The Nation Newspaper

Category: Southwest

  • Tinubu, Atiku, Kwakwanso, others to grace Ladoja’s coronation

    Tinubu, Atiku, Kwakwanso, others to grace Ladoja’s coronation

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, former Kano  Governor, Rabiu Kwakwanso and others are part of dignitaries expected at the coronation of the new Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Sen. Rasidi Ladoja.

    Tinubu and Ladoja served at the Senate during the aborted third Republic. Aside that, while Tinubu was serving his second term as Lagos State Governor, Ladoja was also serving as Oyo Governor.

    Ladoja is billed to be installed as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland next Friday at the historic Mapo Hall, Ibadan.

    Oba Ladoja, few days ago while recieving some visitors who came to paid him courtesy visit at his Bodija residence, said  Tinubu and other top dignitaries have  promised to be in attendance at his coronation.

    Chairman of the Coronation Committee of the 44th Olubadan, Chief Bayo Oyero while speaking with journalists during a press conference held at Olubadan Palace in Oke-Aremo, Ibadan also confirmed that President Tinubu and other top eminent personalities would be in attendance at the coronation of the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.

    Oyero described installation of Ladoja as the new Olubadan as a great cultural and historical significant, adding that the installation will not just be a coronation but reaffirmation of unique and timeless chieftaincy system of Ibadanland.

    He said Ibadan succession process is a testament to it’s democratic and orderly tradition, a system that has ensured peace and stability for generation.

    He said: “The ascension of Oba Ladoja is a journey of many years back, a path meticulously followed and guided by the wisdom of the ancestors.”

    He noted that Ladoja, being a former Senator, Governor, and now Olubadan will be equipped with unique understanding of the grassroots to the corridor of power.

    He however said Ibadan people are confident that Ladoja would bring his wealth of experience to the throne, leading Ibadanland into a new era of progress, peace and prosperity.

    Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Ademola Ojo described Olubadan stool as a revered stool and pride cultural identity not just to Ibadanland, but Yorubaland and Nigeria as a whole.

    He said Ladoja’s coronation signified unity, peace and fundamental celebration of Yoruba heritage.

  • Building the federal government library: A worthy initiative

    Building the federal government library: A worthy initiative

    By Oluwaseyi Ayo-Makinde

    We must pause to commend the thoughtful initiative of the wife of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who has chosen to mark her forthcoming birthday on the 21st of September, 2025, by planning to establish the federal government library.

    This is not a woman thinking only of herself or her immediate world, but one who understands the weight of legacy,choosing to build a house of knowledge that will impact generations. In a time when personal celebrations are often centered on self, this is a refreshing and visionary gift to the nation.

    From the beginning of history, societies that valued knowledge built libraries. Egypt was once held in global esteem for her thirst for wisdom and careful preservation of discoveries. Sadly, when the great library was burned down during Cleopatra’s era, an irreplaceable wealth of records was lost. 

    The Greeks too left behind writings,some factual, some mythical,but the common thread is this: knowledge, whether to guide or to correct, must be stored.

    In our dear Nigeria, many brilliant individuals have written works that deserve to be preserved, both in hard copy and in electronic libraries, for the sake of future generations. Yet, how much of this treasure has been archived? Too little. Too much is slipping away.

    Today, reading culture is fading. If not for academic requirements, many students would hardly pick up a book, be it hard copy or soft copy. The truth is, whether printed or digital, reading requires the same discipline and willingness. We must revive that hunger for knowledge.

    Why? At the root of almost every challenge we face, what we see is not simply a lack of resources but a gap in knowledge,and when knowledge is missing, solutions remain hidden.

    This is why we must all rise above sentiment, sectionalism and political divides to embrace this initiative by the First Lady. Why should we not support what will put Nigeria on the global map in such a noble way? Why should we not celebrate a vision that calls our nation back to the value of wisdom?

    Just as we admire the libraries in the United States and across the world, we can have a center of knowledge here at home,something that reflects the greatness we often talk about but rarely build.

    Senator Oluremi Tinubu’s plan is more than a birthday project; it is a call for a mental shift. It is a reminder that when we invest in knowledge, we invest in the future…and Nigeria, more than ever, needs such investments.

    And beyond the preservation of knowledge, this initiative has another silent but powerful advantage,it will create opportunities. A library is not just a building; it is a world of its own. It will require librarians, researchers, archivists, IT experts, maintenance staff, administrative officers, and many more. 

    In other words, it will generate jobs, empower families, and contribute to our economy while enriching our minds.

    Therefore, supporting this vision is not merely about applauding the First Lady’s initiative, it is about recognizing the ripple effect of development that such a project will bring.

  • Ogun monarch marks 2nd coronation anniversary

    Ogun monarch marks 2nd coronation anniversary

    In celebration of his two years on the throne, the palace of Olu of Ilawo kingdom, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Oba Alexander Olusegun MacGregor, has announced a week-long programme of activities.

    According to a statement issued by the spokesperson to the world renowned Professor of Biopharmaceutics, Mr. Lanre Olaleye, the week-long events will begin on Wednesday 17th of September, 2025 with a 7.5 km Walkathon-a health walk race with His Royal Majesty Oba (Prof) Alexander Olusegun MacGregor, some of his royal chiefs, youths and other participants from Ilawo Community Development Associations (CDAs) and other neighbouring communities taking part in the walk.

    The statement read in part: ”The health walk sponsored by Alternative Bank will start at 8 am from Ilawo Royal Palace through Olumo, Itoku, down to Kereku Junction adjacent to Lafenwa Bridge before the homeward journey back to the palace.

    The walk, which has been part of Kabiyesi’s daily routine, is designed to promote physical well-being for participants and create awareness for the week-long coronation anniversary programmes.

    The health walk will be followed by a Medical Outreach and a novelty football match on Thursday, 18th September 2025, at Alagbagba Village in Odeda Local Government Area of Ogun State.

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    “The medical outreach is Kabiyesi’s way of connecting with the less privileged in our rural communities, many of whom do not have access to basic medical care. Last year’s edition was held at Elegunmefa Village. This year, we are going to Alagbagba with the aim of reaching out to more people.

    The statement added: “With about five medical doctors on call and other health practitioners on the ground for consultations, diagnosis, and testing, we hope to cover more households this time around while drugs would be readily and freely made available for patients,” Olaleye stated.

    Friday, September 19th, 2025, is dedicated to Muslims’ thanksgiving prayers at the Palace Ground, Ilawo, where Kabiyesi would be joined by his royal chiefs and notable Islamic clerics from Ilawo and neighbouring communities to offer prayers and appreciation to Allah for preserving peace and unity in the kingdom.

    ”Coronation anniversary party/reception is slated for Saturday, 20th September 2025 at the Palace Ground, where Kabiyesi would host invited dignitaries. While on Sunday, 21st September 2025, it would be time for the Christian thanksgiving service at St. Peters Church, Ilawo. The week-long Programme would be rounded off on Tuesday 23rd September 2025 with Obo Festival to celebrate Ilawo’s ancient deity of fertility.”

  • Aiyedatiwa’s Supreme Court victory triumph of democracy – IPN

    Aiyedatiwa’s Supreme Court victory triumph of democracy – IPN

    The Director-General of the Imole Progressive Network (IPN), Michael Abayomi Adeyanju, has described the Supreme Court’s affirmation of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa’s electoral victory as a triumph for democracy and a rallying call for unity and progress in Ondo State.

    Adeyanju noted that the ruling not only validates the will of the people but also reinforces the resilience of Nigeria’s democratic institutions, urging all stakeholders to move beyond political distractions and embrace a shared commitment to development and good governance.

    Describing the verdict as a ‘triumph of truth and justice,’ Adeyanju urged political actors and citizens alike to move beyond legal distractions and embrace a shared vision for development and inclusive governance.

    Reacting to the judgment in a statement by him, Adeyanju hailed the verdict as a “victory for democracy, justice, and the will of the good people of Ondo State.”

    According to him, the ruling is not just a political triumph, “but a collective victory that reaffirms democratic values and a call to collective purpose.

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    “This triumph is not merely personal,” Adeyanju stated.

     “It is a vindication of truth and fairness. It sends a clear message that the democratic process remains resilient, even in the face of distractions and political turbulence.”

    He urged stakeholders across party lines to embrace the ruling as an opportunity to harmonise divisions, heal old wounds, and refocus on governance for the benefit of all.

    He expressed unwavering confidence in Governor Aiyedatiwa’s ability to deliver inclusive development, now unencumbered by legal distractions, instilling hope for a brighter future.

    ”Ambitious infrastructural projects and a commitment to transparent governance have marked Aiyedatiwa’s administration.

    ”With the Supreme Court’s decision serving as a judicial seal of legitimacy, political observers and analysts anticipate renewed momentum in policy delivery and civic engagement.”

    The IPN, therefore, reiterated its continued collaboration and support to the state government to promote accountability and empower citizens through initiatives such as [specific initiative or program]. Adeyanju, a grassroots politician and philanthropist of international repute, reiterated that the verdict should galvanise all Ondo residents toward a shared vision of prosperity.

    ”As the dust settles, the ruling stands not only as a legal resolution but—as Adeyanju puts it—a “call to unity, progress, and democratic resilience,” he added.

  • Crisis brews in Ekiti community over obaship tussle

    Crisis brews in Ekiti community over obaship tussle

    Crisis is brewing in Araromi Obo, Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government Area of Ekiti State, as the three surviving kingmakers of the community have rejected the alleged imposition of Prince Ebenezer Ojo as the new Elemobo.

    The kingmakers, led by the Oisangan of Araromi Obo, Chief Egunjobi Oluwole, alleged that Prince Ojo had once been jailed for stealing and was therefore unfit to occupy the throne.

    Speaking with journalists on Wednesday in Ado-Ekiti, Chief Oluwole maintained that the 1999 constitution and the existing Ekiti State Chieftaincy Law clearly bar anyone with a criminal record from holding leadership positions.

    He further claimed that they had been handed a certified court judgment with suit no MAD/353c/1999 confirming Ojo’s six-month imprisonment for theft, insisting that such a record automatically disqualifies him.

    He accused the state government of attempting to impose Prince Ojo on the community without allowing kingmakers to perform their constitutional duties and carry out due diligence.

    “The state government is not allowing the kingmakers to properly screen candidates. Ordinarily, when the process begins, we would screen out those with criminal records.

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    “But the state government is using veto power to impose a candidate. We appeal to them to let us perform our duties in the interest of peace.”

    Oluwole maintained that the kingmakers, if given freedom to conduct the selection process, would select the rightful candidate to occupy the stool.

    Oluwole added: “Constitutionally, an ex-convict cannot be king or occupy any leadership position. If Prince Ojo comes forward, he is expected to explain how and why he was convicted. We appeal to the state government to allow us to carry out our duties without interference,” he added.

    Reacting to the allegation, Prince Ojo dismissed the claims as a smear campaign orchestrated by opponents to tarnish his reputation and deny the community of his ‘divinely ordained’ right to the throne.

    He described the allegation of conviction for theft as false and malicious, saying that no certified record links him with a criminal conviction.

    “I am not an ex-convict. I have never been convicted of theft or any crime in my life. I challenge anyone with proof of such conviction to bring it forward, not fabricated documents”, he added.

  • Group, Oluwo’s aide, community berate Ataoja over supremacy comment

    Group, Oluwo’s aide, community berate Ataoja over supremacy comment

    Iwo Board of Trustees (BoT) and the media aide of Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, Alli Ibraheem, have berated the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun, over his supremacy comment.

     Oba Olanipekun, at a public lecture to commemorate his 15th anniversary on the throne, called for the reinstatement of his rightful fourth position at the Osun State Council of Obas as he claims, he has since been displaced by the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi.

     Ibraheem, however, expressed disappointment over a remark by Oba Olanipekun, warning that the claim cannot cause friction between Iwo and Osogbo.

    He said, “Oluwo of Iwoland will not contend or compete with anyone. Ataoja should note that the claim to seniority is not by chair. Oluwo has respect for Osogbo because of the great men and women from Osogbo who have contributed immensely to the town.

     “Ataoja is strongly advised to seek extensive, unadulterated history from great men and women of Osogbo, well-versed in the history of Osogbo and Yoruba by extension. Oluwo is a natural paramount ruler. We have very few of such in Yorubaland who are monarchs from inception with no history of Coronet.”

    The Iwo Board of Trustees (IBOT), led by Professor Lai Olurode, said Ataoja neither adduced evidence from recent Yoruba history nor did he mobilise an unassailable archival record in support of his remark, described as blatant and unfair.

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    He said: “We respect the royal office of Ataoja. Iwo and Osogbo have historical links. The two towns enjoy immense sociopolitical and economic links, which continue to blossom. But without prejudice to deference to these facts, the truth must not be taken to the slaughter’s slab.

    “The truth is that Ataoja’s crown was of recent origin, along with some others, when the then military Governor David Jemibewon decreed them into existence in 1976. This is an indisputable historical fact. Oluwo’s beaded crown is ageless, and it’s from the pristine source, undiluted and authentic.

    “It is public knowledge that the current Oluwo is conversant with the ranking and hierarchy order of first-class Obas in ancient and modern times. He has distinguished himself as a no-nonsense Oba in Nigeria and would neither allow history to be distorted nor look the other way when the seniority list of Obas in Osun state is tampered with.”

  • Ibadan set for weeklong celebration of Ladoja’s installation

    Ibadan set for weeklong celebration of Ladoja’s installation

    The Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) is rallying influential indigenes of Ibadanland to support the planned weeklong celebration of the new Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja.

    Ladoja’s coronation as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland is billed for Friday next week.

    Recall that the President-General of CCII, Chief Ajeniyi Ajewole, recently inaugurated a committee headed by two of the city’s billionaire businessmen, Engr. Dotun Sanusi and Chief Adegboye Adegoke, to Co-Chairman a committee for the celebration.

    The state government had earlier inaugurated Chief Bayo Oyero-Committee to work out plans for the September 26 coronation of Oba Ladoja in line with its tradition of funding the coronation of first class traditional rulers in the state.

    But CCII on its own believed that unlike the previous Olubadans, the Olubadan-designate, being a successful billionaire businessman, former senator, former governor and elder statesman, deserves a better celebration.

    CCII therefore inaugurated the committee with some frontline Ibadan sons donating N10 million each for the celebration.

    The committee inaugurated by CCII however picked seven other days apart from the day chosen by government, to make the celebration a weeklong event.

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    Not only that, these influential individuals have facilitated live broadcast of the coronation with Arise, Channels and TVC television stations as well as Solution FM and Ilaji FM, among other frontline radio stations, to beam and air the event live.

    Part of the weeklong programme, according to Comrade Demola Babalola and Alhaji Kunle Junaid who are co-chairmen of the Local Organising Committee in charge of Media/Publicity Subcommittee, is the Monday’s September 22 inter-religious prayers at the Olubadan Palace, Oke-Aremo, Ibadan.

    There will also be a stage play on the progenitor of Kabiyesi Arusa at the Apex Hall, Yidi Agodi area; Tuesday’s Cultural Day holding at the Olubadan Stadium; a first Olubadan coronation lecture to be delivered by a renown Ibadan-born globally acknowledged historian, Prof. Toyin Falola, at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan.

    On Thursday, Oba Ladoja will clock 81years with special programmes for the day, including Islamic prayers at the Olubadan palace at 10am and mega praise and worship at the civic Centre, Agodi, Ibadan, beginning from 2pm.

    Friday is the coronation day at Mapo Hall from 9am while the reception organised by the monarch and his family holds at the Obafemi Awolowo stadium from 3pm.

    Later on Sunday, September 28, a thanksgiving service will hold at the Church of Ascension, Bodija, Ibadan, while a grand civic reception will follow at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan by 2pm.

    On Friday October 3, there will be a Jumat service at the Ibadan Central Mosque, Oja’ba and later on Saturday October 4, the traditional worshippers (Isese) will converge at Ose Meji Temple Oja’ba.

  • Oluwo’s aide, community berate Ataoja over supremacy comment

    Oluwo’s aide, community berate Ataoja over supremacy comment

    Iwo community and Alli Ibraheem, the media aide of Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi have berated Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun, over his supremacy comment.

    The Nation recalls Oba Olanipekun at a public lecture to commemorate his 15th coronation anniversary, called for reinstatement of his rightful fourth position at the Osun State Council of Obas.

    He alleged he has since been displaced by the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi.

    However, Oluwo’s spokesman Alli Ibraheem expressed disappointment over Oba Olanipekun’s comment, warning that the claim cannot cause friction between Iwo and Osogbo.

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    He said:“Oluwo of Iwoland will not contend or compete with anyone. Ataoja should note that the claim to seniority is not by chair. Oluwo has respect for Osogbo because of the great men and women from Osogbo who have contributed immensely to the town.

    “Ataoja is strongly advised to seek extension unadulterated history from great men and women of Osogbo well versed in the history of Osogbo and Yoruba by extension. Oluwo is a natural paramount ruler. We have very few of such in Yorubaland who are monarchs from inception with no history of Coronet.”

    Also, Iwo Board of Trustees (IBOT) led by Professor Lai Olurode, said Ataoja neither adduced evidence from recent Yoruba history nor did he mobilise unassailable archival record in support of his remark described as blatant and unfair.

    He said: “We respect the Royal Office of Ataoja. Iwo and Osogbo have historical links. The two towns enjoy immense sociopolitical and economic links which continue to blossom. But without prejudice to deference to these facts, the truth must not be taken to the slaughter’s slab.

    “The truth is that Ataoja’s crown was of recent origin along with some others when the then military Governor David Jemibewon decreed them into existence in 1976. This is an indisputable historical fact. Oluwo’s beaded crown is ageless and it’s from the pristine source, undiluted and authentic.

    “It is public knowledge that the current Oluwo is conversant with the ranking and hierarchy order of first class Obas in ancient and modern times. He has distinguished himself as a no nonsense Oba in Nigeria and would neither allow history to be distorted nor look the other way when the seniority list of Obas in Osun state is tampered with.”

  • Rights groups petition Tinubu over federal character appointment

    Rights groups petition Tinubu over federal character appointment

    A coalition of civil society organizations has petitioned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging him to review the recent appointment of Hon. Ayo Omidiran from Osun State as the Chairman-designate of the Federal Character Commission (FCC).

    In a jointly signed letter addressed to the President, the groups argued that the appointment violates the spirit of the Federal Character principle enshrined in Section 14(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the Federal Character Commission Act, Cap F7, LFN 2004.

    They noted that the southwest geopolitical zone is divided into three sub-pairings for purposes of federal appointments namely Oyo/Osun, Lagos/Ogun, and Ekiti/Ondo to ensure fairness and balance.

    The petitioners pointed out that Prof. Tunji Olaopa from Oyo State, within the Oyo/Osun pairing, was already appointed in October 2023 as Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission. 

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    They argued that appointing another chairman of a constitutional body from the same Oyo/Osun bloc leaves Lagos/Ogun and Ekiti/Ondo without any chairmanship representation at the federal executive body level.

    “This imbalance, if not corrected, may foster feelings of exclusion and marginalization within the South-West zone and weaken public confidence in the equity and fairness that Your Excellency’s Renewed Hope Agenda has consistently championed,” the letter read in part.

    The signatories, which include Debo Adeniran (Committee for the Defense of Human Rights), Nelson Ekujumi (Centre for Rights and Grassroots Initiative), Tola Oresanwo (Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership), and other civic leaders, appealed to the President to review the nomination of Hon. Omidiran in order to restore balance and ensure compliance with constitutional provisions.

    They emphasized that a prompt correction would “further demonstrate Your Excellency’s unwavering commitment to justice, equity, and national unity.”

    The Senate is yet to confirm Omidiran’s appointment, leaving the decision in the balance as the petitioners press for what they call a constitutional redress.

  • Foundation donates N1.6m school kits to pupils

    Foundation donates N1.6m school kits to pupils

    • By Sisianu Melawakou

    The Zakat and Sadaqat (Z&S) Waqf Foundation has distributed school materials worth over N1.6 million to pupils of Shepherd Primary School, in Somolu Local Government Area of Lagos State, as part of its Back-to-School Orphan and Indigent Pupils’ Education Support Programme .

    The gesture, which provided 50 pupils with school uniforms, bags, exercise books, and footwear, is part of the foundation’s commitment to empowering vulnerable children through charity and sustainability.

    Speaking at the event, the Executive Director of the foundation, Alhaji Ma’aruf Ahmed, said the initiative was designed to support vulnerable children and ease the burden on their parents, especially in the face of current economic challenges.

    “We are committed to taking children off the streets and sending them back to school. This project is to supports the government. This may look small, but for us, it is significant, and we are hopeful of scaling up with more support from society,” he said.

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    The Head Teacher of Shepherd Primary School, Mrs Nurat Animashaun, expressed her gratitude to the foundation.

    “This gesture has put smiles on the faces of our pupils and their parents. Many of them could not afford basic school items, and this intervention will also boost our enrolment for the next session,” she said.

    Admin Secretary of the foundation, Abbas Bolaji said that Shepherd Primary School was chosen due to its population of mostly indigent and orphaned children. “This is not the only school we intend to reach. As we get more support, we will extend this gesture to other schools,” he said.

    Chief of Staff to the Somolu Local Government Chairman, Prince Sodiq Adeeso, described the intervention as timely. “With over six million out-of-school children in Nigeria, efforts like this are critical. The materials provided here are not just gifts; they meet real needs, restore self-esteem, and give these children hope for a brighter future,” he said.

    One of the beneficiaries, Anisha Isaac, gave a heartfelt vote of thanks, praying for God’s blessings on the foundation.