By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The United States government on Friday returned $52.88 million linked to former Nigerian Petroleum Minister Diezani Madueke.

This amount was reportedly traced to assets forfeited by Galactica, connected to Madueke and her associates.

US Ambassador, Richard M. Mills Jr. and Nigerian officials, led by Attorney-General Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, formalized the agreement at the Ministry of Justice in Abuja.

The funds, as agreed, would be managed with transparency, under the supervision of the World Bank and IIJ, to ensure their proper use in projects benefiting Nigeria, and in adherence to international anti-corruption standards.

“Measures have also been put in place to ensure that the repatriated funds are not only disbursed but also utilized transparently and accountability by the World Bank and IIJ, with periodic reports to be forwarded to Nigeria and the US on the implementation of the projects.

“This robust framework will guarantee that the funds are effectively used for the full benefit of the Nigerian people in line with UNCAC and the Global Forum on Asset Recovery (GFAR) principles,” the AGF declared at the meeting.

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, has formally approved the selection of Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade as Alaafin of Oyo.

A statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, said that Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade, after thorough consultations and divinations, had been recommended by the Oyomesi and approved by the Governor of Oyo State.

According to the commissioner, a statement to this effect had been issued by the Honourable Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Ademola Ojo, who said that the announcement had put to rest all bickerings that had ensued since the demise of His Imperial Majesty, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III on April 22, 2022.

Hon. Ademola Ojo called on all citizens of Oyo State to join the Government in celebrating this momentus occasion and lend their support to the Alaafin of Oyo.

The Commissioner prayed that his reign would bring peace, prosperity, and unity to the historic Oyo Kingdom.

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Alhaja Monsurat Atinuke Amoke Bankole, mother of former House of Representatives Speaker, Rt. Hon. Dimeji Bankole, has passed.

Alhaja Monsurat was a devout Muslim, philanthropist, and committed community leade during her life and times.

She founded Al Mönsur Islamic Society.

She also held prominent Islamic titles, including Iya Adinni of Egbaland and Iya Sunnah of Alasalatu Society of Nigeria and West Africa.

Burial, according to the family, would take place today, Friday, January 10, 2025, in Abeokuta by 4pm.

She is survived by her husband, Chief Suarau Olayiwola Alani Bankole, a Nigerian Egba businessman and chieftain from Ogun State, who holds the Yoruba chieftaincy titles of the Oluwo of Iporo Ake and the Apena of Egbaland,, children, grandchildren, and several blood relations.