The 2023 elections presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi has assured his supporters of his readiness to contest in the 2027 elections. He noted that he had in good authority that the federal government does not want him to contest, insisting that he will come out even if the elections are being held figuratively in their “bedroom.” Speaking in Uyo at the OBIDIENT Conference and Official Declaration for ADC with the theme, Activating the PO Effect in ADC” on Saturday, Obi urged the people to join hands with him to rescue Nigeria for the future generations, who according to him will suffer the consequences of bad governance going on in the country for decades. The former Anambra governor stated that the current administration have collected more loans than every other administration, adding that most of the loans will be repaid from 2045 and 2050 when most of the people who plunged the country into indebtedness must have gone. On why he left the Labour Party, Obi said, ” Democracy must work, I left Labour party when I got informed that as long as I remain in the party, INEC will not recognize its leadership, that the federal government don’t want me on ballot paper, but I want to assure you that I will contest the coming election even if it holds in their bedroom and if they don’t want to transmit the results, we will transmit it for them. According to him, Nigeria must get it right in 2027, election results must be transmitted online in real time and whoever fails to transmit results will be transmitted” Obi, who assured that his administration will invest heavily in education and health if elected, averred that most of the great countries across the world achieved greatness through intentional investment in education, adding that he will do everything possible to pull people out of poverty to reduce criminality. The presidential aspirant said he will tour the entire country and also all higher institutions to see the real challenges on ground, stressing that he wants to help fix Nigeria now that he has the strength to undertake any difficult task adding that those joining him to realize his ambition must understand that the priority is the future and wellbeing of the people. He promised to rid Nigeria of corruption saying that the menace will be reduced by 60 percent once a leader and his family has nothing to do with corruption. He added, ” When I became governor of Anambra State, I advised my wife to forget about the office of first lady because we were not elected together, I approved over 100 C of Os of government lands but have none for myself or family. If you find any, petition me to appropriate authority. Also addressing the people, Dr Tanko Yunusa, the coordinator of OBIDIENT movement world-wide urged Nigerians to mobilize from every nook and cranny of the country for the 2027 general election. He urged them to channel their collective energy into the African Democratic Congress as the vehicle for transformation and victory in 2027. On his own, the Akwa Ibom State Coordinator of the OBIDIENT movement, Dr Ben Smith urged members to be united in pursuit of their goal as divisions or faction will derail the dream of a new Nigeria.

A man identified as Nwalozie Chiwendu has reportedly killed his family brother, Chidiebere Isaiah, over allegations of witchcraft. The incident happened at Ofeh Community in Omuma Local Government Area of Rivers State on Thursday evening. It was gathered that the suspect, Chiwendu had accused his brother, Isaiah of being behind his stagnation in life and that he used a machete to butcher him to death over the allegation. It was gathered that when the victim fell to the ground in a pool of his own blood that Chiwendu, the suspect, realised what he had done and fled the scene. Speaking on the development, the Youth President of Ofeh Community, Mr Chinonso Chima, described the incident as unfortunate. Chima narrated: “Yesterday evening, I got a call from some people in my community telling me about the sad incident that happened between two brothers of the same compound. “The story is that the younger one carried cutlass butchered his elder brother like meat before people who were around came to hold him, he ran after carrying out the devilish act. “So when I was called, I told them to quickly rush him to the hospital and I was running down from town to see how we can attend to the matter. On their way to the hospital the man (Nwalozie) died.” Chima said the matter has been duly reported to the Police, adding that the culprit has took to his heels. “We have reported to the Police Division within us here, notifying them of what happened and Police have taken note of it. “The boy that committed the crime is on the run. The community is searching for him everywhere to get him to face the full wrath of the law.” PSC over alleged vengeful prosecution of widow Chima revealed that the remains was later deposited in the mortuary with the permission of Police, even as he called for calm. He said: “Let us not cause more panic in the community. We have done all of that and we are still talking with critical stakeholders of the community. For now everywhere is calm.” However, the Police Public Relations Officer of the state Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, a Chief Superintendent of Police, confirmed the incident, noting that investigation is ongoing. She said: “Information at my disposal indicates that the suspect used cutlass to machete the victim to death after accusing him (victim) of witchcraft that made him (suspect) not to prosper. “The victim’s corpse has been retrieved and deposited in the mortuary. Investigation is ongoing and I can tell you that a manhunt has already been launched with a view to apprehend the suspect and make him face the law.”

The traditional landscape of Oyo town underwent a historic transformation on Friday as Governor Seyi Makinde officially elevated 14 High Chiefs and Baales to the status of crown-wearing Obas. The coronation, held at the Olivet Heights premises in Oyo West Local Government Area, saw the presentation of Staffs of Office and Instruments of Office to the new monarchs. Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal, representing Governor Makinde, performed the rites during a ceremony characterized by cultural splendor and high-level political attendance. The 14 newly minted monarchs include: Oba David Oyediran (Alaaguo of Aguoland) Oba Afonja Mukaila (Baba Eyaji of Oyo) Oba Samuel Odurinde (Alajagba of Oyo) Oba Isiaka Tella-Titiloye (Ona-Isokun of Oyo) Oba Lamidi Jimoh (Iba Samu of Oyo Empire) Oba Ganiyu Busari (Alago-Oja of Ago-Oja Land) Other elevated monarchs represent the domains of Imileke, Gbudugbu, Ojongbodu, Apa-Ara, Idodeland, Agbaaki, Akeitan, and Iseke. In a speech delivered by his deputy, Governor Makinde emphasized that the move was designed to "strengthen traditional institutions" and facilitate grassroots development. He urged the new Obas to lead with "integrity, fairness, and inclusiveness," acting as partners in the state`s progress. Despite the festive atmosphere, the ceremony was shrouded in significant legal controversy. Central to the dispute is the elevation of Alhaji Ganiyu Busari to the stool of Alago-Oja of Ago-Oja Land. The late Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, had previously initiated legal action to stop the recognition of this specific stool. Documents reveal that a motion on notice was filed at the Supreme Court of Nigeria on January 30, 2026 (Appeal No. SC/404/2018), seeking an urgent injunction to restrain the Governor and Attorney-General from: Creating or recognizing the chieftaincy stool of Baale Ago-Oja. Installing or crowning Ganiyu Busari as an Oba. Upholding the Oyo State Gazette of January 2025 which sanctioned the elevation. The Alaafin’s legal representatives argued that reviving a stool previously declared non-existent by competent courts constitutes a "disregard of subsisting judgments" and could prejudice the pending appeal. Addressing the gathering, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Ademola Ojo, defended the exercise as a "renewal of Oyo’s rich heritage." He noted that the beaded crown remains a sacred symbol of authority and divine responsibility within the Yoruba tradition, one of Africa’s oldest governance structures. The event drew prominent figures, including representatives of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, members of the Oyo State House of Assembly, and various political leaders, marking a pivotal—if contested—chapter in the state`s traditional history.

IRESA-ADU – Frustrated by a multi-year deadlock and alleged government indifference, the Iresa-Adu community in Surulere Local Government Area has taken matters into its own hands, installing a traditional ruler to fill a leadership vacuum they claim is fueling insecurity and land encroachment. The community’s move follows years of unsuccessful appeals to Governor Seyi Makinde to approve the selection process for the substantive Oba Aresa of Iresa-Adu, the area’s paramount stool which has remained vacant for nearly eight years. Despite hosting the Surulere Local Government Secretariat and maintaining a prominent historical status in Oyo State, residents say the town has been sidelined. Community leaders highlighted that while the Governor visited for campaign tours in 2019 and 2023, formal petitions and delegations to the State Secretariat in Ibadan have yielded no results. The vacuum has reportedly led to dire consequences. Local sources point to: Recent arrests of cattle rustlers by the Oyo State Police Command have heightened fears that the lack of a central traditional authority is weakening local security coordination. Territorial Disputes: Border communities adjacent to Osun and Kwara states are reportedly facing increased land encroachment and violence. Prominent high chiefs, including the Iyalode and Balogun of Aresa-Adu, have passed away while waiting for the stool to be filled. The "Aregba" Installation In a direct response to these crises, the community recently installed Oba Adeleke Isaiah Olayiwola Oninuola I as the Aregba of Iregba, a strategic town within the Iresa-Adu territory plagued by boundary tensions. “We had to take action because we are losing lives to insecurity and disputes,” stated Prince Olaleye, a community elder. “We have made numerous appeals to the government on the Aresa-Adu stool without resolution.” Allegations of Selective Intervention The community’s frustration is further compounded by what they perceive as selective intervention by the state government. Indigenes noted that Governor Makinde has successfully intervened in other high-profile traditional disputes—such as those involving the Soun of Ogbomoso, Aseyin of Iseyin, and Alaafin of Oyo—even amidst legal battles. Meanwhile,The Local Government Chairman Hon. Isaiah Adegbite has been engaged on the matter, he reportedly maintained that no further progress can be made without the Governor’s express approval. As of the time of this report, the Oyo State Government has yet to issue an official statement regarding the unauthorized installation or the allegations of neglect.

IRESA-ADU — Following nearly eight years of frustration and alleged neglect by the Oyo State government, the Iresa-Adu community in Surulere Local Government Area has taken matters into its own hands, installing a new traditional ruler to fill a key vacant stool in the area. The community, which hosts the Surulere Local Government Secretariat, has for years petitioned Governor Seyi Makinde to grant formal approval for the substantive Oba Aresa of Iresa-Adu, a premier traditional position that has remained vacant since 2018. The decision to install Oba Adeleke Isaiah Olayiwola Oninuola I as the Aregba of Iregba, a critical territory under the Iresa-Adu domain, stems from a dire need to curb escalating insecurity, land encroachment, and boundary disputes, community leaders stated. A Community "Fed Up" Speaking on the development, a community elder, Prince Olaleye, highlighted the unbearable consequences of the prolonged vacancy. “We had to take action because we are losing lives to insecurity and disputes, and we are losing our lands to encroachers," he said. "Governor Makinde has failed to act despite our repeated appeals”. According to reports, the community has utilized various channels—letters, delegations, and visits to the State Secretariat—to secure the Governor`s approval, with little to no result. Residents noted that while the governor moved swiftly to intervene in high-profile, contested stools like the Alaafin, Soun, and Aseyin, the Iresa-Adu matter has been ignored for nearly eight years. Another community source remarked that the Local Government Chairman, Hon. Isaiah Adegbite, had expressed exhaustion, admitting that without the Governor’s direct intervention, there was little he could do. Insecurity and Demographic Pressure The urgency behind the self-installation is tied to the geographical location of Iresa-Adu, which borders both Osun and Kwara states. The absence of a recognized paramount ruler has made the area porous to cattle rustlers and land-grabbers, local sources argued. "We cannot sit back while lives, properties, and livelihoods continue to be threatened," a community elder stated, noting that the community has, in fact, taken steps to fill other vacant Baales (subordinate chiefs) on border lands to bolster security. A History of Broken Promises? Residents expressed disappointment that despite hosting Governor Makinde during his 2019 and 2023 campaign tours, the administration has not addressed their plight. Community leaders alleged that they were often told by the state government that it would "do the needful," but such promises never materialized into action. The crisis has taken a toll on the community`s leadership structure, with reports indicating that the Iyalode and Balogun of Aresa-Adu passed away while waiting for the stool to be filled. As of the time of this report, the Oyo State Government has not officially responded to the community’s action or the allegations of neglect. The installation of the Aregba of Iregba marks a turning point in the community`s relationship with the state, highlighting a growing trend of local communities resorting to self-help in matters of traditional leadership.

The Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, has approved the appointment of Comrade Subomi Adedoyin as a Permanent Secretary in the Oyo State Post Primary School Teaching Commission (TESCOM). The appointment, formalized in a letter dated February 2, 2026, marks a significant elevation for the seasoned educator, who previously served as the Principal of Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Grammar School, Ogbomoso. According to official directives, the new Permanent Secretary is set to assume duty tomorrow, Friday, as the Tutor-General of the Ogbomoso TESCOM Zonal Office. Comrade Adedoyin is no stranger to the zonal administration, having served as the Head of Zone (HOZ) in the same office starting in April 2024. Despite his previous leadership role, a shift in administrative appointments in early 2025 saw him revert to principalship. Observers noted that while many advised him to opt for voluntary retirement following the reversal, Adedoyin remained resilient, maintaining his career with "philosophical calmness." His career has spanned several leadership roles, including his tenure as principal at Owode Community Grammar School and his most recent posting at CAC Grammar School. Reacting to the development, the Majority Leader of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Sanjo Adedoyin, described the appointment as a victory for justice and a testament to Governor Makinde’s fairness. “The appointment is well deserved. Comrade Adedoyin is my brother; he made remarkable achievements as Head of Zone, contributing impressively to the improvement of teaching and learning,” the Majority Leader stated. “That twist that characterizes human life made him revert to principalship last year, but today, the wrong has been righted.” Hon. Adedoyin further expressed immense gratitude to the Governor, describing him as a "man of honour" whose leadership continues to bring excitement to the people of Ogbomoso. “We are happy Ogbomoso just got another Permanent Secretary under Governor Makinde. It is a victory for our family and for the entire Ogbomoso zone,” he added. The appointment is widely viewed as a reward for Adedoyin’s professional forbearance and his steadfast commitment to the Oyo State educational sector.

OYO STATE – The Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), Zacch Adedeji, has issued a definitive verdict on the nation’s fiscal future: without a total digital overhaul, Nigeria’s ambitious new tax laws will remain "aspirational" rather than "operational." Delivering the maiden convocation lecture at the Federal Polytechnic, Ayede, Adedeji characterized the recent legislative reforms as the most significant restructuring of Nigeria’s fiscal landscape in half a century. However, he cautioned that the legal shift from manual collection to "tax intelligence" depends entirely on technological integration. Adedeji argued that the era of human-led tax administration—often marred by inconsistency and mistrust—is ending. "These laws are built for a digital environment," he stated, noting that the framework assumes the existence of integrated data and traceable transactions. "They cannot function properly in a manual, fragmented, paper-based system." By removing excessive human discretion, the NRS aims to: Reduce inconsistencies that drive non-compliance. Use visibility to capture previously "unseen" economic activities, easing the burden on existing taxpayers. Shift toward automated, scalable processes across all institutions. The NRS boss identified four "fundamental challenges" currently hindering the system: infrastructure, technical skills, public trust, and systemic resistance. He maintained that the imminent upgrading of the tax system for a digital environment is the primary solution to these hurdles. The lecture, titled ‘The Role of Technology in Implementing Nigeria’s New Tax Laws,’ was a highlight of the institution`s first-ever convocation. In attendance, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abass (represented by Senator AbdulFatai Buhari), lauded Adedeji’s leadership in re-engineering Nigeria’s "tax architecture." Rector Dr. Taofeek Adekunle Abdul-Hameed urged the graduating class to draw inspiration from Adedeji’s career trajectory, noting that the tax chief’s own journey began within the polytechnic system.

Ayodele Fayose, a former governor of Ekiti State, has opened up on the deliberations that took place at a meeting between former military Head of State, Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida; former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State in Minna, Niger State. Fayose disclosed that Makinde consented to partner with Atiku as his vice-presidential candidate on the platform of the African Democratic Congress, ADC. He also alleged that Peter Obi was effectively sidelined during the conversation because of concerns that he would neither agree to deputise Atiku nor gain acceptance in the North as a potential successor. In a statement he personally signed, Fayose said, “It is no longer news that the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, went to Minna, Niger State, yesterday to hold a meeting with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. “Here is what happened behind the curtains. Venue and personalities involved in the meeting were carefully chosen so as to ensure confidence and acceptability. “Consideration was given to the fact that Peter Obi will not accept to be Atiku’s running mate and he won’t also be acceptable to the North, as Atiku’s successor. “Also, Atiku is 70% certain of getting the ADC ticket, having ensured the non-zoning of the party’s presidential ticket. “Makinde agreed to join ADC on the condition that he will be handed the party’s Vice Presidential ticket, as Atiku’s running mate. This is expected to be presented to Atiku’s inner caucus for further discussions and ratification. “Makinde offered to make available a sum of N10bn (to be released in two tranches), as his initial contribution towards what he called ‘proper take-off of the ADC,’ and make additional funds available when campaign begins. “The Governor also assured that for the ADC primary, he will deliver the Southwest delegates and use the influence of his wife, who is from Rivers State, to secure delegate votes in the South-South. “He posited that for the general election, using him to divide the Southwest votes will give the ADC the needed advantage. Follow up meeting has been fixed for Dubai, UAE within the next two weeks.”

A suspected Improvised Explosive Device was detonated early Wednesday at the Bayelsa State Secretariat Complex in Yenagoa. The explosion, however, prompted an emergency response from security agencies and a temporary disruption of official activities. The explosion occurred at about 6:00 am, triggering swift intervention by the Bayelsa State Police Command. Confirming the incident, the Commissioner of Police, Bayelsa State Command, CP Iyamah, in a statement on Wednesday, assured residents that no casualties were recorded and no property was damaged. He said, “The Bayelsa State Police Command wish to inform the general public of a suspected IED explosion which occurred today, 11th February 2026, at about 0600hrs within the State Secretariat Complex. I immediately led the Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) Unit, Special Drone Unit and other Tactical Teams to the scene. “On arrival at the scene, the operatives of the Explosive Ordinance Unit swiftly contained the explosion. “The area was immediately cordoned off and upon detailed search, one unexploded IED was identified by EOD operatives and was rendered safe. No life lost, no property destroyed. One Pentecost Elijah, a 60-year-old man from Otuan Community in Southern Ijaw LGA, Bayelsa State, was arrested at the scene in connection with the incident. “He is currently undergoing interrogation at the State Criminal Investigation Department and upon conclusion, the suspect will be charged in court. Let me inform you that the situation is under control and normalcy has been restored. Members of the public are advised to remain calm and continue with their lawful business activities.” Following the incident, the Bayelsa State Government ordered a temporary closure of work for four hours, affecting over 6,000 state employees as a precautionary measure. The directive was issued by the Head of Service, Dr Wisdom Ebiye Sawyer. Security operatives, including the anti-bomb squad, cordoned off access roads leading to the State Secretariat and the Bayelsa State Government House while investigations and safety procedures were ongoing. Authorities said the situation has been fully contained. In 2024, a bomb explosion killed one child and injured four children in Niger state. The incident occurred in the Bassa community in Shiroro Local Government Area when the children found the bomb on the ground and went on to play with it. The bomb exploded, killing the child on the spot and injuring the others.

OGBOMOSO – A brewing controversy over the origins of the Federal Polytechnic, Ayede, has intensified as Professor Josiah Olusegun Ajiboye, the immediate past Registrar of the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN), publicly challenged claims made by Senator Ayoade Adeseun regarding the institution`s establishment. While acknowledging his personal respect for the former lawmaker, Prof. Ajiboye described Adeseun’s claim of facilitating the polytechnic as "totally wrong" and unsupported by the administrative history of the project. The Core of the Dispute The disagreement follows a recent interview where Senator Ayo Adeseun, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), claimed he attracted the institution to Ogbomosoland during his tenure in the National Assembly, even citing N500 million in facilitated funding. In a detailed rebuttal, Ajiboye countered that the polytechnic was the result of executive action, not a legislative motion. "Whenever a lawmaker facilitates the establishment of an institution, there must be a motion. Let him bring out the motion he moved either in the House of Representatives or in the Senate," Ajiboye challenged. Prof. Ajiboye traced the actual approval of the polytechnic to June 2019, following a report he presented as the convener of a committee on Technical Teachers Training. According to Ajiboye: While presenting a report to then-Permanent Secretary of Education, Arc. Sonny Echono, Ajiboye was informed that the government planned to establish six new polytechnics. Ajiboye immediately pointed out that Oyo State lacked a federal polytechnic and lobbied for one to be situated in Ogo-Oluwa Local Government. He credited a "team of Ogbomoso indigenes" within the Ministry—including Mr. Ojo (Director of Tertiary Education) and Mr. Folorunsho (Deputy Director)—for drafting and moving the memo forward. He noted that Sir Olusegun Adekunle monitored the memo at the SGF`s office, while former Minister Sunday Dare supported the proposal at the Federal Executive Council (FEC). Key Differences in Claims Senator Ayo Adeseun claims to have initiated the idea to balance federal institutions in Oyo State, which previously only had the University of Ibadan, noting the lack of technical institutions. Adeseun stated that he secured approval from the late President Muhammadu Buhari and the local traditional authorities (Soun of Ogbomoso) to site it in Ayede. The Counter-Claim often surrounds the direct involvement of bureaucrats or other actors in the specific 2019/2020 final approval phases, though Adeseun maintains he initiated the core concept earlier. Prof. Ajiboye clarified that while Adeseun may have harbored the idea years ago, it was the administrative push in 2019 that brought the school to life. He also lauded Senator Fatai Buhari and Hon. Segun Dokun Odebunmi for their roles in securing key appointments for the institution, and Chief Sunday Dare for renovating the temporary site at Iresaadu. “I respect Senator Adeseun as a community leader... but history must be set straight,” Ajiboye remarked, noting that he felt compelled to speak out after reading "distorted" accounts of the school`s founding. He urged the public to verify his claims with the mentioned Ministry of Education officials.