The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Ogbomoso

  • Fake soldier nabbed for motorcycle theft, impersonation in Ogbomoso 

    Fake soldier nabbed for motorcycle theft, impersonation in Ogbomoso 

    A dismissed personnel of the Nigerian Army has been arrested by the police for motorcycle theft and impersonation as a soldier in Ogbomosho, Oyo state.

    The crime was committed when the suspect, adorning the military uniform has approached one Adegboyega Sunday (M) of Oba’s Compound, Ijeru Area, Ogbomosho to purchase an unregistered Lifan “Phoon Lady” motorcycle which was advertised for sale on Facebook.

    The suspect was said to have made away with the motorcycle after collecting the keys, under the pretense of testing it.

    Confirming the development in a statement on Tuesday, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Oyo Command, Ayanlade Olayinka, a Deputy Superintendent of Police, said through intelligence-led policing, the operative leveraged technological know-how to lure the suspect to a restaurant in Ilorin, where he was apprehended. 

    He added that upon interrogation, the suspect admitted to stealing the motorcycle and disclosed that he was dismissed personnel of the Nigerian Army.

    He noted that the suspect will be charged to court upon conclusion of the investigation, adding that the stolen motorcycle has been recovered, and relevant exhibits are secured in Lagos State, where the suspect took the motorcycle to.

    Olayinka said, “The Oyo State Police Command has successfully apprehended a suspect involved in a reported motorcycle theft in Ogbomosho, who also impersonated a soldier to commit the crime. 

    “The case was reported by Adegboyega Sunday (M) of Oba’s Compound, Ijeru Area, Ogbomosho. 

    “He stated that on 15/12/2025, he listed his unregistered Lifan “Phoon Lady” motorcycle for sale on Facebook and was subsequently contacted by an individual expressing interest in purchasing it.

    “During the arranged meeting on 16/12/2025 at 1600hrs, the suspect, later identified as Lance Corporal Olabamiji Samson (NA: 356241/16), presented himself in uniform and gained the complainant’s trust. 

    “He collected the motorcycle key under the pretense of testing the vehicle but instead left with the motorcycle.

    “Through intelligence-led policing, the operative leveraged technological know-how to lure the suspect to a restaurant in Ilorin, where he was apprehended. 

    “Upon interrogation, the suspect admitted to stealing the motorcycle and disclosed that he was dismissed personnel of the Nigerian Army.

    “The Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, commended the operatives for their dedication and appreciated the Inspector-General of Police for his guidance in the fight against crime. 

    “The suspect will be charged to court upon conclusion of the investigation. The stolen motorcycle has been recovered, and relevant exhibits are secured in Lagos State.

    “The Oyo State Police Command reassures the public of its unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property. 

    “Residents are urged to report any suspicious persons or activities to the nearest police station or security post, as the Command continues to employ intelligence-led strategies and technological capabilities to ensure public safety.”

  • Diasporans, tourists, others to grace Ogbomoso Cradles Carnival

    Diasporans, tourists, others to grace Ogbomoso Cradles Carnival

    THe 2025 edition of the Ogbomoso Cradles Carnival, the flagship initiative of the traditional ruler of Ogbomoso, Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, Orumogege III, is scheduled to take place from December 18 to 22.

     The carnival is under the monarch’s 25-year development agenda for Ogbomosoland,  the Chairman of the Planning Committee, Hon. Segun Dokun Odebunmi, said at a press conference held at the palace of the Soun.

     According to Odebunmi, the carnival was created to promote Ogbomoso’s rich cultural heritage, foster unity among its people, and showcase the city’s uniqueness to the world.

    Read Also: I will retire from active service at 60 – Obi Cubana

     He stated, “The Ogbomoso Cradles Carnival is more than a cultural display; it is a vision—a platform to showcase our heritage, promote our identity, and restore the dignity of Ogbomosoland.”

     He recalled that the inaugural edition in 2024 attracted over 10,000 visitors, including indigenes from the diaspora, corporate sponsors, and tourists, noting that the event has become a model for cultural celebrations in Oyo State. “Last year’s success inspired several communities across Oyo State. It also led to the establishment of a campus of the Nigerian Academy for Cultural Studies (NACUS) and its inclusion in both the state and federal cultural calendars,” Odebunmi added.

  • Seven injured as two trucks collide, catch fire in Ogbomoso

    Seven injured as two trucks collide, catch fire in Ogbomoso

    Seven people have been hospitalised after sustaining injuries in a head-on collision between two trucks in Ogbomoso.

    The accident, which occurred on Monday at Arinkinkin, Agric area, left both vehicles engulfed in flames.

    One of the trucks was reportedly loaded with grains, while the other carried unidentified chemicals.

    An eyewitness confirmed that the injured victims are receiving treatment at Bowen Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso.

    Chairman of the Oyo State Fire Service, Maroof Akinwande, said in a statement that the incident was reported at 1:15 p.m. and firefighters, led by CFM Oladejo Kola, were immediately deployed.

    He explained that while one truck carrying chemicals was severely affected, the fire service was able to save the second truck. He added that officers of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Ogbomoso Division, evacuated the victims to the hospital.

    Read Also: Ogbomoso leaders, others back Aborisade’ Gov bid

    He said, “The fire incident was reported at exactly 13:15hrs on Monday, 15th September, 2025. The fire personnel, led by CFM Oladejo Kola, swiftly responded and deployed to the scene of the fire incident.

    “Upon arrival, two trucks, one loaded with grains (maize) and the other with unidentified chemicals, collided with each other, engulfed by fire.

    “The fire was completely extinguished, and there was only one truck with chemicals affected by the fire, while the second truck was saved by the fire service.

    “Seven male persons were rescued alive with minor injuries and taken to Bowen Teaching Hospital by Officers of Federal Road Safety Corps, Ogbomoso Division, for medical attention.”

    Vehicular movement has since been restored in the area, with normal activities resuming after the fire was extinguished.

  • Group seeks unity among traditional rulers for Ogbomoso advancement

    Group seeks unity among traditional rulers for Ogbomoso advancement

    A group, The Ogbomoso Torch Bearers, has called on traditional rulers across Ogbomosoland to set aside their differences and unite in the interest of the region’s development.

    The group expressed concerns over growing disunity among traditional rulers in the zone, saying disunity has been one of the factors hindering the progress of the five local government areas that make up Ogbomosoland.

    A statement jointly signed by the Chairman of the group, Adekojo Adeniran, and the Secretary, Mr. Ayobami Olusegun identified activities of selfish conflict entrepreneurs and misguided advisers as the root cause of division among the monarchs. 

    The duo alerted monarchs in Ogbomosoland to remain vigilant and guard against such individuals, warning that these people are often driven by personal gain at the expense of the community’s collective well-being.

    “There are many people of high integrity and native intelligence who are capable of contributing meaningfully to the growth of Ogbomoso, but they are often denied access to the royal institutions due to hidden agendas and selfish interests.”

    The group emphasised that everyone has a crucial role to play in making Ogbomoso a model city. 

    Read Also: Ibadan, Ogbomoso traditional leaders reject move to make Alaafin permanent chair of Oyo council of Obas

    It called for unity of purpose, mutual respect, and love among the monarchs, regardless of historical differences. 

    “We must be bound by our shared passion for the advancement of our land. How beautiful and inspiring it would be if the Soun, Olugbon, Onpetu, Aresa, Onikoyi, and other royal fathers could speak with one voice, united in vision and purpose.

    “Unfortunately, the reverse is currently the case, and it is disheartening to see those who should be exemplars engaging in public disputes and harboring resentment.”

    The Ogbomoso Torch Bearers camvassed reconciliation and collaboration among all stakeholders to ensure progress and pride of Ogbomosoland.

  • You are a pride of Ogbomoso, Methodist Bishop hails Oyo LGSC chairman

    You are a pride of Ogbomoso, Methodist Bishop hails Oyo LGSC chairman

    The Bishop of Methodist Diocese, Ogbomoso, Rt. Rev. Ademola Moradeyo, has described the Chairman, Oyo State Local Government Service Commission, Bashorun Akinwale Akinwole, otherwise known as ‘Wolekanle’, as a pride of Ogbomosoland.

    The cleric urged him to live up to the high expectations that come with his new public responsibility.

    Speaking in Ogbomoso at a special thanksgiving service to mark Wolekanle’s 53rd birthday, dedication of his new house and his recent appointment as Chairman of the Oyo State Local Government Service Commission, Moradeyo charged Wolekanle to continue to improve himself so as not to disappoint those who trust him.

    In his sermon titled: “Thy Kingdom come,” drawn from Matthew 6:9–16, the Bishop urged political office holders to align their vision with God’s will, adding that the Kingdom of God is peaceful and harmonious values that are lacking in many parts of the world today.

    He said: “It is important for those in power to tread the path of peace and ensure their actions are guided by God’s vision. Any leader who does not make the people happy will face the wrath of God.”

    Commending Wolekanle on his new role, Bishop Moradeyo said he believed the appointment would lead to greater accomplishments. 

    He also expressed concern that some leaders have failed to fulfill their responsibilities.

    The cleric also praised Governor Seyi Makinde for his exceptional leadership, noting that his administration has brought prosperity to the state through impactful and unprecedented policies.

    Read Also: Ibadan, Ogbomoso traditional leaders reject move to make Alaafin permanent chair of Oyo council of Obas

    In his response, Bashorun Akinwole expressed gratitude to Governor Makinde for finding him worthy of the appointment, pledging to uphold the governor’s vision for the state and ensure effective service delivery.

    Dignitaries at the event include Oyo Majority Leader Hon. Sanjo Adedoyin; Oyo chairman of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Permanent Secretary of the Local Government Service Commission, and serving and former council chairmen.

    Other are traditional rulers, political leaders from the PDP and other parties; Alhaji Akibu Titilayo Efele, Ogun State Chairman of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN); members of academia, and many others.

    Wolekanle, surrounded by political associates, friends, and well-wishers, led the congregation in giving thanks and raised N25 million in support of the church’s bus project.

  • Two dead, six injured in Oyo-Ogbomoso crash

    Two dead, six injured in Oyo-Ogbomoso crash

    Two people died, and six also sustained various degrees of injuries in a lone road accident along the Oyo-Ogbomoso road.

    The Nation gathered the accident involved a commercial Nissan car which reportedly ran into rocks placed as barricades by a construction company near Ipeba area.

    The accident, which occurred around 7:00 am, claimed the driver and a female passenger whose identities have not been revealed.

    Read Also: Seven die in Oyo-Ogbomoso road crash

    It was learnt that officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) from the Oolo Unit responded promptly to the emergency.

    The injured victims have been taken to Bowen University Teaching Hospital for medical attention.

    The remains of the deceases were deposited at the morgue of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) Teaching Hospital.

  • NAFDAC takes campaign against drug abuse among youths, teenagers to Ogbomoso

    NAFDAC takes campaign against drug abuse among youths, teenagers to Ogbomoso

    The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has taken its “NAFDAC Catch Them Young” campaign against drug abuse to Ogbomoso, Oyo State, aiming to educate youths and teenagers on the dangers of substance abuse.

    Speaking to students at Ogbomoso High School, NAFDAC Director General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, represented by the agency’s Oyo State Coordinator, Pharm. Sam Adeyemi, emphasized the urgency of tackling drug abuse among young people, describing the trend as alarming.

    Adeyeye warned that drug abuse could lead to mental health disorders, addiction, organ damage, impaired memory, and psychosis. 

    He urged students to resist peer pressure, seek professional guidance, focus on their studies, and only take prescribed medications.

    The campaign is part of NAFDAC’s nationwide effort to curb drug abuse and promote healthier lifestyles among Nigerian youths.

    He said, “The NAFDAC Catch Them Young Programme is a comprehensive and coordinated intensive programme focused on secondary schools, designed to resudce prevalence of drug abuse among secondary school students. This programme is not designed to scare anyone but to have honest conversation with you, which will help you to take informed decisions with regards to illicit drug use including alcohol consumption.

    “NCSC is one of the agency special public enlightenment strategies targeting the youths in the society in it’s effort to eradicate fake and substandard regulated products and enthrone a quality culture while employing the use of curting-edge technology to track counterfeit.

    Read Also: Imported leprosy medicines: NAFDAC insists on due diligence

    “NAFDAC has taken the campaign against drug abuse to the grass route by reestablishing NCSC in secondary schools where we will in collaboration with the school teacher with junior and senior secondary schools students to catch them Young and prevent lives addition and destruction.”

    “NAFDAC mission is to mould a future generations that is not only empowered to be upright but demand uprightness from others.”

    In her remarks, the Principal, Ogbomoso High School, Mrs. Olajumoke Oyekan commended NAFDAC for it’s initiative, describing the agency as one of government agency that has transformed and save lives of many Nigerian.

    She however said the sensitisation will go along way in changing life’s of students for good and remodel their life’s to become better person in the nearest future.

  • Three die in Ogbomoso as container falls on tricycle

    Three die in Ogbomoso as container falls on tricycle

    Three persons repeatedly died in Ogbomoso on Tuesday when a container-laden truck lost control and fell on a commercial tricycle at Takie Junction around 9:30 a.m.

    The Nation gathered that the articulated vehicle lost control while navigating a bend, causing the container to topple and crush the tricycle, locally known as Keke marwa.

    Read Also: Ogbomoso Carnival of shared values

    An eyewitness, who pleaded anonymity, said that two female passengers and the tricycle rider were trapped under the container, saying rescue efforts later confirmed all three victims died. 

    Efforts are underway to remove the container from the road to avert further accidents and restore traffic flow in the area. 

    Authorities have urged motorists to exercise caution while approaching the affected section of the road.

  • Ogbomoso Carnival of shared values

    Ogbomoso Carnival of shared values

    The ancient city of Ogbomoso came alive as the inaugural Ogbomoso Cradles Carnival culminated in a grand finale penultimate Monday. The five-day cultural extravaganza celebrated the rich heritage of Ogbomosoland leaving a lasting impression on participants and spectators alike.

    The Soun Ogunlola Stadium, venue of the grand finale, witnessed display of traditional splendour as different groups and associations adorned in their finest ofi attires and ankara fabrics, creating a kaleidoscope of vibrant colours.

    The event featured performances by renowned artists, including Alhaji Ramoni Akanni (RK1) and Saheed Akorede (popularly known as Osupa) alongside masquerade displays and cultural presentations by the Oyo State Cultural Troupe. These performances left audiences in awe, cementing the event as an unforgettable celebration of Ogbomoso’s cultural legacy.

    No fewer than 50 clubs and associations from within Ogbomoso and the diaspora paid homage to Oba Ghandi reinforcing the success of the carnival as a symbol of unity and cultural pride.

    Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye (Orumogege III) expressed his delight at the carnival’s success. He commended the organisers, participants, and spectators for their contributions, emphasising the importance of preserving Ogbomoso’s cultural heritage for economic growth and unity.

    Carnival Committee Chairman, Mr. Williams Adeleye, said that ‘as we come together for this grand finale, let us remember that our culture is not just a reflection of our past but also a beacon for our future. It invites us to embrace our uniqueness while celebrating shared values of love, unity, respect, and compassion.’

    Iba Gani Adams, the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, praised Oba Ghandi for his visionary efforts in promoting culture and tourism. He described the carnival as a fantastic initiative that fosters unity and economic development in Ogbomosoland.

    Read Also: No disagreement with Govs over local government administration — Tinubu

    “This impressive outing has shown that our quintessential monarch is fully prepared to move Ogbomoso forward,” he remarked, commending traditional rulers and stakeholders for their support.

    Oyo State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Wasiu Olatubosun who actively participated in the festival from its inception, described the Cradles Carnival as a groundbreaking initiative. He highlighted its potential to drive growth, rapid development, and elevate Ogbomosoland onto the global map of culture and tourism.

    Olatubosun commended Oba Olaoye for his visionary leadership and the carnival committee for organizing such a remarkable event—the first of its kind in Ogbomoso. “This initiative will not only unite our people but also attract significant attention to our cultural heritage. I am confident subsequent editions will be even more spectacular,” he stated, urging stakeholders to provide more support for the monarch’s vision.

    Other dignitaries including Senator Abdulfatai Buhari, Hon. Olamiju Ayodeji Alao Akala, Hon. Sunday Makanjuola, and Hon. George Ogunlade, lauded the monarch’s leadership and pledged their continued support for the annual event and other developmental projects.

  • FG endorses Ogbomoso cradles carnival

    FG endorses Ogbomoso cradles carnival

    The Federal Ministry of Tourism Art, Culture and Creative Economy has endorsed the ‘Ogbomoso Cradle Carnival 2024’ holding in December.

    It said the festival will help revival of cultural and economic growth of the nation through creative industry.

    The maiden edition of the carnival initiated by the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Gbandi Afolabi Olaoye is slated for December, 2024.

    The Ministry, in a letter dated October 9, 2024, commended Oba Olaoye for dedication to fostering social and economic growth within his community through culture.

    According to the letter by Mrs. Akudo-Nwosu, Director of the Ministry’s Entertainment and Creative Economy Department, the ministry emphasised the importance of the event as a platform for job creation, social mobilization, and socio-economic empowerment.

    The Ministry further acknowledged the role the carnival would play in promoting Nigeria’s art, culture, and the creative economy.

    “This initiative by the Soun of Ogbomoso aligns with our national vision of driving economic empowerment through culture,” the letter reads

    The Ministry expressed support for the carnival and confirmed the Minister’s intent to attend, underscoring the government’s commitment to advancing cultural programs that contribute to local and national development.

    The Ogbomoso Cradle Carnival promises to be a vibrant celebration, drawing attention to the town’s rich heritage, as well as offering opportunities for local businesses and artisans.

    The chairman of the planning committee, Hon. Williams Adeleye, while commending endorsement of the Ministry said the carnival will showcase diverse cultural performances, craft exhibitions, and other activities that highlight the unique heritage of Ogbomoso and its people.

    He added that Oyo state Government has also included the carnival in its annual tourism calendar.