the country today. We mourn his sudden death. We join the family in this grieving period. I pray his soul rests in perfect peace,” the governor said.

    Oba Famodun, who was 67, ruled as the 30th Owa of Igbajo and was a former chairman of the APC in Osun State.

    He was installed as monarch in 2022 during the last days of the Adegboyega Oyetola administration but was later removed by an executive order issued by Governor Adeleke, who installed Oba Ademola Makinde in his place.

    In January 2025, the Osun State High Court reinstated Oba Famodun, though the decision remains under appeal.

    In a statement signed by Prince David Famodun, the family announced that the monarch “passed away on Friday, November 28, 2025, after a brief illness.”

    The family praised his leadership, noting that Oba Famodun worked tirelessly to promote unity, peace and progress in Igbajoland.

    “His leadership and vision have left an indelible mark on the community, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations. He will be remembered for his peaceful nature, exceptional wisdom and tireless efforts to promote community development,” the royal family said.

    Reactions have continued to pour in from political leaders and institutions across the state.

    A leading APC governorship aspirant and former Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority, Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO), expressed deep sorrow over the monarch’s passing and extended condolences to the royal family, the Osun Council of Obas and party members nationwide.

    He also directed an immediate suspension of all AMBO Movement activities in honour of the late traditional ruler.

    APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, described Oba Famodun as “a rugged politician, a passionate family man and a compassionate leader who loved his community.”

    He said the late monarch made significant contributions to the growth of the APC and the advancement of progressive politics in Osun.

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    The Osun APC Chairman, Tajudeen Lawal, said the death of the 30th Owa of Igbajo had created “a very big vacuum” in the party, noting that Oba Famodun was “an encyclopedia of Osun politics” whose knowledge and guidance shaped political developments from the creation of the state until his passing.

    He described the late monarch as a kind-hearted father figure dedicated to Osun’s progress.

    Another governorship aspirant, Prince Dotun Babayemi, said Oba Famodun played his part exceptionally well and contributed immensely to the development of Osun State and its traditional institutions.

    “He will be sorely missed,” Babayemi said, adding that the monarch’s legacy would remain unforgettable.

    “We should all strive to uphold his legacy and continue to walk in the path that will always refresh our memories about his wonderful and worthy deeds.”

    Oba Famodun, who is survived by his wife and children, will be remembered for his decades of political engagement, his commitment to peace and his contributions to the cultural heritage and development of Igbajoland.

  • Adelabu congratulates Ajimobi on ambassadorial nomination

    Adelabu congratulates Ajimobi on ambassadorial nomination

    Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has extended warm congratulations to Dr. Florence Ajimobi following her recent nomination for an ambassadorial role by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    In a statement released at the weekend, the Minister described the nomination as a “well-deserved honour and a testament to Mrs. Ajimobi’s exemplary character and dedication to service.”

    The Minister’s statement reads in part, “This nomination is a brilliant choice for our nation’s diplomatic corps. Mrs. Ajimobi is a woman of impeccable grace, sharp intellect, and a proven track record of leadership.

    “Her lifelong commitment to philanthropy, women empowerment, and social development has prepared her aptly for the demanding role of representing Nigeria on the world stage.”

    Adelabu also expressed appreciation to the President over the nomination saying though a well-deserved honour, it is also a testament to “our nation’s commitment to leveraging its best and brightest minds for diplomatic service. It is a choice that reflects wisdom, discernment, and a deep understanding of the qualities required to represent our great country on the global stage.

    “I have had the privilege of knowing Mrs. Ajimobi for many years, not just as the beloved wife of our late, revered former Governor of Oyo State and leader, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, but as a formidable force for good in her own right.

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    “She is a woman of impeccable character, unwavering grace, and sharp intellect. Her life has been a masterclass in service, resilience, and compassionate leadership.

    “As a seasoned business woman and a dedicated philanthropist, she has consistently demonstrated an acute understanding of socio-economic dynamics and a deep-seated passion for the upliftment of the people. Her work in healthcare, education, and women empowerment through her various initiatives has left an indelible mark on countless lives”.

    Adelabu highlighted that while her contributions will be missed in the domestic sphere, her new position holds significant promise for national interests.

    “International diplomacy is crucial for development in key sectors like power and energy. We are confident that she will be a formidable advocate for Nigeria, adept at fostering international partnerships and attracting investment critical to our nation’s growth.

    “I have no doubt that she will excel in this new role, building bridges of friendship and cooperation for our nation”, he added.

  • Philanthropist unveils foundation, sets up N250m endowment fund in Ekiti

    Philanthropist unveils foundation, sets up N250m endowment fund in Ekiti

    A philanthropist, Mr. Laolu Akinluyi, has launched Kikelomo Christianah Akinluyi Charity Foundation to provide relief and support programmes for residents of Aramoko-Ekiti. 

    N250 million endowment fund to provide relief and support programmes for residents of the community in honour of his late wife, Mrs. Kikelomo Christianah Akinluyi, who died in April 2024 at age 59.

    Speaking at the inauguration ceremony in Aramoko-Ekiti, headquarters of Ekiti West local government Area of the state, Akinluyi disclosed that N250 million has been earmarked as endowment fund for the foundation.

    He explained that the foundation was established to immortalise his late wife, Mrs. Kikelomo Christianah Akinluyi, who died in April last year by preserving her values, compassion, and humanitarian spirits.

    The Chartered Accountant, an indigene of Aramoko-Ekiti said that the KAYCEE Foundation was a memorial project and not a springboard for political ambitions.

    Akinluyi explained that the foundation’s interventions would focus on four pillars including health, education, feeding and economic empowerment with the aim of supporting students, youths, the aged, widows and other vulnerable groups in the town.

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    As part of its first humanitarian gestures, the Foundation installed hand-pump boreholes in five primary schools across Aramoko and distributed 250 packs of 25kg food items to 250 widows and aged women.

    Reflecting on the journey leading to the establishment of the NGO, he revealed that the idea had been conceived 15 years ago, a joint initiative between him and his wife but following her demise, the family resolved to transform it into a memorial foundation.

    He added that the N250m endowment fund would generate about N50 million annually through interest and dividends, which would be dedicated to the running of the foundation’s programmes as well as administrative operations.

    The Bishop of the Anglican Church, Ekiti West Diocese, Rt. Rev. Cornelius Oludare Adagbada, described the project as a rare gesture that would bring relief to many households.

    Also, Professor Rasaki Ojo-Bakare, a foremost scholar of choreography and performance aesthetics, commended Akinluyi for initiating a legacy project capable of transforming the lives of beneficiaries. 

  • Ogun orders highway setback violators to clear illegal structures by January 31

    Ogun orders highway setback violators to clear illegal structures by January 31

    The Ogun State Government has issued a stern warning to individuals and businesses violating road and expressway setback regulations, declaring that the unlawful practice will no longer be tolerated.

    The Commissioner for Physical and Urban Planning, TPL Tunji Odunlami, gave the warning at the weekend during a briefing to journalists in Abeokuta, the state capital.

    He lamented the growing encroachment on highway corridors by shanties, makeshift stalls, and other unapproved developments, which he said distort the environment and endanger public safety.

    Odunlami directed property owners whose plots face major highways and expressways to approach the Ministry of Physical and Urban Planning for proper guidance on removing such illegal structures.

    He also announced a three-month amnesty programme for property owners who constructed buildings without the required planning permits, urging them to take advantage of the window to regularise their documents and avoid sanctions.

    According to him, the exercise—coordinated from the ministry’s Oke-Mosan headquarters and the 32 zonal planning offices across the state—began on November 1 and will run until January 31, 2026

    Highlighting the areas most affected by setback violations, Odunlami listed the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway from Berger Bridge at the Lagos boundary to Onigari at the Oyo State boundary; the Abeokuta–Sagamu Interchange Highway (Muhammadu Buhari Expressway); and the Sagamu Interchange–Ajebandele corridor on the Sagamu–Benin Expressway. Others include the Lagos–Abeokuta Highway from Ota Toll Gate to Bakatari, the Papalanto–Sagamu Interchange, the Ijebu-Ode–Mojoda (Epe) Highway, the Ogijo–Sagamu Highway, and several other major roads across the state.

    He explained that such unauthorised physical developments not only obstruct visibility and traffic flow but also pose safety hazards, deface the environment, and worsen drainage problems.

    On the amnesty programme, the commissioner said it comes with a 50 per cent reduction in penal fees and covers residential, commercial, industrial, institutional, and mixed-use buildings.

    He noted that Governor Dapo Abiodun approved the initiative to encourage compliance with the Ogun State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law, ease year-end financial burdens on property owners, and strengthen the state’s planning database for better infrastructure development.

    “On November 1, 2025, His Excellency Prince Dapo Abiodun, Governor of Ogun State, approved the commencement of an amnesty programme which provides a window of opportunity for those who have built without obtaining a planning permit to regularise their developments with a 50 per cent reduction in applicable penal fees,” Odunlami said.

    “These include residential, commercial, industrial, institutional, and mixed-use developments, and all other categories of physical developments covered by the law and regulations. “The amnesty programme will run for a period of three months, ending January 31, 2026,” he said.

  • Senator Buhari delivers IMV 3rd anniversary lecture in Ibadan

    Senator Buhari delivers IMV 3rd anniversary lecture in Ibadan

    …as Oyo NULGE boss, others bag awards of excellence 

    Chairman of the Senate Committee on Aviation, Senator Abdulfatai Buhari, is scheduled to deliver the third anniversary lecture of Ibadan Mega Voice (IMV) today, Sunday, November 30, at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Hall, Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS), Orita Bashorun, Ibadan.

    Buhari will speak on the topic: “Strengthening Local Government Autonomy: Opportunities and Challenges,” as part of activities marking the grand finale of IMV’s 3rd anniversary celebration. He will also be honoured with the Outstanding Personality of the Year Award (Politics).

    The event will have Oba Tajudeen Abimbola Ajibola, the Balogun of Ibadanland, as the royal father of the day. 

    The President-General of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Chief Sulaimon Ajewole, and the Iyaloja of Ibadanland, Chief (Mrs) Iswat Abiola Ameringun, will serve as father and mother of the day respectively.

    IMV stated that all arrangements have been concluded to honour distinguished personalities who have made notable contributions to society. 

    The awardees include the guest lecturer, Senator Abdulfatai Omotayo Buhari, Chief Executive Officer of Eternal Home Cemetery, Chief (Mrs) Adebukola Kadiri, and Chief Sulaiman Oduleye Odugunna (Oko Oso/Oko Aje), Baale of Agbowo, Ibadan.

    Others are the Governor of the Agbekoya Farmers Society of Nigeria (Oyo State Chapter), Chief Ashagidigbi Olatunde Bello, Oloye Abiola Iyiola, Aare Onibon Olubadan-designate, and Comrade Ayo Adeogun, President of NULGE, Oyo State Chapter.

    Additional award recipients include Hon. Akin Alabi, member of the House of Representatives representing Egbeda/Ona Ara; former Commissioner for Health and Osi Basorun of Ibadanland, Dr. Azeez Adeduntan; Bishop Solomon Olusegun Aremu, General Overseer of Christ The Light Gospel Church; Hon. Daud Olalere, member representing Ibadan North West in the Oyo State House of Assembly; and Mogaji Lukman Adumadehin of Adumadehin Compound.

    According to IMV, a recognised affiliate of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), the awards are designed to acknowledge individuals whose efforts have meaningfully impacted society.

    In separate letters to the honourees, IMV President, Mr. Kola Olomide, and Secretary, Mrs. Feyisetan Hazmat, affirmed that the awards would be presented during the grand finale, adding that the gesture serves as a token of appreciation for their various contributions to societal development.

    “On behalf of Ibadan Mega Voice (IMV), an affiliate of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), we are delighted to inform you of your nomination for the Award of Excellence at our forthcoming 3rd Anniversary Celebration scheduled for Saturday, November 30, 2025.

    “Ibadan Mega Voice is an association of Ibadan-born professionals in communication, journalism, broadcasting, public relations, cinematography, photography, and digital media committed to promoting the image, unity, and development of Ibadanland.

    “We would be honoured to have you grace the occasion as an Award Recipients and Special Guests.”

  • Osun 2026: APC has no consensus candidate – Elders’ Caucus member

    Osun 2026: APC has no consensus candidate – Elders’ Caucus member

    A prominent member of the Elders’ Caucus otherwise known as Igbimo Agba of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, Professor Mojeed Alabi, has said that no aspirant has been endorsed as candidate of the party.

    Alibi explained that the party’s elders are awaiting final decisions on the matter from higher authorities of the APC.

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    “The Igbimo Agba, through its Chairman, Chief Sola Akinwumi, would not take a decision without conveying it to the generality of its members. We are desirous of winning the next year’s gubernatorial election, and our leaders would not be stampeded into taking any hasty decision,” he said.

    The Ejigbo-born politician admonished the governorship aspirants and their handlers to be wary of the narratives they would be pushing out to the public, urging the generality of the party members to remain calm and have faith in the party.

  • Diversifying economy through culture, festivals will boost foreign exchange earnings – Abiodun

    Diversifying economy through culture, festivals will boost foreign exchange earnings – Abiodun

    Culture, when properly harnessed, has the potential to become a major source of foreign exchange for Nigeria, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, has said.

    Speaking at the 39th Akesan Day Celebration held at Christ Apostolic Church Grammar School, Iperu-Remo, Ikenne Local Government Area of the state, the governor noted that many countries across the world have diversified their economies through culture and tourism.

    According to him, Nigeria stands to benefit immensely if its numerous cultural festivals are fully developed and promoted.

    “Festivals like this bring thousands of visitors who patronize local businesses, artisans, entertainers, food vendors, hotels and of course, our transport operators,” Abiodun said.

    “When properly harnessed, cultural celebrations become platforms for tourism; like Lisabi Day, Oronna Day, Ojude Oba and many more. They create jobs and attract investments.

    “Communities across the world, from Brazil to Kenya, have used culture as a driver of economic expansion. In many countries, tourism contributes significantly to national GDP. Dubai is a clear example.

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    “Nigeria can achieve the same by consistently developing and promoting its cultural identities. Festivals like this serve as catalysts, turning attention and positive visibility to our communities.”

    The governor added that culture not only promotes shared identity and social harmony, but also instills values such as unity, honesty and communal responsibility, key ingredients for societal development.

    Also speaking, Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Sesan Fagbemi, described Akesan Day as a rallying point for cultural promotion and a platform for charting the future of the community. He assured that the state government would continue to preserve its cultural heritage.

    The Akarigbo and paramount ruler of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, lauded the people of Iperu for sustaining their traditions and congratulated the organizers for a befitting event.

    Chairman of the occasion and Asiwaju of Remoland, Chief Solomon Onafowokan, applauded the state government for its infrastructural strides, particularly the Gateway International Airport located in Iperu. He said the annual celebration enhances cultural engagement and economic progress, urging residents to preserve their heritage for future generations.

    In his remarks, Chairman, Iperu Akesan Community Development Association, Chief Taiwo Oyebanji, said the town has recorded significant progress in the past year in the areas of road projects, physical development and erosion control.

  • Rotarians pay tributes to Raymond Zard in Ibadan

    Rotarians pay tributes to Raymond Zard in Ibadan

    Eminent members Rotary club and Zontal International have paid a glowing tributes on late industrialist, Chief Raymond Zard in Ibadan, Oyo State. They praised Zard for his unwavering commitment to service of humanity.

    Among the eminent personalities were leaders of the clubs including the Chairman of  Bovas Group of Companies,  Past District Governor ( PDG) Dele Samson,  and the Managing Director,  Wemabod Estate,  Mr. Bashir Oladunni .

    Zard, died in the Netherlands a year ago at 86.

    The night of tributes was organised by the Rotary Club of Ibadan, where Chief Zard once presided as District Governor,. The event was held at Jogor Centre,  off Liberty Road,  Ibadan at the weekend.

    Zard was described as a compassionate humanitarian, a man milk of human kindness and silent philanthropist, with enduring virtues of   humility, legacy of service, and dignity.

    Speaking glowingly of the deceased,  Samson said he met Chief Zard some 50 years ago , adding that he was attracted to the late Ibadan chief because of his honesty, love for humanity,  humility and industry.

    He said: ” I  met Chief Zard some 50 years ago , while handling a project . He introduced me to his brother in Steel Works . He made his contributions. The project is the Head office of Union Bank when there was a fire incident.

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    ” Steel Works did all the works diligently.  Ever since then , we became friends. Chief Raymond Zard was to some of us in Rotary , Baba Rotary.  He was extra ordinary in giving. He served the community with all his heart. He gave so extravagantly without looking back. We call him Ray of Hope.  What a man that Raymond Zard was to us in rotary. He truly imparted lives, and today he lives on …”

     In her tribute, Mrs. Motunrayo Ige, who has spent decades working in one of Chief Zard’s companies, noted that late Ibadan business guru was a man whose name remained synonymous with excellence, integrity and generosity.

    “A man with few words, yet profound deeds. A man whose legacy remained woven into the fabric of the community he served, Chief Raymond Zard emboldened a label of cultural heritage and natural loyalty.

    “He was every inch a son of Nigeria, deeply a Nigerian in soul ,service and conviction,  his chieftaincy titles , Babalaje of Ibadanland,  and Baaloro of Ife were not just ceremonial honours, they were earned through decades of commitment, humility  and unshakable sense of duty to his community.

     ” Chief Zard was a titan of industries,  a man who build empires , through Zard Holdings, he nurtured businesses and helped shaped Nigeria’s economic landscape, but more importantly,  he was a builder of people’s,  a builder of communities and deeply held values .”

    In his remarks, the scion of Chief Raymond Zard,  Camile who was elated by the outpouring of tributes on his father, expressed deepest appreciation to the Rotary family for the love and honour.

  • Multimillion naira solar project inaugurated in Ondo

    Multimillion naira solar project inaugurated in Ondo

    A multimillion-naira 6KVA solar inverter project has been inaugurated in Osooro community, Ondo State, by the Managing Director of Welbeck Electricity Distribution Company Limited, Mr. Afolabi Aiyela.

    The project marked a major step toward improving energy access in the area, which has reportedly been without electricity for nearly 20 years.

    The commissioning of the project held at the palace of the monarch of Osooroland, Oba S.G. Bajowa (Lubokun IV), also featured the distribution of branded raincoats and reflective jackets to security personnel, including officers of the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Amotekun Corps and local security operatives.

    Aiyela said the project reflects his commitment to developing his home community. He noted that beyond the installation of the solar power project, he was also exploring long-term initiatives related to food security, agricultural preservation and economic empowerment.

    “This is my home, my community. I’ve seen the potentials here,” he said. “There are many projects ahead—food security, agricultural processing, community cooperatives and partnerships with the Bank of Industry. This community is close to the sea and can become a major hub for food production. With electricity and the right support, people can create sustainable sources of income,” he said.

    He added that Welbeck Electricity Distribution Company was already engaging the Rural Electrification Agency to ensure the community gains access to a stable power supply after decades of neglect.

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    Oba Bajowa expressed profound gratitude to Aiyela, describing the donation as a landmark gesture and an affirmation of his commitment to the growth of Osooro Kingdom.

    “This gesture marks a giant entry and integration into the community where he rightly belongs,” the monarch said. “Your generosity is appreciated, and we look forward to more contributions toward the prosperity of our kingdom.”

    The monarch also praised Aiyela for providing branded protective wear to security agencies, acknowledging it as a thoughtful recognition of their sacrifices in maintaining peace across the land.

    Representatives of the security agencies also expressed delight, noting that the items would enhance their operations “come rain or shine.”

    In recognition of his contributions, Aiyela and his wife were conferred with the chieftaincy titles of Bobagunwa and Yeye Bobagunwa of Osooro community.