The Eselu of Iselu Kingdom in Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State, Oba Akintunde Akinyemi, has urged the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade I, to avoid adopting a confrontational stance against government directives or engaging the Oyo State Government through public statements in the media. Akinyemi warned that such actions could attract consequences, noting that it remains within the powers of state governments to install or depose any traditional ruler found guilty of insubordination or disobedience to existing laws. The monarch said the decision of Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, to introduce a rotational chairmanship of the state’s Council of Obas was not unusual, stressing that similar arrangements are practised in several other states across the country. In an open letter made available to journalists on Friday, Akinyemi said it was inappropriate for Owoade to challenge the government’s decision on social media and in newspaper publications just hours after the inauguration of the council, while also claiming that he was not consulted. He explained that although the Ooni of Ife and the Alaafin of Oyo are widely regarded as the overall heads of the Yoruba race and the sanctity of their stools must be preserved, Nigeria is no longer in an era where traditional rulers serve as heads of government. “As a traditional ruler with over two decades of experience, I, the Eselu of Iselu, view the reaction of the Alaafin as an affront to the Office of the Governor of Oyo State. “My candid advice to His Imperial Majesty, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, is that he should withdraw the press release and refrain from further comments on the matter in the media so as not to incur the wrath of the Oyo State Government. “Rotation of the chairmanship of a state’s traditional council occurs in many states across Nigeria, so the action of Governor Seyi Makinde should not be regarded as strange. The truth is that the days of the Oyo Empire, when the Alaafin of Oyo could lay claim to the permanent chairmanship of the State Council of Obas, are gone. “It is a fact that the Ooni of Ife and the Alaafin of Oyo are the overall heads of the Yoruba race, and all of us must do everything to protect the sanctity of their revered stools. However, we must remember that we are no longer in the era when monarchs were heads of government. “Specifically, the Alaafin should note that actions such as this can have consequences, because the governor and the Executive Council have the power to install and depose any monarch found guilty of disobedience and insubordination, and nothing will alter such decisions”, the monarch’s statement read. He urged the Alaafin to “sheath his sword” and avoid actions that could threaten the revered stool of Oyo. He further warned that those advising the Alaafin to confront the governor did not have his best interests at heart. “The Alaafin of Oyo should note that anyone encouraging him to confront the governor and rock the boat does not mean well for him. “As someone who returned from Canada to ascend the throne, I sincerely want you to succeed and enjoy a peaceful reign. Your Imperial Majesty should therefore distance himself from bad advisers,” Akinyemi said. THENEWSCREDIT reports that Makinde, on Thursday, inaugurated the maiden rotational Oyo State Council of Obas, appointing the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, as chairman for a two-year term. Makinde said he consulted the Alaafin of Oyo, the Olubadan of Ibadanland and the Soun of Ogbomoso before the inauguration, adding that the trio supported Oba Ladoja’s appointment as the pioneer chairman. The Alaafin, who was absent from the inauguration ceremony, later issued a statement denying that he was consulted on the decision to rotate the chairmanship of the council among the three monarchs.

The Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC), has fixed January 16, 2027, as the date for the next local government council elections in Oyo State , assuring residents of a transparent, credible, and peaceful electoral process. This was part of the decisions made by the leadership of the commission at the end of its inaugural meeting with the management team of the commission at OYSIEC Headquarters,Agodi , Ibadan. The inaugural meeting presided over by the Chairman of the Commission, Dr. Babatunde Afees Adeniyi, provided a platform to share ideas and brainstorm on how the commission will deliver on its mandate of conducting a peaceful and acceptable local government council election. According to a statement issued after the meeting and made available to journalists on Thursday by the OYSIEC boss, elections shall be conducted in all the polling units in the thirty three local government councils in Oyo State on the above date between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 pm. The statement said further that the electioneering campaign shall end by midnight, Friday, 15 January, 2027 while off or re-run election will hold on Saturday, 23 January, 2027 if any. The statement reads: “By virtue of the Local Government Law of Oyo State of Nigeria (as amended), the tenure of the chairmen and councillors in the thirty three (33) local government councils in Oyo State will expire on the 23rd of May, 2027”. " The Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission is empowered by Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022 (as amended) , to issue notice for the election not later than three hundred and sixty (360) days before the date of the election". "Pursuant to the provisions of Section 28 of the Electoral Act, 2022 ( as amended), Section 5 (a), and Paragraph (1) of Schedule 11 of the Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission Law, Cap 154 Laws of Oyo State Nigeria, 2000, notice is hereby given that the local government council elections shall be conducted in all the polling units in the thirty three (33) local government councils in Oyo State on Saturday, 16 January, 2027, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m” The statement also enjoined relevant stakeholders to give their support and cooperation to the Commission to organize and conduct free,fair, credible, and transparent local government council elections come 16 January 2027 .

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called for Armed Forces Remembrance Day to extend beyond mere ceremonial gestures, urging leaders to prioritise the safety and wellbeing of Nigerians over image management, foreign travels, or political convenience. This was disclosed in a statement released on Thursday by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi. The party criticized President Bola Tinubu’s absence from the event, emphasizing that the presence of the Commander-in-Chief both physically and morally is a key symbol of solidarity with military personnel and their families, especially in the face of rising insecurity. Observed annually on January 15, Armed Forces Remembrance Day honours the sacrifices of both fallen and active members of the military. The ADC described the occasion as a solemn national moment demanding visible presence, thoughtful reflection, and decisive leadership at the highest level. “It is therefore deeply troubling that the President of the Federal Republic is absent and unavailable on a day meant to symbolise solidarity with our armed forces and the families who continue to bear the cost of Nigeria’s security failures. “At a time when Nigerian soldiers are overstretched across multiple fronts, battling insurgency, banditry, and violent crime, leadership cannot be outsourced, postponed, or treated as ceremonial. “The physical and moral presence of the Commander-in-Chief on this day is not optional; it is a statement of respect, responsibility, and shared sacrifice. “The ADC honours the fallen, stands with serving personnel, and recognises the quiet resilience of military families who continue to pay the ultimate price for a nation that has yet to match their sacrifice with competent governance, clear strategy, and genuine political will. “Remembrance must go beyond wreaths and words. It must be reflected in leadership that shows up, takes responsibility, and places the lives of Nigerians above image management, foreign trips, or political convenience.”

The Palace of Alaafin of Oyo has said that the monarch, Oba Akeem Owoade, has never held any meeting with Governor Seyi Makinde following the latter’s statement that he consulted him and two other paramount rulers on the rotational chairmanship of the state Council of Obas and Chiefs. This was contained in a statement released by the Director of Media and Publicity to the Alaafin, Bode Durojaye, in Ibadan, the state capital, on Thursday. THENEWSCREDIT reports that Governor Makinde had pronounced Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja as chairman during the inauguration of the council, held at the House of Chiefs, Secretariat in Ibadan, on Thursday. The governor said he had consulted with the trio of the Alaafin, the Olubadan and the Soun, with the three of them reaching a consensus that the chairmanship should start with the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja. Makinde said, “I consulted the Alaafin of Oyo; the Olubadan of Ibadanland and the Soun of Ogbomoso. And the agreement we reached is that they will start the rotation with the Kabiyesi Olubadan of Ibadanland. So, on that basis, I hereby pronounce the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs inaugurated.” However, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Owoade was conspicuously absent from the event. A statement released by Durojaye said, “The attention of the Alaafin’s Palace has been drawn to a statement credited to 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 Akeem Owoade 1, held any meeting with either the State Governor or any of the two traditional rulers mentioned above. “Also the Alaafin did not tell the Governor or make a categorical statement on his endorsement of rotational Chairmanship among the the three traditional rulers in the State. “The position of the Alaafin and the Entire Oyo Community on the general issue of the,State, Council of Obas, and Chiefs has been enunciated in a Memo delivered to His Excellency by the Oyo Council of Elders,” the Palace added.

The Federal Ministry of Works has outlined plans to allocate more than N500 million for programmes aimed at training hairdressers and make-up artists, distributing grinding machines, motorcycles, mini-vans, and conducting anti-drug abuse awareness campaigns across selected states in Nigeria. Details of the proposed spending are outlined in the 2026 Appropriation Bill, which was uploaded on the Budget Office’s website and accessed on Thursday. Analysis of the budget shows that these items and initiatives are distributed across various geopolitical zones of the country. According to the document, under budget item code ERGP 12234747, the ministry intends to spend N35 million on providing an unspecified number of grinding machines to women in Ndokwa/Ukwani Federal Constituency, located in the South-South zone. Similarly, another N35 million has been set aside to train and empower women in hairdressing, make-up, and soap production in Mikang/Shandam/Qua’an Pan Federal Constituency of Plateau State in the North-Central zone. The budget also includes a proposal to allocate N70 million for skill acquisition and trade equipment provision to youths, women, and seven retirees in Inyamaltu/Deba area of Gombe State in the North-East. Additionally, the ministry plans to spend N70 million on supplying mini pick-up vans, mini shuttle buses, and motorcycles to constituents in Abakaliki Federal Constituency, Ebonyi State, in the South-East. Another component involves training, sensitisation, advocacy, and youth empowerment programmes against drug abuse in Zamfara State, which falls in the North-West, among several other constituency-level projects outlined in the budget. The inclusion of these empowerment initiatives in the Federal Ministry of Works’ 2026 budget has sparked debate and raised questions about the appropriateness of such allocations within the ministry’s mandate.

IBADAN – In a move to strengthen traditional governance, Governor Seyi Makinde on Thursday inaugurated the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs, ending a 15-year period of inactivity for the body since 2011. During the ceremony, Governor Makinde emphasized that the council is a vital component of his administration, providing a formal platform for traditional rulers to collaborate with the government on security and community development. The reactivation of the council follows the enactment of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs (Further Amendments) Law 2025, which introduced a rotational chairmanship for the body. Under the new legal framework and following extensive consultations, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, Arusa 1, the Olubadan of Ibadan, has been appointed to serve as the Chairman of the Council for the next two years. Governor Makinde noted that the involvement of the traditional institution is essential for effective grassroots governance, ensuring that the state remains proactive in addressing the unique needs of its various communities.

Former lawmaker, who represented Kaduna Central Senatorial District, Shehu Sani, has said that Nigerians must rise to resist terrorists, bandits and other criminals terrorising the country. Sani stated this on Thursday at the public presentation of his two books, The Councillor and The Perilous Path to Europe, on Thursday in Abuja. He noted that no foreign power will free the country from the challenge, emphasizing that if people were united and enlightened and supported by state apparatus, they can defeat those who feel that they own the land and can use the force of arms to subdue everyone. “We should not think that a foreign power will come here and free us from these bandits. We are to do it ourselves,” he added. The ex-Senator explained that Nigeria has a track record of restoring peace in other countries, adding that America cannot solve her problems.

Governor Seyi Makinde on Thursday inaugurated a new Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs in Ibadan, with the chairmanship set to rotate among three leading traditional rulers in the state. The inauguration, which took place at the House of Chiefs Hall, State Secretariat, Ibadan, saw the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, Arusa I, emerge as the inaugural chairman of the council for a two-year term. However, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, one of the foremost monarchs in the state, was conspicuously absent from the event. 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, a move aimed at strengthening traditional institutions in the state. Speaking during the inauguration, Makinde said the Chairmanship of the council will be rotational among the trio of Olubadan, Alaafin of Oyo, and Soun of Ogbomosoland, with each leader serving a term of two years. He explained that the decision was aimed at promoting unity and cooperation among the traditional institutions in the state. . He said, “I called the monarchs that we proposed in the law that the chairmanship of the Council of Obas will rotate, and I believe from the law it’s every two years that it will rotate. This is what we are known for. But when we sit down, if we don’t resolve issues and do what is right and proper for our people, then we have failed. “So, I consulted my three fathers—the Alaafin of Oyo, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, and the Soun of Ogbomosoland—and the agreement is that they will start the rotation with Kabiyesi, the Olubadan of Ibadan. “So on that basis, I hereby pronounce the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs inaugurated, in person of Kabieyesi Olubadan of Ibadan land for two years. The Council, like the Commissioner mentioned, last met like this in 2011. And we’ve been at this for a while. I mean, I’ve been here for close to seven years now. “It will be seven years exactly in May 29 that this administration came into office. And the easiest thing for me to do, or for this administration to do, is to encourage a division. You know, when they say divide and rule, that is the easiest thing. “But we know that some of the things that we have been able to achieve as an administration, they can be traced to our traditional institution. You come to me, we discuss, we rub minds what is happening in our various communities. “I get most of those information from yourselves. And then we thought, is it not a shame that for 15 years running now or your state that is supposed to be setting the pace? We don’t have a Council of Obas and Chiefs. “And some of the things that we’re supposed to do as an administration for our traditional institution as a state, but as the state also, we’re supposed to look after our traditional rulers. But if we don’t have a council, how do we play an active role as a state? “At best, what we have will be an adhoc arrangement, which is what has been happening since 2011. I’ve been here since 2019. So I encouraged the status of assembly and also I consulted widely amongst the traditional rulers. “I mean, if we look at this, this is House of Chiefs. We cannot see any improvement. We only come here for a few events. But our traditional institution must be strengthened. The AC is not working because nobody is in charge. There’s no one telling us, calling the State Government on this. We signed the law passed by the State House of Assembly, and I signed it on August 14, 2025.” In his remarks, the new council chairman, Oba Ladoja urged the general public to have confidence in the council’s mandate, saying the event marked the beginning of work rather than an achievement. “The primary responsibility of the council is to ensure peace and safety across their domains while contributing to the continued progress of the state,” he said. Ladoja stated that confidence in the council would grow after its first meeting, as people would come to understand that members were united in purpose and not in competition with one another. The monarch said the council’s work was focused on making the state a better place for all the residents. “We appreciate the goodwill and congratulations we have received. This inauguration is not an achievement in itself; it marks the beginning of serious work. After our first meeting, people will begin to have confidence in us, because they will see that we are not in competition with one another. We are not here to fight or to pursue personal interests, so there is nothing to fear. “Our sole concern is to ensure that our domains remain safe and peaceful, and that the state continues on the path of progress. We want the state to be a good place for everyone. That is the purpose of this council. This is not about any individual; it is about bringing people together and working collectively for the common good,” he explained. Earlier, the Commissioner of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matter, Ademola Ojo, stated that as custodians of our culture and communal harmony, royal fathers have, over the years, remained the pillars of peace, moral authority and grassroots development, complementing the efforts of the government in fostering unity and progress across the state. “As we formally inaugurate this council, it’s my earnest hope that it will remain a beacon of harmony, a forum for constructive dialogue, and a strong partner in our shared quest for peace, security and socio-economic advancement,” Ojo stated. Under the amended law, the chairmanship of the council will rotate every two years among the Alaafin of Oyo, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, and the Soun of Ogbomosoland.

The Nigerian government has sent a message to the Super Eagles ahead of Wednesday’s semifinal clash with Morocco at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations tournament. Nigeria will face the host nation, Morocco, for a place in the final. The message was sent on behalf of the Nigerian government by Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris. The government urged the players to give their best from the first whistle to the last. The message read, “As you prepare to face Morocco in the AFCON semifinals, I want you to know that the whole of Nigeria stands firmly with you. “Your journey so far has been inspiring. Match after match, you have shown discipline, courage, and belief, reminding us why the Super Eagles remain one of Africa’s most respected teams. “You have been here before. You know what it takes to win at this level. From past AFCON triumphs to victories against tough opponents, you have always carried Nigeria’s flag with pride. “Those victories were not accidents. They came from teamwork, confidence, and a fighting spirit. You have shown that same spirit in this tournament. “As you step onto the pitch, remember that you are not alone. You carry the hopes of millions of Nigerians. They believe in you and draw strength from your performances. “Play with the confidence of champions, the unity of brothers, and hunger. Know your history and your worth. “Stay focused, trust one another, and give your best from the first whistle to the last. Win every ball and fight for every chance. Never doubt what you can achieve together. You have earned your place at this stage. You possess the qualities to take it even further. “Tonight, go out there and write another proud chapter in our football story. “Play with heart. Play with pride. Play for Nigeria. God bless you, Super Eagles.”

Bandits have reportedly killed an 85 year grandmother and looted food items in Borgu Local Government Area in Niger State, hours after Governor Umar Bago ordered residents of hamlets around the Kainji Lake to relocate due to security concerns. The Governor had given the directive during a condolence visit to the Emir of Borgu at his palace in Borgu, Tuesday. The bandits allegedly attacked Kabe village, killing the old woman identified as Hajiya Amina Adamu, and stealing food items of residents of the area. It was gathered that the attack happened around 10pm on Tuesday. The bandits, who arrived on motorcycles in their numbers, it was gathered shot the woman when she tried to flee upon sighting them. They were said to have broken into shops and stolen food items belonging to the villagers without harming other residents. “The old helpless woman was killed after sighting the bandits and in an attempt to flee, they opened fire on her. We cannot say why because we feel maybe, they saw her as a threat. We see it as an act of God as only Him knows why they killed that innocent 85 year-old woman. Another surprise is that they did not harm anyone, they just came for food stuff, ” he stated. Kabe village is a few kilometres away from Kasuwan Daji, where the bandits attacked few weeks ago and killed 42 villagers without security presences to intervene. A Student from Nigeria Discovered a Way to Treat Joints at Home in 14 Days A Student from Nigeria Discovered a Way to Treat Joints at Home in 14 Days Volmix | SponsoredTry Now Another resident of the area stated that in recent times the area has witnessed banditry attacks and despite calling out for help for government intervention, the area is still suffering from incessant attacks. “They are operating within our communities in Borgu Emirate without any security presence despite the crying out of the villagers for government to come to their aid. We need security presence in our areas to tackle this situation, ” the source noted.. Bago had during a condolence visit to the Emir of Borgu, Alh. Muhammad Haliru Dantoro Kitoro IV, at his palace yesterday in New Bussa, to sympathise with him and the entire people of the Emirate over the recent terrorist attack givem two months to people living in hamlets around Kainji Lake to come out of the area to be resettled by the Emirate Council. “The resettlement of the people has become necessary to avoid collateral damage, as this administration, in collaboration with the federal government, is determined to clear the forest, flush out criminals who are using Kainji Lake as their camp, and make the land very habitable for people, ” he stated. The governor decried the influx of people into the Emirates without being profiled, noting that it has become a security concern, adding that the activities of informants have thwarted security efforts in the Emirate. Responding, the Emir of Borgu, Alh. Muhammad Haliru Dantoro Kitoro IV, pledged to work closely with relevant authorities to identify and prosecute informants in the Emirate. He noted that the security of lives and property is paramount; hence, no stone will be left unturned in securing them. However, efforts to get the reaction to the attack from the state Police command were abortive as the Public Relations Officer SP Wasiu Abiodun could not be reached as at the time of filing this report. The council chairman, Abdullahi Mohammed Nasiru also did not take calls put across to him.