The Nation Newspaper

Category: Southwest

  • Awujale stool: Govt halts selection process

    Awujale stool: Govt halts selection process

    Armed security operatives drawn from the Police, Department of State Service (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Amotekun and So-Safe Corps yesterday beefed up security along Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona Archway, leading to the Ijebu-Ode palace of the Awujale of Ijebuland, over concerns that some powerful interests planned to infiltrate the meeting of the kingmakers in a location within the facility and foist a candidate on them.

    The Fusengbuwa Ruling House leaders – Otunba Lateef Owoyemi (Olori Ebi), Prince Adedokun Ajidagba (Deputy Olori- Ebi), Prof. Fassy Yusuf (Vice Chairman) and others had on Monday submitted the list bearing names of the 95 nominees (candidates) to the kingmakers, who were expected to meet at the palace to begin the process of selecting one candidate out of the 95 nominees, but security operatives were sighted manning the entrance.

    However, a letter by the Ogun State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, dated January 20, 2026 directed the Awujale Kingmakers Council and the Fusengbuwa Ruling House to halt further steps on the selection process until further notice, for the second time.

    “The state government hereby directs that you convey this decision to the Awujale Kingmakers Council and the Fusengbuwa Ruling House immediately. The latter particularly, should be advised to await further directives regarding the selection process,” the letter read in part.

    Commissioner for Local Government & Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hamzat, who signed the letter and addressed it to Ijebu Ode Local Government chairman, cited security concern and the need to protect public order and the integrity of the stool as reasons for the decision.

    “The state government has received several petitions, reports from security agencies and other key stakeholders in relation to the ongoing selection process. In order to maintain public order, protect the integrity of the process and maintain the veneration of the stool, it has become imperative to halt the selection process for the stool at this time,” he said.

    Read Also:BREAKING: Ogun again stops kingmakers from process of selecting Awujale 

    The Nation reports that a prince already endorsed by the Oracle (Ifa) as the best candidate to succeed the late Oba Sikiru Adetona and transform Ijebuland to a greater height was among the 95 nominees that emerged recently in the race for the throne of Awujale of Ijebuland.

    Otunba Owoyemi said after the conclusion of the nomination process at Bisirodipe Hall, GRA, Ijebu-Ode, it is hoped the kingmakers and Ogun State Government will select one candidate among the nominees that aligns with the yearnings of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, their ancestors and Almighty God, as revealed by the Oracle (Ifa).

    The Nation reports that Princess Oluwakemi Adetokunboh, Prince Adebisi Kadiri, a retired permanent secretary, Lagos State, Prince Abdul – Fatai Arowolo of Aeron Construction, an engineering firm, Prince Olumuyiwa Adeyemi, Prince Okeowo Obafemi and Prince Adegbenga Bakare were among the 95 nominees jostling to become the next Awujale of Ijebuland.

    Owoyemi, who is Otunba Jadiara of Ijebuland and former president of Institute of Chartered Accountant of Nigeria (ICAN), said the royal family had carried out extensive traditional research to arrive at a decision to support one candidate among the 95, who he declined to name.

    The list bearing names of the 95 nominees was endorsed by the quartet of Olori-Ebi Fusengbuwa House, Otunba Lateef Owoyemi; his Deputy, Prince Adedokun Ajidagba, Vice Chairman, Prof. Fassy Yusuf and Pastor Bolarinde Salami (Secretary of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House), while the nomination process had in attendance officials of Ijebu Ode Local Government led by the Secretary to Local Government, Adebanjo Oke, as observers.

    Describing the nomination process as civil, peaceful and successful, he said it was a win – win situation for every member of the family, even as he expressed optimism that in the next one month a new Awujale would be installed, ruling out the possibility of litigations, ‘’as all candidates have signed undertakings not to challenge the outcome of the selection process in court.’’

  • DSS invites nominees for profiling

    DSS invites nominees for profiling

    • We won’t tolerate imposition of candidate, kingmakers vow

    The Department of State Service (DSS), Ogun State Command, has summoned the nominees for the stool of Awujale of Ijebuland to appear before it for screening.

    One of the nominees told The Nation that they were summoned to appear before the DSS office in Ijebu Ode yesterday when they ought to be at the palace same day and time.

    The Nation sighted a good number of the nominees entering the secret police office located at Igbeba GRA, opposite the NTA office Ijebu – Ode.

    A source close to the operatives of the DSS said the agency invitation was for the purpose of profiling the nominees.

    The source said: “Those individuals, who were reportedly needed by the Fusengbuwa Family, were expected to participate in the process. They are presently at the palace for screening by the kingmakers, and I hope this is well understood.

    Read Also: Alleged terror financing: DSS arrests ex-AGF Malami

    “It is important to clarify that the exercise was not placed on hold by the DSS or any security agency. Rather, the state government, through an official circular already in the public domain, directed that the exercise be suspended.

    “You should also be aware that prior to the postponement of the screening of nominees by the kingmakers, the nominees were expected to visit the DSS office for profiling. This profiling is a prerequisite for comprehensive vetting and involves filling out forms that provide information necessary to vet all communities involved.

    “The nominees were scheduled to come to the DSS office after the palace screening. The exercise was planned to run over several days until all nominees were covered. Invitations were duly sent to them through the Palace Secretary, requesting them to report to the DSS office for the profiling exercise.

    “However, while the nominees were preparing to come, another circular was issued by the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs suspending all activities related to the Awujale succession. The circular, which is also in the public domain, cited several grounds necessitating government intervention.

    “Consequently, the DSS has decided to suspend the planned vetting as well. This explains why some of the nominees were seen around without the exercise proceeding.

    “It is important to stress that the DSS should not be associated with any misinformation. Any report or public communication should clearly reflect that the suspension was a government decision, not an action initiated by the DSS. Misrepresenting this can lead to serious consequences.

    “We are not attempting to control anyone’s narrative or suppress information. Our only concern is accuracy and the avoidance of misinformation. As professionals, once clarification is provided, it is expected to be respected.

    “In summary, the stoppage of the exercise was a government decision, not one taken by the DSS and there is no intention to gag the press or restrict lawful reporting—only to ensure that facts are correctly presented to the public.”

    The kingmakers of the stool of Awujale of Ijebuland yesterday declared that they would not tolerate imposition of candidate on them or the Fusengbuwa Ruling House by any person or quarters, stressing that members had been having sleepless nights to ensure the best nominee emerged as the next Awujale.

    The Regent of the Awujale of Ijebuland and Ogbeni Oja, Chief Sunny Kuku, who made this known while fielding questions from reporters in the presence of other kingmakers at his Igbeba GRA private residence in Ijebu Ode, said they were sieving through heaps of documents pertaining to the Awujale nominees when they received notification stopping the selection process by the Ogun State Government.

    Kuku, who is both the head of the kingmakers and Awujale Interregnum chairman, said consultations with the appropriate authorities had begun to ensure the process resumed again, emphasising that not just the Ijebu people, but the public were anxiously waiting to see a new Awujale.

  • Lagos to transform Obalende under bridge

    Lagos to transform Obalende under bridge

    The call for a more environmental-friendly Lagos city is receiving attention, as the state government has made good its plan by clearing Obalende motor park and its environs, to make for a greener and sustainable city.

    Recall that Obalende round about and its surrounding have become an environmental nuisance, with attendant criminal activities that led the government to assess and ensure its cleanliness in a sustainable manner.

    During a visit with stakeholders for the redevelopment yesterday, Commissioner for the Environment, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, told The Nation that the visit was aimed at ejecting squatters and stopping activities inimical to a healthy and sustainable environment.

    “Now we have successfully pushed them out, as we want to finally and formally hand over the space to one of the biggest corporate bodies in the country, who is taking up the space as a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), to redesign, clean in a sustainable and environmental manner.

    “The handover process is what we’ve just started today. The corporate body is aware since 2024, as we have the approval from the state government already.

    “The delay was because we had to do a lot of back and forth with the corporate body with respect to an environmentally-sustainable design that is suitable for them as a CSR,” Wahab said.

    On how it would work, he said the corporate body would be the one that would build and maintain the place afterwards.

    Read Also: Oladunjoye kicks off campaignin Ikoyi-Obalende

    On where the community at the erstwhile Obalende motor park would relocate to, he said there were two sides to it.

    He said the place was designated as a motor park, but it later metamorphosed into a permanent living place and market for people where criminal activities were carried out, adding that government had decided to put a stop to it.

    He asked if the people under the bridge obtained permission from the government to live and operate their illegal businesses, thus facilitating criminal activities. Wahab said: “Obalende is supposed to be a garage. The garage is still part of the design that is coming up. There will be public toilets in a sustainable manner. There will be sleeping bays, a part of the design will be a recharge for CNG vehicles and all that.

    “So, we’re just redesigning the place in a sustainable manner, which Lagosians will be proud of and happy about. Why don’t we remove a bit of emotion from this and do the right thing? We went there, we saw people smoking in the morning. So what do you think they will do at night?  Let’s put this thing in the proper context.  We just want to redesign the place and make it habitable and functional for a 21st century economy and a state like Lagos.’’

    On how soon the project will begin and the deadline, the commissioner says once the park is handed over to the corporate body, the government will start following up, adding that later the design will be showcased for all to see.

    ‘’The idea is for the state government to take up informal places and redevelop them for the greater good. We are also working with Lagos Island Local Government to take up Oja Oba under bridge, which has become a nightmare for road users. We are working with their design to achieve this.

    ‘’Greens will be planted at Obalande Park, its surroundings and also on Lagos Island. We want Lagosians to breathe fresh air and live healthily while doing their lawful businesses. For instance, the one at Osborne is being used now for football. The idea is to put our open places to good use.’’

    Speaking on Ilubirin where the informal places were seen accommodating several activities, he said: “We have just asked that a drone shot be made to capture all activities going on there, because from what l saw, there are a lot of activities going on there that are illegitimate, but the desire of government is to put the place to proper use.”

    Speaking on the GNI building that was gutted by fire, with some people dying, he lamented that a lot of traders have started occupying streets to sell goods.

    He warned that street trading remains illegal and that the state is working on how to manage the situation.

  • ‘Why Auxiliary couldn’t attend court on Tuesday’

    ‘Why Auxiliary couldn’t attend court on Tuesday’

    A medical doctor attached to Agodi custodian facility of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Dr Wasiu Adeyemi, yesterday explained why a former chairman of National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Oyo State, Alhaji Mukaila Lamidi, also known as Auxiliary, was absent for his case on Tuesday.

    He said Auxiliary was rushed out of court because he was feeling dizzy.

    Adeyemi made the remarks while appearing before Justice Adetujoye, presiding over Court 11, Oyo State High Court, Ring Road, Ibadan, yesterday.

    The Nation reports that the judge had on Tuesday summoned the medical doctor to appear before it to give the true situation about the health status of the former chairman of the Disciplinary Committee of Oyo State Park Management System (PMS), after he was rushed out of the court before his case which had been adjourned for continuation of hearing on January 20 and 21, 2026 would come up.

    The Nation reports that while waiting for the court to resume on Tuesday, things took a different turn for Auxiliary who had been in court earlier, as it was noticed that the Correctional Centre officers who brought him in the morning and some people gathered around him, with snippets filtering around that the former PMS boss was not feeling too well.

    Read Also: Enugu tops southeast APC e-registration as leaders rally support in Udi

    However, the situation in court was a bit calmer yesterday during the session as the matter came up around 11am.

    Auxiliary was again brought to court by the officials of the correctional facility, but was not docked.

    Speaking before the court when called, Dr Adeyemi said the former PMS boss would need up to a month to recuperate and recover well.

    Ruling, the court adjourned the case till March 4 and 5 for continuation of hearing.

    The state prosecutor was led by O. S. Tella, Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions, O. A. Bolarinwa, Senior State Counsel and F. F. Gbadamosi.

    Defence (Auxiliary’s) counsel, Olalekan Ojo, SAN, was not in court, but was represented by one of his counsel.

  • Sanwo-Olu urges Badagry residents to uphold Oba Akran’s legacy

    Sanwo-Olu urges Badagry residents to uphold Oba Akran’s legacy

    Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has urged the people of Badagry to uphold the legacy of the late Akran of Badagry, Aholu Menu Toyi 1.

    He made the appeal yesterday while addressing the crowd at the Akran’s palace in Badagry, Lagos State, during the nine-day funeral rites of the late traditional ruler.

    According to him, Akran stood for togetherness, unity and peace among his people.

    “He stood for tradition and the rich cultural heritage that Badagry is known for.

    “I want to advise the people of Badagry and Lagos to emulate the legacy the late monarch stood for, so that peace will continue to reign in the town,” he said.

    He also reiterated his commitment to the long-overdue renovation of the Akran palace, promising that construction would begin soon.

    “We will start the construction of the long-promised central palace. “The construction of the palace was stalled due to discrepancies in the selected locations and sites for the palace,” he said.

    Read Also: Sanwo-Olu promises consolidation of gains

    However, he stated that the matter has been settled, with approvals and budgets now in place.

    He assured Badagry residents that work on the second phase of the Market General Hospital Road to Ajido would begin soon.

    The governor eulogised the late traditional ruler, noting that his 49-year reign had been impactful, leaving behind a legacy for the people to cherish and build upon.

    Babatunde Hunpe, chairman of Badagry Local Government, described the late Akran as a unifying figure, embodying peace, wisdom and cultural pride – more than just a traditional ruler.

    “Throughout his reign, he stood firmly as a custodian of our rich heritage, a father to all, and a bridge between tradition and modern governance.’’

    Hunpe commended Sanwo-Olu for attending the prayer session.

  • Moves to undermine Tinubu’s re-election will fail, says APC chieftain

    Moves to undermine Tinubu’s re-election will fail, says APC chieftain

    A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, Chief Suffy Uguoji, has declared that schemes to frustrate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid are doomed to fail. He described them as unrealistic, driven by personal ambitions within the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

    In a statement, Uguoji said ADC’s prominent figures were more focused on grabbing the party’s presidential ticket than building a cohesive opposition.

    ‘’Attempts by southern politicians—allegedly backed by northern interests—to block Tinubu’s second term lack credibility and are collapsing under internal rivalries ahead of the ADC’s presidential primary.

    “Those pushing this agenda underestimate the political consequences,” Uguoji said.

    “Any attempt to short-change the Southwest will be resisted. Fortunately, these plots are failing due to lack of unity.”

    He said denying Tinubu a full eight-year tenure would be unjust, especially after former President Muhammadu Buhari completed his without Southwest’s resistance.

    Read Also: Southern Kaduna APC group backs Tinubu, Sani

    ‘’Equity demands Tinubu finish his term,’’ he added, urging 2027 aspirants to wait until 2031 for national stability.

    Ugoji hailed Tinubu’s economic reforms as bold and effective, citing falling staple food prices.

    These gains, he said, had reshaped the political terrain, disadvantaging opposition parties.

    He dismissed ADC’s social media buzz as disconnected from grassroots realities, predicting crises if its primary election sidelined aspirants like Atiku Abubakar or Peter Obi—fracturing the party and sealing Tinubu’s victory.

    On APC preparations, Uguoji highlighted nationwide mobilisation by pro-Tinubu groups like the Asiwaju Mandate Group (AMG), led by Asiwaju Olumuyiwa Asagunla.

    ‘’Structures linked to the Minister of Interior, Hon. Bunmi Tunji-Ojo, are also in place across Ondo State, from wards to polling units.

    With strong performance, organisation and opposition disunity, Tinubu’s re-election is secure,’’ he insisted.

  • AbdulRazaq suspends Rector

    AbdulRazaq suspends Rector

    Kwara State Government has suspended the Rector of Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, Dr. Abdul Jimoh Mohammed, over Tuesday’s protest by the students

    The government announced a three-person panel to investigate the remote and immediate causes of the protest.

    The committee is headed by the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Ibrahim Sulyman. Other members are Commissioner for Environment, Nafisat Buge and Permanent Secretary, Service Welfare, Dr. Mrs Mercy Shittu.

    The committee has two weeks to submit its report to the governor, while their terms of reference are: (1) to look at the remote and immediate causes of the protest and handling of same; (2) recommend ways to prevent such things in future; (3) make further recommendations on the growth of the school.

    Tertiary Education Commissioner Hajia Sa’adatu Modibbo Kawu signed the statement.

    Read Also: Don’t exclude anyone, Abdulrazaq advises as APC begins e-registration

    The state had earlier shut the polytechnic over protest by some students of the institution.

    It was gathered that scores of students of the polytechnic protested over disagreement with the school authorities on continued use of the school for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation camp.

    The state government had in the wake of insecurity in parts of the state temporarily relocated the NYSC Orientation Camp from Yikpata in Edu Local Government Area to the institution.

    The school had granted students a three-week break effective Monday, January 19, 2026 to facilitate successful conduct of the NYSC orientation camp.

    The aim is to manage the situation and prevent any breach of law and order.

    But, the directive did not go down well, on the grounds that they have just resumed from Christmas/New year break.

    The development resulted in tension that necessitated police intervention.

    The police were initially asked to disperse the crowd at the polytechnic’s main gate, it was gathered.

    Unfortunately, some officers went beyond their mandate by throwing tear gas canisters into the polytechnic premises, including student hostels.

    This action adversely affected several students and workers, including the polytechnic’s Chief Security Officer who sustained injury. 

    A statement by the acting registrar of the school, AbdulHafis Amin, recalled that the state government had earlier designated Kwarapoly as the temporary orientation camp for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) due to prevailing security challenges in the state.

    “During the first camp exercise, students were on break, and during the second, students had not fully resumed. However, for the current exercise, students are fully in session. 

    “To manage the situation and prevent any breach of law and order, the management granted students a three-week break effective Monday, 19th January, 2026 to facilitate the successful conduct of the NYSC orientation camp. 

    “Regrettably, some students reacted negatively to this directive, on the grounds that they have just resumed from Christmas/New year break.

    “This resulted in tension that necessitated police intervention. The police were initially tasked with dispersing the crowd at the polytechnic’s main gate.

    “Unfortunately, some officers went beyond their mandate by throwing tear gas canisters into the polytechnic premises, including student hostels.

    “This action adversely affected several students and staff, including Polytechnic’s Chief Security Officer who sustained injury. 

    “Consequently, His Excellency, the Executive Governor of the State, Mall. Abdulrahman AbdulRasaq has directed the closure of the Polytechnic to ensure the safety of lives and properties of the entire Polytechnic community.

    “The management, therefore, calls on all students, staff, and stakeholders to remain calm and cooperative as we continue to engage with the relevant authorities to resolve this matter amicably and swiftly,” the statement added.

  • Ekiti youths to stage 10,000-man march

    Ekiti youths to stage 10,000-man march

    Youths in Ekiti State are planning a 10,000-man solidarity march in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Biodun Oyebanji ahead of 2027 general election and governorship election in the state.

    Commissioner for Youth Development, Adesola Adedayo, disclosed this yesterday in Ado-Ekiti while featuring on a current affairs programme aired by local radio stations.

    He said the planned march slated for tomorrow was aimed at mobilising support for President Tinubu and Governor Oyebanji in appreciation of their purposeful, youth -friendly and inclusive leadership.

    Adedayo, who also serves as the coordinator of All Progressives Congress electronic registration exercise in the state, noted that youths constituted about 70 per cent of registered voters, according to figures from the Independent National Electoral Commission.

    He described the youth population as a strategic electoral force capable of determining the outcome of elections, saying Governor Oyebanji had earned their loyalty through deliberate investments in youth development.

    Adedayo said Governor Oyebanji’s policies in agriculture, particularly the establishment of farm settlements and dormitories for commercial farming, had provided employment and economic opportunities for youths.

    The initiative, he said, had transformed rural communities into productive hubs, while youth farmers reportedly shared over N1billion as proceeds in December last year.

    Read Also: Ekiti 2026: INEC lifts ban on public campaigns

    The commissioner cited empowerment programmes, support for persons living with disabilities and the state’s free education policy as some of the interventions that had endeared the administration to the youth.

    Adedayo said the policies had ensured that children from poor backgrounds were not forced out of school due to financial constraints.

    He urged youths not to limit their political participation to social media activities, but should collect their Permanent Voter Cards and vote during the election, saying online support alone would not translate into electoral victory.

    He advised young people to be actively involved in the democratic process.

    He said the 10,000-man march would serve as a veritable platform to demonstrate youths’ readiness to support President Tinubu’s and Governor Oyebanji’s  re-election, whom he described as a lover and promoter of youth development.

    On governance, the commissioner said the achievements of the Oyebanji administration were evident in areas such as road infrastructure, agriculture, sports development, labour relations, security, arts and culture.

    Adedayo commended President Bola Tinubu for what he described as his commitment to repositioning the country on the path of economic recovery and prosperity.

    He said the President’s policies and reforms had created opportunities for states, including Ekiti, to attract federal support and investments that would drive development at the sub-national level.

  • PDP chief backs educational development

    PDP chief backs educational development

    As part of his efforts to support educational development in Oyo State, a leading Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirant, Olufemi Ajadi, has initiated moves to assist indigent students through the provision of Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) forms.

    He said over 10,000 indigent students would benefit from free JAMB forms and free coaching for JAMB classes across the 33 local governments.

    The PDP governorship hopeful said at least 300 students would benefit from the gesture in each local government, adding that the programme was open to all indigenes and residents of Oyo State, to support quality education.

    Read Also: We know those who won’t fly PDP flag in 2027 – Turaki

    He noted that applicants must have NIN and G.C.E. Ordinary Level certificate to qualify for the kind gesture.

    ‘’Screening will take place at the 33 local government secretariats of PDP between January 19 and February 28. The selection will be first come, first serve, without bias,’’ Ajadi, a renowned philanthropist, said.

  • Oyo Majority Leader accuses colleague

    Oyo Majority Leader accuses colleague

    The Majority Leader of Oyo State House of Assembly, Onaolapo Adedoyin, yesterday accused a fellow lawmaker, Ibrahim Shittu, representing Saki West State Constituency, of making defamatory and malicious allegations against him and the leadership of the Assembly.

    Adedoyin, who represents Ogbomoso South, raised the matter as a personal explanation on the floor of the House during the first resumed plenary sitting of the House.

    Visibly angered by the development, the Majority Leader described the allegations as a grave infringement on his legislative privileges and a direct attack on his integrity and the institution of  Oyo State House of Assembly.

    READ ALSO: Tax reform: Lessons for national health financing

    Addressing the Speaker, Adebo Ogundoyin, and other lawmakers, Adedoyin said the controversy arose from a speech delivered by Shittu during a public programme in Saki Town, which was subsequently circulated widely across social media platforms, including Facebook, X, YouTube and several news blogs.

    Adedoyin said: “In that speech, I was falsely accused of offering and receiving bribes from the Chairman of Saki West Local Government to influence or alter the course of an investigation into allegations against him.

    “I categorically and unequivocally state that these allegations are baseless, malicious and entirely untrue.”