News
Egungun worshippers, military clash in Ogun
The Olota of Ota Awori Kingdom, Oba Abdulkabir Obalanlege, has returned from the United Kingdom to address a reported clash between Egungun worshippers and military personnel in Ota, Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State.
The incident, which occurred on Friday, December 27, reportedly sparked tension in parts of the town for three days.
A viral video, which captured the aftermath of the fracas, showed a military personnel lamenting an attack on a military base in Ota. Sounds of gunshots were heard in the background, while broken glass and stones littered the premises.
The soldier in the video said, “See our base o, see how they destroy soldiers’ barracks for this Otta o.”
A top military source, speaking anonymously, confirmed the incident to The PUNCH on Sunday.
The source explained that the clash began when some yet-to-be-identified military personnel allegedly confronted a masquerade during a festival in the community.
“On December 27, some personnel reportedly attacked the Egungun worshippers during their festival. In retaliation, the masquerade worshippers attacked the Nigerian Navy School of Music in Ota with bottles, stones, and other dangerous weapons,” the source said.
The source added that naval personnel fired warning shots to disperse the mob attempting to storm the military base.
Another senior military official, who also spoke on condition of anonymity, revealed that some community leaders had reached out to the naval authorities to resolve the matter amicably.
The official said, “The people thought some soldiers they had issues with were from our school and mobilized themselves to attack us. We exercised restraint, but the shots fired were to prevent the mob from forcing their way into the premises.”
The source disclosed that the military personnel who appeared in the viral video had been detained for breaching the rules of engagement.
Oba Obalanlege, who spoke to journalists on Sunday, said he cut short his UK holiday to address the situation.
“I was in the UK when the incident happened. I had to cut short my holiday and return this morning. I can assure you that normalcy has returned to Ota,” the monarch said.
The Olota explained that he had visited the naval base and found that the altercation was a minor misunderstanding that had been blown out of proportion.
“The issue has been resolved amicably, and peace has returned to Ota and its environs,” he assured.
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The Naira yesterday appreciated to N1,595 per dollar in the parallel market from N1,610 per dollar on Monday.
Thus the Naira has recorded N45 week-on-week, WoW appreciation from N1,640 per dollar Tuesday last week.
Though the Naira was stable at N1,499 per dollar in the official Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM), yesterday, it however recorded N27.3 WoW appreciation from N1,526.3 per dollar last Tuesday.
Consequently, the margin between the parallel market and NFEM rate narrowed to N96 per dollar from N113.7 per dollar Tuesday last week.
The Naira has been on the upward trend since Thursday January 23rd, when it appreciated to N1,665 per dollar in the parallel market from N1,670 per dollar on Wednesday January 22nd.
Similarly, the Naira in the official market appreciated on Thursday January 23rd, to N1,548 per dollar from N1,553 per dollar on Wednesday January 22nd.
Since then, the Naira had gained N75 and N54 in the parallel and official market respectively.
Currency traders attributed the upward trend of the Naira to weak dollar demand occasioned by the Chinese New Year holiday.
It was also gathered that banks are now honouring customer requests for Personal Travel Allowance, PTA, and Business Travel Allowance, BTA. Previously, most banks seldom honour customers’ forex requests for PTA and
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The details of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees (BoT) emergency meeting held in Abuja on Wednesday February 5, 2025, have emerged.
The meeting, which was convened to address several key issues within the party, concluded with important resolutions aimed at stabilizing the party ahead of future challenges.
One of the main decisions taken by the BoT was the recognition of Hon. Sunday Udeh-Okoye as the National Secretary of the party.
This decision follows a court ruling from the High Court of Enugu, which was upheld by the Court of Appeal
The BoT instructed the National Working Committee (NWC) to swear in Udeh-Okoye immediately to comply with the legal judgment.
The board also called on party organs, members, and stakeholders to respect the Court of Appeal’s ruling regarding the position of National Secretary.
The meeting also praised the efforts of the PDP Governors’ Forum, the NWC, and the South-East Executive Committee for their commitment to upholding the party’s constitution.
The board expressed satisfaction with the progress made by the party despite facing internal challenges, particularly legal disputes involving competing claims for the office of National Secretary.
In addition, the BoT gave its approval for the upcoming National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled for March 13, 2025.
The board viewed this meeting as an opportunity for critical deliberations that will help shape the future of the PDP and the direction it takes in the coming years.
A vote of confidence was passed on the BoT Chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara, and Secretary, Senator Ahmed Makarfi, recognizing their leadership in stabilizing the party during a challenging period.
The BoT emphasized the importance of unity among members, urging everyone to work together to strengthen the PDP and reclaim its leadership role in the country’s political landscape.
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Stars in the Nigeria’s film industry have mourned Nollywood actress, Pat Ugwu, who passed away at the age of 35.
Emeka Okoye on his Instagram post on Wednesday, announced her death with a poster detailing her funeral arrangements.
“Rest in peace sis. Pat Ugwu. @patpat_ugwu so we no get to work again? Death whyooo? God please. Rest in peace PAT.
May your soul rest in the bosom of the Lord,” Emeka wrote, expressing his grief.
He also voiced his fears over the recent spate of losses in the industry, saying, “God please protect all my colleagues especially those am close to.
This unusual Death is frightening. I proclaim life to everyone close to me this 2025 in the precious blood of Jesus. Amen.”
The cause of her death was not immediately clear.
Several Nollywood stars, including Rita Edochie, Destiny Etiko, Nkechi Blessing, and Kevin Mike, also reacted to the tragic news.
Destiny Etiko wrote in the comment section, “Jesus noooooo.”
Mike wrote on Instagram, “Chai, just woke up this morning to hear the death of one of our crew and casts @patpat_ugwu. Rest in peace, dear.”
Pat, who lost her father in 2021, will be greatly missed.
Naira maintains gains, appreciates in Parallel Market
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SAD! Nollywood Mourns AsActress Pat Ugwu dies
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