The Nation Newspaper

Tag: ibadan

  • JUST IN: Four dead, several injured in multiple crash in Ibadan

    JUST IN: Four dead, several injured in multiple crash in Ibadan

    No fewer than four people have been confirmed dead following a multiple-vehicle accident that occurred on Tuesday along the Soka axis of the Ibadan-Lagos Expressway.

    According to eyewitnesses, the tragic incident involved four trailers, four Micra cars, and a Toyota Camry.

    The crash reportedly happened when a trailer attempting to reverse out of an abandoned filling station was hit by another trailer approaching from behind.

    The sudden impact caused a chain reaction as three more trailers following closely rammed into the scene, crushing several cars in the process.

    It was gathered that a Micra commercial car was completely flattened in the collision, killing the driver and three passengers instantly.

    Among the victims was a woman who had boarded the Micra with her husband from nearby Sanyo.

    Read Also: Ilorin Should Start Acting like Ibadan

    While the woman died on the spot, her husband, who sat in the front seat, survived with minor injuries.

    Several other passengers sustained serious injuries.

    Emergency responders, including officers of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), quickly arrived at the scene alongside security and paramilitary operatives.

    With the help of residents, the bodies were recovered from the wreckage and the injured rushed to nearby hospitals.

    The accident has caused a major traffic jam on the Ibadan-bound section of the expressway, as efforts continue to clear the road.

    Details shortly…

  • Ilorin Should Start Acting like Ibadan

    Ilorin Should Start Acting like Ibadan

    By Rotimi Sulyman

    In my days as a reporter, I once had the pleasure of sharing a space with former Minister of Justice, late Chief Bola Ige. The location was an arts centre at Victoria Island, Lagos at a singer, Beautiful Nubia’s event. Prior to that time, I knew Chief Ige by media reports, with which I formed the view that he was a master of spoken and written words.

    Seeing him speak that day, I came to the conclusion that the general reports did not fall short of the truth.

    His delivery of the tale he told of how those days the people of Ibadan used to deride him for hailing from Ijesa land; and being a protégé of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, who was an Ijebu man is still fresh in my memory to date.

    “A ni Ijebu oda, Ijesa o sun won Bola Ige lo ohun Ijebu-Jesa e ri pe opo san.”

    In translation: “We say Ijebu people are bad, Ijesa people are not good, Bola Ige claims to be Ijebu-Jesa, and don’t you see that he has lost it.”

    I am not a frequent visitor to Ibadan, but I passed through it when occasions required me to be in Ilorin, my home town.

    I also have a good number of friends from the area, and from their common reports, the people of Ilorin have a lot in common, except in the way they both deal with religion.

    The average Ilorin person is a Muslim and intolerant to the promotion of Christianity or other faiths except Islam, unlike his Ibadan counterpart, who does not discriminate in religious matters.

    I have heard from many of my Ibadan friends who are Christian by birth and have not moved religion that in their childhood days in the former Western region capital, they and their Muslim friends were so fluid that they attended Quranic schools, mosque and church together.

    The difference said, the communal arrogance Chief Ige imputed to Ibadan people that day is in the nature of Ilorin people too.

    Ilorin people speak of the town and its established customs and traditions in the highest terms, as if the community is the best thing since sliced bread.

    The two people are the most populous in their states: Oyo and Kwara.

    This population advantage, the Ibadan people have deployed to run roughshod over other communities in Oyo State politically.

    Read Also: Nigeria, Benin sign landmark integration pact

    Over the years, past civilian governors of Oyo State with the exception of Chief Ige and late Adebayo Alao-Akala are or were from Ibadan.

    The same is true of the incumbent, Seyi Makinde.

    “Omo wa ni, e je o se,” which means, “our child should be the one in charge in the state,” is one slogan Ibadan people artfully use to get one of their own to Agodi, the seat of power.

    The catchword resonates with Ibadan people with regard election into the office of Oyo State governor.

    In that regard, Ilorin people are trailing behind Ibadan. Only three persons from the North-Central community have held sway in Kwara State, even though its people have the lion’s share of population and electorate.

    My earnest wish is that, come 2027, Ilorin people would start acting like Ibadan people.

    The character change becomes more necessary because of Engineer Bolakale Kawu. Kawu was my senior in Government Secondary School, Ilorin, and was known then for his kindness.

    His kindness has been called into action since he started work, and it has proved itself in several ways and in many individuals’ lives.

    The credits of lighting up many communities in Kwara State are today owing to the Ilorin Prince, who in some days’ time, will bow out of Rural Electrification Agency,  REA, in retirement.

    Rotimi Sulyman is a Lagos-based media entrepreneur

  • From Ibadan streets to Afrobeat dreams: The rise of Segun Styling

    From Ibadan streets to Afrobeat dreams: The rise of Segun Styling

    Oyadeji Segun John, born on July 9, 1996, is not just another name riding the Afrobeat wave. He is its reflection, raw, rhythmic, and rooted in experience. Hailing from Ada in Osun State but born and bred in Ibadan, Styling’s path has been anything but conventional.

    He is the first child and only son in a family of four, raised by Nathaniel and Florence Oyadeji. From an early age, he bore the weight of expectations and the dreams of a household. Education came first. His academic path led him to a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Osun State University, Osogbo.

    Before embracing music full-time, Styling lived many lives. He was a teacher, a poultry farmer, an entrepreneur, a fashion designer, and the proud owner of Styles Street Saloon. Amidst these roles, he founded STYLING Entertainment during his university years, managing three artists before financial and personal setbacks put the dream on hold.

    In October 2023, he officially stepped into the limelight with the release of his debut EP, ‘Vibes of Life,’ a deeply personal project exploring love, loss, and self-discovery.

    Read Also: 22-year-old who fell from Cocoa House buried in Ibadan

    The standout track, ‘Ibolowa,’ quickly became a fan favorite for its emotional depth and soulful delivery. With growing momentum, he followed up in April 2024 with “African Girls,” his first single and music video, celebrating the beauty and strength of women across the continent. In May 2024, ‘Sweet Criminal,’ a collaboration with Fally Y, showed off his versatility, blending seductive rhythms with infectious hooks.

    September brought “Time2Shine,” a bold statement of intent. And in February 2025, Styling released “Hallelujah,” a track that merged faith and funk, resonating far beyond Nigeria’s borders.

    Styling doesn’t just make music. He tells stories, his own and those of countless others navigating hope, heartbreak, and hustle.

    Looking to the future, Styling is dreaming big. Music is just the beginning. He envisions himself as an author, a philosopher, perhaps even a politician or psychologist, not for power, but to heal and uplift. “I just want to help people,” he says, “to be a light in dark places.”

  • Youth set to battle drug abuse with art at Ibadan creative show

    Youth set to battle drug abuse with art at Ibadan creative show

    In a powerful push against the growing issues of drug abuse, peer pressure, and negative influences among young people, Arts Drive Productions is launching a bold initiative, the All Star Alte Party (ASAP), a youth-focused creative showcase set for May 30, 2025, at Lead City University, Ibadan.

    The event, which blends music, visual arts, spoken word, and dance, aims to use creativity and culture as tools to combat social vices.

    Founder and show promoter, Oyelola Olawale Kush, says the goal is to provide a safe, vibrant space for self-expression and purpose-driven fun.

    “With ASAP, we’re not just curating another show,” Kush told reporters. “We are creating a space where young people can shine, through their talents, not through harmful distractions.”

    Kush explained that the idea is not just about entertainment, but about creating a movement of positive engagement. By offering a platform for expression, the show hopes to redirect energy from negative influences to creativity, passion, and productivity.

    The outdoor tennis court at Lead City University was intentionally chosen as the venue to reflect the open and inclusive spirit of the event. Organisers are optimistic that ASAP will not only entertain but also inspire young people to choose self-discovery over substance abuse.

    “We believe Nigerian youths are talented and resilient,” Kush added. “With the right platforms, they will choose their authentic voices over shortcuts or peer pressure.”

    Beyond the show itself, Kush pointed to deeper issues facing the entertainment industry in Nigeria, including poor funding, lack of institutional support, and declining live performance culture due to the rise of digital platforms.

    “The industry is struggling. Many young creatives can’t find real-life stages anymore,” he said. “ASAP is our answer, a platform built by us, for us, to nurture and showcase young talent.”

    ASAP is expected to attract students, creatives, and stakeholders from Ibadan and beyond. Organisers promise an evening of explosive talent, meaningful networking, and a loud message of hope and creativity.

  • Ibadan killing: Deceased father’s testimonies delaying release of comprehensive reports – Police

    Ibadan killing: Deceased father’s testimonies delaying release of comprehensive reports – Police

    The Oyo State Police Command has said it cannot complete a comprehensive report on the killing of 14-year-old WAEC candidate Kehinde Alade without the testimony of his father, Odunayo Alade.

    Kehinde was fatally shot last Tuesday by a stray bullet allegedly fired by a police corporal at the Gbagi-Alakia area in Egbeda Local Government Area of Ibadan.

    The officer involved is currently in custody at the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Iyaganku.

    At a joint press conference held with the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Prince Dotun Oyelade, and the Chairman of the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Agency (OYTMA), Major Adekoya Adesagba (rtd), the Commissioner of Police, Johnson Adenola, revealed that an interim report on the incident has been prepared.

    However, he stressed that a full, detailed report will only be finalised after the father of the deceased provides his account of the events.

    During the briefing, a minute of silence was observed in honour of the slain teenager, whose death has sparked widespread outrage and demands for justice.

    He said, “The Inspector General of Police has directed that the Command should be thorough in its investigation, hence the need to obtain the testimonies of the father of the deceased.

    “The Police officer and one of the passengers inside the car when the incident happened have assisted the investigative team with useful information.

    “The Police officer has been arrested. He is in custody now. After the conclusion of the investigation, the next step will be taken.

    “We are keeping the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, abreast of the development daily.

    “The tragic incident would have been avoided had it been the father of the deceased who complied with the traffic rules.

    “Alade, based on the information made available to us, is a serial offender. He was arrested for breaking traffic rules some weeks back.

    “I am assuring the public that the Police will do a thorough investigation by ensuring that culprits are brought to book.”

    In his remark, the State Commissioner of Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, assured the public that the matter would not be swept under the carpet.

    “What Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration stands for is justice. On this matter, we will ensure that Justice is served.

    “The state government also encouraged the Police to regularly train and engage its officers on gun handling and civil public relations with a promise to placate the grieving family, loved ones and siblings of the deceased while frowning against disinformation and distortion of facts.”

    Also speaking, the chairman of OYRTMA, Major Adesagba, decried the alarming rise in traffic offences and constant harassment and assaults on its officers.

    Read Also: ‘Police station can’t function with N45,000 quarterly running cost’

    He said the development necessitated the agency’s request for security backup for its operations.

    He disclosed that eight cases of assault on his officials have been recorded this year.

    According to him, “Our officers have suffered various degrees of injuries which include broken arms and legs. This informed the decision to have a joint patrol operation with the police to secure the lives of our men while on duty.”

    While describing the incident as unfortunate, he hinted that the father of the deceased on the 15th of this month parked in a no-parking zone and paid a fine to the Oyo State government, and he further appealed to the residents of the state to abide by the traffic laws.

    “The state government also encouraged the Police to regularly train and engage its officers on gun handling and civil public relations with a promise to placate the grieving family, loved ones and siblings of the deceased while frowning against disinformation and distortion of facts.”

  • ‘I just wanted him to make his WAEC exam’, Father of slain Ibadan student breaks silence

    ‘I just wanted him to make his WAEC exam’, Father of slain Ibadan student breaks silence

    The father of the late 14-year-old Kehinde Alade has spoken out following the tragic shooting of his son, revealing he was only trying to ensure the teenager wasn’t late for his 8:30 a.m. WAEC exam.

    Kehinde was reportedly struck by a stray bullet on Gbagi Market Road in Egbeda Local Government Area of Ibadan, Oyo State, while on his way to the exam centre.

    The heartbreaking incident has sparked outrage and calls for justice.

    Narrating the events to News Central, Odunayo Alade explained that he had encountered operatives of the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA) while driving his children to school.

    He said he was blocked and harassed by the officers, who even hit his car, prompting him to reverse and find an alternative route.

    “I was taking the children to school yesterday morning, and just at the junction near our house, OYTMA officials blocked me and hit my car. I reversed to bypass them. While trying to leave the spot, another vehicle, a towing truck, also hit me, so I had to manoeuvre my way,” he recounted.

    Alade firmly denied accusations that he drove against traffic, insisting the route he used was a common shortcut, not a prohibited one.

    “I did not take one-way. That road is a shortcut everyone uses. It is close to the main road and not restricted,” he said.

    The incident, first reported by The Nation, has left the community in mourning and raised concerns over law enforcement conduct and public safety.

    “I don’t know. I won’t say one-way because the place is a very short distance.

    “To them, they said I followed one-way, and I let them know that this is the road all the neighbourhood use. It’s a very short distance to the main junction,” he added.

    Speaking on why he didn’t stop, he said: “You know how the Nigerian government works. If you’re on your own, once you fall into their trap, you understand.

    “Moreover, the elder brother of the deceased was supposed to be writing the WASSCE yesterday.

    “He was having an 8:30 am WAEC paper yesterday, and if I had stopped, they would have delayed the boy. That was why I had to manoeuvre my way,” he said.

    Moments after manoeuvring past the officers, Alade heard a gunshot but pressed on until his twin brother began screaming.

    Read Also: Oyo Police detain officer for allegedly killing WAEC student

    He said: “So, after I left there, I did not stop, then the boy in question was shouting ‘daddy, daddy.’

    “I asked him why he was shouting because we left them, and we were safe. Then his twin brother told me he had been shot. Immediately, I heard that I was parked.

    “I brought him out, his clothes were soaked with blood…”

    According to him, a bystander rushed Kehinde to Welfare Hospital in Alakia, where he was given oxygen and transferred to University College Hospital.

    Tragically, the teenager succumbed to his injuries before arrival.

    Reflecting on whether stopping for the officers could have saved his son, Alade said, “I can’t really say, only God knows the situation of things”.

    Kehinde’s body now lies at Adeoyo State Hospital mortuary, awaiting autopsy.

    The Oyo State Police Command has detained the officer responsible for the fatal shot, along with others involved.

    Commissioner Johnson Adenola has ordered a rigorous investigation, led by the Deputy Commissioner of the State Criminal Investigation Department, promising transparency and public

  • Stray bullet kills teenager in Ibadan

    Stray bullet kills teenager in Ibadan

    Panic enveloped parts of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital city, on Tuesday as a stray bullet killed a candidate writing the 2025 West African Examinations Council (WAEC).

    The secondary school student, simply identified as Taiwo, was said to have been hit by a stray bullet allegedly fired by a yet-to-be-identified police officer during a high-speed chase.

    The incident, it was gathered, occurred around Gbagi Market Road in Ibadan as the officer pursued a fleeing vehicle, suspected to be conveying internet fraudsters, popularly called “Yahoo boys.”

    Sources said the officers, in an attempt to scare the suspected fraudsters, shot into the air, but that the bullets fired hit the student, who was riding on a motorcycle with his twin brother.

    The boy was on his way to take the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) examination at the time of the incident.

    He was a candidate in the ongoing WAEC examination for SS3 students.

    He was quickly taken to Welfare Hospital but was declared dead on arrival.

    Read Also: Stray bullet: IGP takes over Tomiwa’s treatment

    In response to the tragedy, market traders and sympathisers in protest took the boy’s lifeless body to protest the action of officers at the Oyo State Secretariat, demanding justice.

    As of the time this report was written, security personnel have been stationed at the entrance of the government secretariat to control the crowd.

    Ibadan-based radio station, Splash FM, said the student was killed by police officers who opened fire while in pursuit of a Hilux vehicle.

    “Unfortunately, a stray bullet struck the student, who was in his father’s car, resulting in his death. The incident has sparked outrage and calls for an immediate investigation into the actions,” the report noted.

  • How I lost my N20m house, three shops, N11m goods to fire incidents – Ibadan business woman

    How I lost my N20m house, three shops, N11m goods to fire incidents – Ibadan business woman

    A business woman, Mrs Rabiatu Kingsley, yesterday narrated how she lost goods worth more than N11 million to fire incidents that consumed her house and three shops at Police Barracks, Omolewa, Yemetu, Ibadan

    Rabiatu, who looked lost, was held tight by her children who were looking for where help would come from when our correspondent visited the scene of the fire incident.

    Apparently giving up hope, she recalled how a fire incident also ravaged her private resident around the Yemetu Police Station and she had to start squatting in a self-contained apartment since the incident occurred late last year.

    For her, it was a tale of double tragedy in quick succession

    Rabiatu, wife of a police officer, runs three of the 15 shops destroyed by a midnight fire.

    When The Nation visited the scene, it was observed that the fire had been put out completely by the combined effort of the state fire service men and residents who lived in the area.

    She, however, lamented that goods worth more than N11 million were destroyed in the inferno, making a particular mention of a tailor who had just procured an expensive sewing machine worth more than N7 million.

    The tailor, it was gathered, had slept at the shop, working all night to deliver some jobs but could not save anything when the fire engulfed the shop. Rabiatu said it was sheer grace that saved him from being consumed by the fire.

    Read Also: Fire guts three-storey building in Onitsha

    Sources said the tailor, who was locked inside the shop, was unaware of the fire outbreak while other residents were also not aware that he was sleeping inside the shop until noise from rescue operation jolted him to life.

    The tailor was said to have been nearly suffocated in the shop but for the rescue operations of neighbours who quickly dragged him out.

    Witnesses said the fire was caused by an electrical spark from a nearby electrical pole.

    But authorities said the fire incident was a result of a deep freezer that caught fire and set the place ablaze.

    While the shop owners were unable to save anything from the incident, the scene had become a harvest field for scavengers and scrap dealers by the afternoon.

    They were sighted at the scene trying to source items that were of economic benefits to them.

    Speaking with The Nation, Rashidat said the best she got from her association, the Police Officers Wives Association (POWA) when her house got burnt was a mattress.

    She said she was only looking up to God and not any human for help.

    She said: “My building caught fire last year. I have lost more than N11 million.

    “I sell new shoes, school bags, handbags, shreds, needles, ladies’ shoes and a lot of other things.

    My shop is full of stuffs —provision, salt, minerals, fish, stock fish, curry and ingredients.

    “That one (pointing at another shop), there are two deep freezers and this long freezer. All the three shops were full of different goods and items that I sell.”

  • Federal workers begin protest, shut secretariat in Ibadan

    Federal workers begin protest, shut secretariat in Ibadan

    The federal government workers under the aegis of the Federal Workers Forum in Oyo state on Wednesday embarked on an indefinite protest over non-payment of their five months’ outstanding wage awards and other emoluments.

    The protest was led by the national coordinator, Comrade Andrew Emelieze, at the front of the federal government Secretariat, Ikolaba, Ibadan.

    The protesters who were at the Secretariat as early as 7 AM, ahead of other workers who came to report for duties, shut the main entrance gate of the Secretariat, singing solidarity songs and carrying placards to register their displeasure with the FG

    Addressing journalists, Emelieze said that the workers are demanding immediate payment of the outstanding five months’ wage award arrears, implementation of a 40 per cent peculiar allowance, and the payment of their arrears.

    He noted that the 21-day ultimatum warning protest given to the federal government to attend to their demands had elapsed, urging the federal government to stop what it described as its anti-worker policies.

    He said the protest will continue until their demands are met by the FG.

    Comrade Emelieze, however, condemned the silence of the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress over the plights of the Federal workers alleging the labour union of being treated unfairly.

    He said, “As earlier agreed, we, the federal workers in Nigeria, commence an indefinite protest nationwide today, 22nd April, 2025, to press home our demands for justice for federal government workers in Nigeria, tagged #FederalWorkersProtest, #FederalWorkersHaveSufferedEnough #ShutDownAllFederalSecretariat

    “We had earlier issued a 21-day ultimatum to the federal government to attend to our plights, but most unfortunately, our government has been adamant.

    Read Also: Sharks Squad rules  Ibadan swimming championship

    “We have, however, commenced the indefinite protest, and day 1 has shown to be peaceful and successful as federal workers across the federation joined the protest nationwide, occupying the different federal government secretariats across the federation despite heavy deployment of security operatives.

    “It is an indefinite protest and we shall continue tomorrow, 23rd April, until the FG meets up with our demands.

    “Day 2 will equally remain peaceful, and we call on all federal workers to improve with their participation and solidarity. Federal workers are called upon to fully occupy all federal government secretariats nationwide and shut them down.

    “Our demands are straight forward: The immediate payment of outstanding five months wage award arrears, the implementation of 40 percent peculiar allowance and the payment of its arrears, the immediate review of the heavy taxation of the federal workers’ poor wage, the upward review of the new national minimum wage and the payment of cost of living allowance #Cola to all federal government workers.

    “The federal Workers Forum appeals specifically to all federal workers not to give up the struggle. We are optimistic that if we push further, the FG will have no option but to listen to us and especially pay up our outstanding five-month wage award arrears.

    “So far, the Federal Workers Forum has shown to be a movement, and obviously, we are marching to greater victories for the workers. Our activities have confirmed the movement to be anti-hunger, anti-poverty poverty and pro-freedom of the Nigerian workers.

    “We will not stop calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to rethink his policies towards the Nigerian workers. All that has come from Mr President has been a bad example, anti-worker, and promoting hardship among the federal government workers

    “We want to thank the mass media in a special way the mass media for all their support and understanding. We equally appreciate the security operatives deployed to all the federal government secretariats nationwide for the high level of professionalism exhibited throughout day 1 of the protest, and it is our prayer that all protests should be respected this way and acknowledging the rights of citizens to freedom of association and protest. We are marching on. No retreat, no surrender.”

  • Aspirant lauds Ibadan Northeast APC chair

    Aspirant lauds Ibadan Northeast APC chair

    The 2023 Oyo State House of Assembly aspirant and a stalwart of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ibadan Northeast Local Government, Mr. Adewale Adegoke, has eulogised the Chairman of the party, Azeez Elewure.

    He described him as a fountain of grace in APC.

    In a birthday message issued by his Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Com. Durodola Abduljelil, Adegoke said Elewure’s leadership had been adjudged the best in grassroots administration in Ibadan Northeast.

    He said the leadership of the party under the chairman had formed bedrock for growth and development in the party.

    Read Also: NNPP dead, Kwankwaso ‘ll soon join APC – Ganduje

    The politician, popularly called ‘Alakowe’, said: “There is no doubt; Elewure is a good person with good heart. He supports vision to fruition at all times. He is a huge fountain of grace to APC in Ibadan Northeast, Oyo State and Nigeria.”

    He said Elewure usually sought peace and progress of members of the party. He appreciated him for rallying for his support in the build up to his 2023 political aspiration.

    Adegoke prayed for good health and knowledge for Elewure ‘’so that APC can regain power in 2027 in Oyo State.’’