ADVERTISEMENT

The Eselu of Iselu Kingdom in Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State, Oba Akintunde Akinyemi, has urged the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, to desist from taking issues with Governor Seyi Makinde over the newly reconstituted rotational Oyo Council of Obas, which saw the emergence of Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Adewolu Rashidi Ladoja, as chairman.

In a statement issued on Thursday, Oba Akinyemi noted that as a traditional ruler, Oba Owoade should understand that he should not be challenging the decisions of the Governor (Makinde) of his state on the pages of newspapers and social media.

The statement read in part: On Thursday, 15th January, 2026, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, inaugurated the maiden rotational Oyo State Council of Obas with the appointment of Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Adewolu Rashidi Ladoja as the Chairman of the council for a two-year term. According to the Governor, he consulted the three prominent monarchs in Oyo State- Alaafin of Oyo, Olubadan of Ibadan and Soun of Ogbomoso before the inauguration, and the trio supported the appointment of Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Adewolu Rashidi Ladoja as the pioneer chairman of the council for a two-year term. The Alaafin was conspicuously absent at the inauguration ceremony for a reason known to him.

”Some hours after the inauguration ceremony, there was a press release from the Palace of Alaafin of Oyo, stating that Governor Seyi Makinde did not consult the Alaafin. This statement simply means that Alaafin of Oyo is saying that Governor Seyi Makinde is lying.”

”As a Traditional Ruler with over two (2) decades of experience, I, 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 stop further comments on the matter on the pages of newspapers so as not to incur the wrath of the Government of Oyo State. Rotation of Chairmanship of a Traditional Council (of monarchs) happens in many States in our country, Nigeria, so the action of Governor Seyi Makinde should not be seen as a strange decision. The truth is that the days of the Oyo Empir,e when the Alaafin of Oyo could lay claim to the Permanent Chairmanship of the State’s Council of Obas, are gone.”

Oba Akinyemi added: ”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 prevent the desecration of their revered stools. However, we must remember that we are no longer in the era when monarchs were the heads of government. Specifically, the Alaafin should note that actions such as this can always come with consequences because the Governor and his Executive Council have the power to impose and depose any monarch who is guilty of disobedience and insubordination, and nothing will change such decisions of the government.

‘Finally, I want to admonish the Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, to sheath his sword and not allow any sentiments that can threaten the revered stool of Oyo Land. The Alaafin of Oyo should note that anyone advising him to confront the Governor and rock the boat with him (the Governor) does not like him (Kabiyesi). As someone who came back from Canada to be enthroned as the Alaafin, I personally want you to succeed and enjoy your reign on the throne, so Your Imperial Majesty should do away with bad advisers.”

ADVERTISEMENT

The Federal Government has announced ban on mining of sand, 10 kilometer radius in River Niger, to protect the first and second Niger bridges.

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, disclosed this on Friday in Asaba, Delta State during the commissioning of the Second Niger Bridge Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) Cameras Monitoring Centre.

He said the decision was taken by the Federal Executive Council as part of efforts to protect critical federal infrastructure across the country.

According to him, tolling on the second Niger bridge will not begin until all access roads at Anambra and Delta sections are completed.

He added that the CCTV monitoring centre was to ensure adequate security along the federal highway.

“The tollgate is ready but we won’t start tolling on the road until we complete the access roads and bypass roads that lead to bridge.

“The idea is that there will be no security checkpoints on the road, police and other security agencies will be at the CCTV monitoring centre and provide rapid response to emergencies within five minutes,” he added.

Umahi directed the Police command in Delta State to ensure implementation of the ban as well as arresting offenders.

In his remarks, the Asagba of Asaba, Prof. Epiphany Azinge, commended the Federal Government for effectively completing the second Niger bridge and enumerated the socio-economic benefits of the project.

On his part, the Chairman, Anambra State Council of Traditional Rulers, the Igwe of Obosi, Chidubem Iweka said that opening of the bridge has reduced traffic on the first bridge and eased movement during and after the yuletide.

Iweka expressed optimism that installation of the security camera would boost confidence of commuters plying the road.

He called for speedy completion of the access roads to the second Niger bridge.

ADVERTISEMENT

Plateau State Governor, Barrister Caleb Mutfwang, has expressed profound grief over the death of the Imam of Gindin Akwati, Alhaji Abubakar Abdullahi, a revered cleric whose selfless act of courage saved the lives of 262 Christians during a deadly attack in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area in 2018.

The respected religious leader died on Thursday15th January 2026 night at the Plateau Specialist Hospital, Jos, at the age of 90.

The late Imam rose to national and international prominence in June 2018 when suspected armed Fulani militias launched coordinated attacks on 10 villages in Barkin Ladi.

At the height of the violence, Imam Abdullahi opened the doors of his mosque and personal residence, sheltering 262 Christians and protecting them until security operatives restored calm to the area.

His heroic intervention not only prevented a potential massacre but also stood as a powerful symbol of interfaith unity and humanity in the face of violence.

In a condolence message issued on Friday 16th  and made available to journalists in Jos, Governor Mutfwang described the late cleric as a man of uncommon purpose, whose life was marked by unwavering commitment to peace, unity, and the protection of the vulnerable, especially women and children.

The Governor, in a statement signed by his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Dr. Gyang Bere, said Imam Abdullahi’s exemplary leadership and courage in safeguarding lives earned him admiration and recognition far beyond Plateau State.

He noted that the cleric’s selfless service and consistent advocacy for interfaith harmony helped build bridges of forgiveness, compassion, and peaceful coexistence among diverse communities across the state and beyond.

Governor Mutfwang described the Imam’s death as a monumental loss to his immediate family, the Gindin Akwati community, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, and Plateau State as a whole, stressing that his passing leaves a significant leadership vacuum in the area.

According to the Governor, the late Imam dedicated his life to the advancement, development, and well-being of his people, adding that his demise comes at a time when Plateau State greatly needs voices of wisdom, guidance, and unity.

He prayed that God would raise leaders of integrity, courage, and wisdom to sustain the legacy of peace and selflessness exemplified by the late cleric.

The Governor urged the bereaved family and the entire community to take comfort in the knowledge that Imam Abdullahi lived a life of faith, compassion, fairness, and service to humanity, leaving behind a lasting legacy of peaceful coexistence.

On behalf of his family, the Plateau State Government, and the people of the state, Governor Mutfwang extended his deepest condolences to the family of the deceased and all those mourning his passing, praying that Almighty God grants them strength and comfort to bear the loss.

The late Imam is survived by 19 children, comprising 12 sons and seven daughters, according to his son, Saleh Abubakar.

His heroic action during the 2018 crisis earned him widespread acclaim, including the prestigious International Religious Freedom Award presented by the United States Department of State in 2019, as well as recognition at the presidential level in Nigeria.

Imam Abubakar Abdullahi will be laid to rest on Friday 16th  in Nghar village after the Juma’at prayers.