The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has condemned the abduction of 163 worshippers during Sunday service in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, urging the federal government to take immediate action to rescue the victims and prevent further attacks. This was disclosed in a statement by the PDP National Publicity Secretary Comrade Ini Ememobong. He expressed the party’s sympathy to the victims’ families. “Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this agonizing period of uncertainty,” he said. The party described the abduction as a “sad reminder of the normalisation of insecurity which has become the new reality of Nigerians” under the administration of President Bola Tinubu. Ememobong added, “These frequent attacks on worshippers in their places of worship, irrespective of religion, represent the inability of this government to protect the constitutionally enshrined right to freedom of worship.” “Nigerians must not live in fear when going to churches or mosques to worship.” The PDP called on the APC-led federal government to commence “comprehensive rescue operations to bring these kidnapped citizens home safely,” urging authorities not to repeat mistakes from previous incidents, such as the Niger school kidnapping, where “media optics prevailed over identity protection and safeguarding during the ‘rescue and return’ processes of the victims.” Ememobong criticized the federal government’s approach to security, stating, “The President should concentrate on fixing Nigeria’s worsening insecurity instead of spending millions of taxpayers’ money on international image laundering campaigns to change narratives abroad.” “Insecurity cannot be solved by propaganda. The families suffering these tragedies will communicate their pain regardless of how much money is spent on image management.” The PDP also highlighted the potential impact of state policing, saying, “We are convinced that if state policing had been operational, these criminals may not have successfully operated with such impunity and taken this large number of people captive.” “The protection of citizens is government’s primary constitutional responsibility. Every Nigerian deserves to worship in safety. The Tinubu administration must demonstrate that Nigerian lives matter through immediate action, not empty promises,” the statement added.

Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Saliu, the Chief Imam of Ilorin, has passed away at the age of 75. Born in 1950 in Ilorin, Kwara State, Sheikh Saliu dedicated his life to Islamic scholarship and emerged as one of the most respected religious leaders in the region. He was appointed the 12th Chief Imam of the Ilorin Emirate in 1983 and served in this role for over four decades. During his long tenure, he was widely admired for his profound knowledge of Islamic teachings, steadfast leadership in religious matters, and unwavering commitment to promoting peace, unity, and religious tolerance among both Muslims and the wider community.

Popular Oyo State-based broadcaster, Oriyomi Hamzat, has narrated the reasons for his interest in the state governorship position. Hamzat said it was not unconnected to God’s intervention, stressing that he weighed the advice from his advisers and decided to run for governor in the 2027 elections under the Accord Party. While thanking all the advisers and people who came to the Saturday rally in one of his programmes in Agidigbo FM on Monday, the ace broadcaster known for his popular Yoruba lingo, “e gbenu si mic” meaning, “speak to the microphone” said he did not invalidate the opinion of those who warned against contesting but he was personally convinced that he will serve the people. “The people of Oyo, my lovers, especially my advisers, who warned me against contesting. I thank you all. I sampled the advice of people who encouraged me to contest and those who warned me against it. I tabled it to God, and he approved my contesting. “And I don’t want to disobey God because I want to please most of you who warned me against contesting. I believe you all love me; that’s why you are advising me. If there’s anyone I have offended with this decision, I implore them to forgive and support me now that I have declared my interest in the apex seat of the state. “I want to serve the people and not be like most of those corrupt politicians. I believe that I will win because the people are for me, and I didn’t buy anyone to be at the event,” he said. Oriyomi further dismissed the stance of naysayers who insist he would not emerge, saying he has grown beyond fearing that he would not should he contest. “We have moved on from the point of whether I would be rigged out or lose the election. I am seeking all your support.” Recall that Hamzat declared to run for the state governor on Saturday during a rally at the Liberty Stadium in Ibadan, where Hamzat told supporters that his decision followed what he described as a “divine calling.” According to him, he had never planned to join a political party or seek elective office, noting that his past involvement in politics was limited to supporting others. Speaking at the event, he said, “Today, I am publicly declaring my intention to join Accord as my political platform and to contest the Oyo governorship election in 2027 as a candidate.” Also, he said his decision was not backed by financial strength, political influence, or the support of the government in power. “I don’t have money or political connections, and I don’t have the backing of the government of the day. I have come with God, and that is all I need,” the popular Kokoro Alate programme host stated.

The Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Oba Francis Alao, has assured Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, that members of the state Council of Obas and Chiefs will give adequate support to the new chairman, Oba Rashidi Ladoja. Olugbon, in a statement released in Ibadan, the state capital, on Sunday, gave the assurance while hosting the governor at his palace in Orile-Igbon, Surulere Local Government Area of the state, on Friday. Alao, who thanked the governor for the visit, said he and other members of the council were behind Makinde, adding that Oba Ladoja would enjoy the support of council members across the five zones in the state — Ibadan, Oyo, Ogbomoso, Oke-Ogun and Ibarapa. THENEWSCREDIT reports that the governor on Thursday inaugurated the state Council of Obas and Chiefs after 15 years, with the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Ladoja, emerging as its first chairman. The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, was conspicuously absent from the inauguration, which was held at the House of Chiefs, Parliament Building, Secretariat, Ibadan. At the inauguration, Governor Makinde explained that the chairmanship of the Obas Council would be rotated among the Olubadan, the Alaafin and the Soun of Ogbomoso. According to him, it was an agreement reached at a meeting with the three first-class monarchs. However, a statement released by the Alaafin’s media aide, Bode Durojaye, on Thursday said there was no such meeting between the governor and the Alaafin. The statement read, “The attention of the Alaafin’s palace has been drawn to a statement credited to His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde, that he consulted with the three traditional rulers in the state — the Alaafin, the Olubadan and the Soun of Ogbomoso — on the rotational chairmanship of the State Council of Obas and Chiefs. “The palace hereby wants to state clearly that there was no time that His Imperial Majesty, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Engineer Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, held any meeting with either the state governor or any of the two traditional rulers mentioned above,” the statement, signed by the Alaafin’s media aide, Durojaye, said. Olugbon, who is the Deputy Chairman of the Obas Council, said, “Your Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde, we appreciate you for coming here. “I would like to take this opportunity to explain that the government has done what is needful on the state Council of Obas and Chiefs. We are in support of the decision. “The Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs has now been re-inaugurated, and we have a new chairman in the person of His Excellency, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, the Olubadan of Ibadan. “I want to assure Your Excellency that we are all one in the council. We are united across the five zones — Ogbomoso, Ibadan, Oyo, Oke-Ogun and Ibarapa. People can say things, but we are members of one united family.”

Plans for the burial of late gospel singer Bunmi Akinnaanu, popularly known as Omije Ojumi, have been suspended following unresolved issues within her family. The development was announced by gospel artiste Lanre Alewilese via his Instagram page on Saturday. “This is to inform you that all plans and arrangements for the burial of our late sister and colleague, Lady Evangelist Bunmi Akinnaanu a.k.a. Omije Ojumi, by the Burial Planning Committee have been totally cancelled,” Alewilese wrote in the caption. He said the decision was taken due to issues arising from within the singer’s family. “This decision becomes necessary due to some issues arising from and within her family. “We are deeply sorry and regret the inconveniences,” the post added. Before the cancellation, burial activities scheduled to hold in Lagos included a service of songs, candlelight procession and tribute night on Tuesday, January 20, at the LTV 8 Ground in Ikeja, while a private interment for family members and close associates was planned for January 21. In a follow-up video message delivered in Yoruba, Alewilese clarified that the decision to suspend the burial arrangements was not personal but taken collectively by the family and the burial planning committee. “This is not my personal decision. It is the conclusion of the family and the burial committee,” he said. He explained that he was asked to inform Nigerians of the change, adding that the previously announced programmes had been put on hold. “The Tuesday and Wednesday programmes we earlier fixed at the LTV 8 venue are now on hold because of some reasons. The family will update Nigerians after they have come to a conclusion,” he stated. Akinnaanu died on January 12, 2026, at a Lagos hospital. Her death was announced by fellow gospel singer Ayo Melody in a statement shared on Instagram on behalf of the family. “With great sadness, we announce the passing of Evangelist Olubunmi Akinnaanu Adeoye, Omije Ojumi, who passed away on January 12, 2026, at a Lagos hospital, Nigeria. May God grant her eternal rest,” the statement read. Fondly called Omije Ojumi after her widely celebrated gospel song, Akinnaanu began singing at a young age before leaving a banking career to pursue gospel music full-time. In October 2025, a video surfaced online showing the gospel singer during a church service at G.F. David Ministries, Ibadan, where prayers were offered for her over an undisclosed ailment. There has been no official confirmation linking the condition to her death. The family is expected to announce new burial arrangements at a later date.

Popular Oyo State based media personality, Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat has officially announced his intention to run for governor in the 2027 elections under the Accord Party. In a public declaration, Hamzat, who is also the founder of Agidigbo FM stated, “I am publicly declaring today that in 2027. “I will not campaign for anyone or mobilise crowds for anyone. “I will contest in the gubernatorial election under the Accord Party.” The announcement signals Hamzat’s full commitment to his own political ambitions, stepping away from backing other candidates as he positions himself for the Oyo State governorship race.

The Northern Christian Association of Nigeria has expressed sorrow over the death of the Chief Imam of Nghar village in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, Imam Abdullahi Abubakar, describing him as a towering example of courage, faith, and humanity. The association said the death of the 92-year-old cleric marked the loss of a moral beacon whose actions resonated beyond religious and ethnic boundaries at a critical moment in Nigeria’s history. The late cleric became nationally and internationally known in June 2018, when armed attackers stormed communities in Barkin Ladi. He opened his mosque and home to shelter hundreds of Christians, reportedly saving almost 300 lives, and refused to hand them over despite threats to his own life. His act of bravery earned him widespread recognition, including the 2019 International Religious Freedom Award from the United States government. In a statement issued on Saturday, the Chairman of Northern CAN, Rev. Joseph Hayab, said the late Imam’s life was a powerful testimony that true religion upholds the sanctity of human life. According to him, the cleric’s intervention at the height of the violence helped save innocent lives and prevented further bloodshed in the troubled community. “He stood firm in the face of danger and chose humanity over hatred, peace over violence, and love over fear,” Hayab said. The Northern CAN chairman described the late Imam as a man whose faith translated into courageous action, stressing that leadership is best demonstrated through sacrifice and compassion. “He was a moral compass in one of Nigeria’s darkest moments. His actions spoke louder than sermons and reminded us all of our shared humanity,” Hayab added. Quoting the bible, the association said, “The memory of the righteous is a blessing,” noting that Imam Abubakar’s name would not be forgotten. Northern CAN stated that the late cleric’s legacy would continue to inspire generations and serve as a reference point for peaceful coexistence across religious and ethnic lines. Hayab stressed that Imam Abubakar’s life validated the belief that genuine religion promotes mutual respect, tolerance, and love, irrespective of differences in belief or background. He urged religious leaders across the country to draw lessons from the late Imam by consistently preaching peace, restraint, and compassion, particularly during times of tension and uncertainty. “The example he set is a reminder that our words must be matched with actions that protect lives and promote harmony,” Hayab said. The association also called on Nigerians to uphold the values of unity and humanity demonstrated by the late cleric, insisting that national healing and security could only be achieved through collective commitment to peaceful coexistence. It prayed for comfort for the family of the late Imam Abdullahi Abubakar and extended condolences to the Muslim community in Plateau State and the nation at large.

Uganda has confirmed President Yoweri Museveni as the winner of the 2026 presidential poll, further extending his more than three-decade rule following a tightly contested election marked by an internet blackout and restrictions on civil society groups. The announcement was made by the chairperson of the electoral commission, Simon Byabakama, who revealed that the long-serving leader garnered over 7.9 million votes the highest among all candidates. The commission noted that Mr Museveni, who first assumed office in 1986, exceeded the required threshold by scoring more than half of all votes cast. “Having obtained the highest number of votes in the election and the votes cast in his favour being more than 50 per cent of the total valid votes cast at the election, the Commission hereby declares Candidate Yoweri Museveni as the winner of the election,” Mr Byabakama stated. According to official figures, 11.4 million citizens participated in Thursday’s election, amounting to a turnout of 52.50 per cent of registered voters.

There are strong indications that the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, may head to court to challenge the emergence of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasidi Ladoja, as Chairman of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs. Governor Seyi Makinde on Thursday inaugurated Ladoja as the chairman of the council. But Alaafin shunned the event held at the House of Chiefs Secretariat in Ibadan, the state capital. The inauguration followed the passage of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs (Further Amendments) Bill, 2025, by the Oyo State House of Assembly. Speaking during the event, Makinde said the chairmanship of the council will be rotational among the trio of Olubadan, Alaafin, and Soun of Ogbomosoland, with each leader serving a term of two years. Meanwhile, credible sources close to the palace told Saturday PUNCH on Friday that Alaafin deliberately stayed away from the inauguration out of what they described as “shame,” and may likely challenge the outcome in court. “There is a tendency that the Alaafin will go to court. The late Alaafin, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, also went to court. The late Alaafin was the permanent chairman of the Oyo State traditional council, and he stated this clearly in all his letters. Nobody challenged him,” one of the insiders said. Explaining Oba Owoade’s absence from the inauguration, the insider added, “I know the steps the current Alaafin is likely to take. If he had attended the inauguration, it would have been shameful. It was better he didn’t go. He is likely to go to court, although that may change if there is an intervention.” Another insider knowledgeable about the workings at the Alaafin’s palace, corroborated the claim, saying the monarch was bearing the burden of actions taken during the reign of his predecessor. “During Baba Lamidi Adeyemi’s time, he was involved in Ladoja’s impeachment. Since then, Ladoja has been angry with Alaafin stool but couldn’t do anything then. “Now that he has become the Olubadan and Baba has passed on, he has decided to take it out on the new Alaafin. But he didn’t realise that this Alaafin is not that soft,” he added. The source further alleged that political interests were also at play. Efforts to get the Director, Media, and Public Affairs to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Adeola Oloko, proved abortive as he didn’t answer calls and had yet to respond to messages sent to his mobile phone as of the time of filing this report. Similarly, the Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, declined to comment on the matter.,

Popular Fuji musician, Wasiu Ayinde, aka KWAM1, has again asked Governor Dapo Abiodun to cancel the second selection process for the next Awujale of Ijebu. Ayinde, in a letter written to Abiodun by his lawyer, Wahab Shittu, and dated January 14, said the cancellation would prevent the process from becoming a fertile ground for protracted litigation. He asked the governor to declare the January 12, 2026, Fusengbuwa ruling house nomination meeting for the new Awujale as null and void, arguing that it failed to abide by the state Obas and Chiefs Law, 2021. Ayinde had earlier approached the state High Court, sitting at Ijebu Ode, seeking an interim injunction stopping the governor and six others from going ahead with the selection process. But the court refused to grant the injunction on the grounds that his application lacked merit. The Fuji musician, through his lawyer, later withdrew the suit, though no tangible reason was offered. Reacting to the nomination meeting, Ayinde faulted what he called the “imposition of a ‘delegate’ system” and the exclusion of some members of the ruling house from being part of the nomination meeting. He stated that the alleged exclusion constituted an arbitrary and ultra vires exercise of authority, undermining the statutory duties of the ruling house to conduct an open and transparent nomination. The musician stated that following the demise of the late Awujale, Oba Sikiru Adetona, it became the turn of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House to present candidates for the Awujale stool. He disclosed that the Secretary of Ijebu Ode Local Government, by a letter referenced 10LJ584/11/34 and dated January 6, 2026, told members of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House to convene a statutory meeting for the nomination of candidates. Ayinde said the directive was issued in line with the customary laws of Ijebuland and the Chieftaincy Regulations of Ogun State. He added, “However, on January 12, 2026, at Bisrod Hotel, Ijebu Ode, at the designated venue for the nomination exercise, our client and numerous other eligible members of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House were deliberately excluded and prevented from entering. “Heavily armed security personnel, including the Nigerian Police and other security operatives, were reportedly stationed at the venue and were used to disenfranchise legitimate members. Entry to the meeting was restricted by the issuance of special entry cards, purportedly to ‘delegates’ selected by a faction within the ruling house. “This system of ‘delegates’ was unilaterally introduced and was never agreed upon by our client or other disenfranchised members, who maintain their right to attend and participate directly in the statutory meeting of the ruling house. “This deliberate obstruction prevented our client and others from exercising their fundamental right to participate in the nomination process for the Awujale stool.” Ayinde, who is also the Olori Omooba of Ijebu land, asserted that the nomination exercise purportedly conducted on January 12, 2026, “without the full and free participation of all eligible members of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, including himself, was procedurally defective, unlawful, and consequently null and void.” He added that, “In the overriding interest of justice, peace, and the preservation of the sanctity of traditional institutions, the musician urged Gov. Abiodun to declare the purported nomination exercise conducted by the Fusengbuwa Ruling House on January 12, 2026, as null, void, and of no effect whatsoever.” Ayinde urged the governor to order a fresh nomination process which will “be transparent, inclusive, and fair.” The Vice Chairman of the Fusengbuwa ruling house, Prof. Fassy Yusuf, when contacted, confirmed the receipt of the letter but described it as “arrant nonsense and misguided.” He said the letter was of no consequence to the ongoing selection process. However, efforts made to get the reaction of the government on the latest letter proved abortive as the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hamzat, did not answer calls and has yet to reply to messages sent to his phone.