Alleged Plot To Impeach Gov Makinde: Olubadan, Presidency Fingered; Large Sums Offered

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April 14, 2026

Against the backdrop of the alleged plot to impeach Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state, some lawmakers in the state House of Assembly have washed their hands from the plan .

The lawmakers, including the Chief Whip of the Assembly re-affirmed his loyal and support for the governor, saying they will not be part of the plan to remove the government, as it could serve as a prelude to destabilizing the state.

According to some close sources in the state who spoke with the magazine on Tuesday, there have been some nocturnal meetings recently in Lagos by some Presidency officials and some APC stalwarts, with some members of the state Assembly, where the plot to removed the governor was discussed.

Governor Makinde and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu are not enjoying good relationship at the moment as they are not aligned on the 2027 Presidential election. The governor has said publicly that he will not support the incumbent.

The sources informed that some members of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC and the Presidency are bent on removing Governor Makinde, and have been making efforts to get the buy-in of the members of the Assembly to make the plot successful.

For instance, a meeting was said to have held in Lagos few weeks ago, where the lawmakers, including the Speaker of the Assembly Debo Ogundoyin were offered various sums, raging from N100 million to N1 billion to carry out the plot against the governor.

Sources close to the lawmakers said a similar meeting was allegedly held with the Oba Rasidi Ladoja, the Olubadan of Ibadanland with the Speaker, who was allegedly offered the position in the House of Representatives, in the next election to get his consent.

The monarch, the magazine reports and the governor are reported to have a frosty relationship due to the recent political realities in the state.

Last week a former governor of Ekiti state, Ayodele Fayose claimed that the state government was planning to depose the traditional ruler, though this has been denied by the Olubadan and the state government who said there’s no rift between them.

Also, the wife of a former governor of the state, Florence Ajimobi was also said to have met the Speaker on the plot to remove Governor Makinde from office, allegedly offering him mouth-watering offers, including money to sponsor Ogundoyin House of Representatives ambition, and to secure a ticket for him in the ruling APC if he can spearhead the plot.

The Speaker is a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP with the governor.

Confirming the plot, the Chief Whip of the Assembly, Gbenga Oyekola, said he will not be part of the plot to impeach the governor, and that he was not invited to the alleged meetings.

He promised his unalloyed support for Governor Makinde.

According to a statement he issued on Monday, the Chief Whip claimed that some major political players in the state have been made offers to carry on with the plot.

“We found out that some people are trying to create division within the Oyo State House of Assembly against the Governor and the Government of Oyo State. I was never invited, consulted, or involved in any meetings or plans related to this,” he said.

Also, a member of the Assembly, Dr. Abiodun Babalola, representing Ibadan North East Constituency 1 has noted that the plot was revealed to them by the the Speaker during a meeting at the Agodi Government House, saying Ogundoyin informed them that he met with the Olubadan on the issue.

Babalola howwver said he was not consulted and had not been part of the meetings to impeach Governor Makinde.

“I was not invited or consulted, and I did not take part in any meetings or arrangements concerning these issues,” the lawmaker said.

The lawmakers said they will not be part of any plot to remove the governor because such can unsettle the unity and peace currently being enjoyed in the state.

The Olubadan and the Nigerian Presidency have yet to respond to the allegation.

Senator Adeola Gives His Acceptance Speech As APC Governorship Candidate Before Primaries

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Adesina Soyooye

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April 14, 2026

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By Adesina Soyooye

The Senator representing Ogun West Senatorial District, Solomon Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, is fully justified to walk like he has a spring attached to his heels.

He will even be justified to talk and behave as if he is already the Governor of Ogun State. And why not?

Given the nature of politics in Nigeria, he can assume that he is already the Governor. Many people will already be referring to him as “His Excellency.” That’s how it works in Nigeria. Once you aspire to an office, your title changes, the way you are addressed changes.

For Senator Yayi, that should be taken for granted.

On Monday, April 13, at a caucus meeting of Ogun State APC, held in Abeokuta, attended by a couple of his co-aspirants, he was chosen as the consensus Governorship candidate for the Party in 2027.

Given that Ogun State is an APC State, and given the calibre of people who unanimously endorsed him – the incumbent Governor, Dapo Abiodun, former Governors Segun Osoba, Gbenga Daniel, Ibikunle Amosun, National and State Assembly Members, State Party Executives – it can be taken for granted that Yayi is already the elected Governor come 2027.

When no less a person than the incumbent Governor Abiodun announced Yayi’s choice, it was met with jubilation among party members. They chanted, “Yayi ni jo, Yayi ni jare.”

Which is why Yayi went on to give a sure-footed acceptance speech. It was not like ‘this is what I will do if I win’, it was more like ‘when I win’.

He thanked party members for the confidence reposed in him, and pledged not to disappoint the party.

His words: “Now is all the sacrifices that my brothers have put together to ensure this day comes to pass.

I believe in oneness and the unity of our dear State and Ogun West by extension.

“I know the vision for this State. I know how passionate and how central this State is to the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“As far as maintaining our status aside from being the fastest-growing economy in Nigeria, all efforts that have been put in place to ensure that we reposition this state and take our pride of place in the comity of states in this country are well recognised.

“Your Excellency, my dear leaders who are here, I want to assure you that I will not let you down.

“I promise to keep the flag flying. I promise to retain and maintain the unity, peace, and progress that have taken place in Ogun State for the last three years and beyond. I can assure you I will not derail.

“I will not derail the ship I am about to take over. I will make sure that it does not derail, and by the special grace of God, I will do my best, my utmost best, to keep every member of our great party together, to keep the state together, and to ensure that irrespective of our political alignment, we are one indivisible family.”

“Going forward from today, Your Excellency and all the leaders of the party, I want to assure you that a new Ogun State is born, and everything that needs to be done to keep us together, to keep us as one indivisible entity, so that we can take Ogun State to the promised land and to the next level we all desire, will be done.”

Imams To Gov Abiodun: We Will Not Allow You To Return Missionary Schools

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James Orji

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April 14, 2026

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Ogun state Muslims, under the aegis of the League of Imams and Alfas has opposed Governor Abiodun’s plan to return schools formerly owned by missionaries back to them.

The League said in a statement on Monday signed by Imam Tajudeen Mustafa Adewunmi, its Secretary General that the state government has been ill-advised on the issue, saying the plan is against equity and the “plural society” that the state and country is known for.

The schools were taken over by the government many years ago, but the lack of adequate funding on the part of the government have led to the missionaries pressing for the return of the schools to them.

Some state governments have returned such schools to their original owners despite pressure from some Nigerians, particularly the Muslim community.

There were reports recently that the Ogun state government is planning to join the states who have handed over missionary schools back to them.

Governor Dapo Abiodun had last Friday announced that the state is planning to return the schools to their former owners to strengthen the education sector in the state.

He made the disclosure while receiving the Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria, Archbishop Michael Francis Crotty, in the Government House, Abeokuta, the state’s capital.

The Catholic envoy was accompanied by the Catholic Bishop of Ijebu-Ode, Francis Obafemi Adesina, the Catholic Bishop of Abeokuta, Peter Odetoyinbo, and other officials.

“We will return all missionary schools to their owners. It is not our policy to do it alone. We need to join hands with private individuals, and we encourage further partnership with the Church to expand development,” Abiodun said.

But the League said the government had nationalized the schools, to eliminate the “sectarian control” that the government is now trying to introduce by returning the schools to the missionaries.

“This policy is not only a gross misreading of history but a dangerous affront to the principles of equity, justice, and religious balance in a plural society,” the League said.

“To reverse this progress is to deliberately court division, deepen distrust, and destabilize the fragile harmony that has defined our state for decades.”

It stressed that the action will be discriminatory, and will not be accepted by the Muslim community in the state, accusing the state government of trying to “prioritize” the interests of a particular religious group at the expense of others and their rights.

The Muslim community in the state will not allow this to happen, the League said.

“Let it be stated without ambiguity: This move is discriminatory in effect and unacceptable in its entirety. It signals a troubling willingness by the government to prioritise the interests of a particular religious bloc over the collective rights of all citizens. Such a path is not only unjust but also politically reckless.

“The Muslim community, which constitutes a substantial and historically rooted segment of Ogun State, will not stand idly by while its rights, sensitivities, and contributions are disregarded. We categorically reject any policy that seeks to cede public institutions that were built, upgraded, and managed with the resources of all to sectarian control under any guise.”

President Trump Has Desecrated Jesus Christ – Iranian President

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Adesina Soyooye

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April 14, 2026

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By Adesina Soyooye

The President of Iran, Masoud Pezeshkian has accused President Donald Trump of the United States of America of desecrating Jesus Christ.

Pezeshkian’s condemnation of Trump stemmed from the latter’s attack on the Roman Catholic Pontiff, Pope Leo XIV.

The Pope had spoken against the USA-Isreali/Iranian war and preach peace. However, President Trump had, on Sunday, taken an exception to Pope Leo’s comments and publicly rebuked him.

He responded by saying that he is “not a big fan” of the Pope and dismissed him as “weak on crime” and “terrible for foreign policy.”

According to Trump the Catholic Pontiff has unfairly criticised his administration and overlooked the actions taken against religious gatherings during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Trump: “He’s a very liberal person, and he’s a man that doesn’t believe in stopping crime. I don’t want a Pope who thinks it’s OK for Iran to have a nuclear weapon.

“If I wasn’t in the White House, Leo wouldn’t be in the Vatican.”

Trump’s comment triggered outrage worldwide even from among his own supporters.

Weighing-in on Monday, President Pezeshkian in a post on X said: “His Holiness Pope Leo XIV (@Pontifex), I condemn the insult to Your Excellency on behalf of the great nation of Iran, and declare that the desecration of Jesus, the prophet of peace and brotherhood, is not acceptable to any free person. I wish you glory by Allah.”

CD Writes EFCC, Demands Update On Investigation Of Fmr Delta Gov. Okowa

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Ayodele Oni

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April 14, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

The Campaign for Democracy, (CD) has demanded from the Economic Financial and Crimes Commission (EFCC), an update on the investigation of corruption allegation against former Governor of Delta state, Ifeanyi Okowa.

Okowa, a two term governor, was the running mate of Abubakar Atiku, presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) during 2023 election.

CD in a letter to the anti graft agency, signed by Ifeanyi Odili, National President, pointed out that Nigerians deserve to know how far the commission has gone in the investigation.

“The Campaign for Democracy (CD), is a non-governmental organization committed to promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance in Nigeria.

“We are writing to request a comprehensive update on the status of the investigation into allegations of corruption and mismanagement of public funds against former Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa.

“As you are aware, the EFCC is investigating allegations of diversion of ₦1.3 trillion in 13% derivation funds during his tenure as Governor of Delta State from 2015 to 2023.

“The alleged misappropriation of these funds, meant for the development of Delta State, has raised serious concerns among citizens and stakeholders.

“Given the gravity of these allegations and the public interest in the matter, we humbly request the following information:

“The current status of the investigation, including any progress made so far, the expected timeline for the completion of the investigation.

“Any interim measures or actions taken by the EFCC to recover stolen assets or prevent further dissipation of public funds and an update on any charges or prosecutions related to this case.

“We believe that transparency and accountability are essential in ensuring that public officials are held responsible for their actions.

“We appreciate your commitment to fighting corruption and look forward to receiving an update on this matter.”

ADC Convention Will Hold Despite Last Minute Move To Revoke Agreement On Venue – Spokesperson Abdullahi

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Ayodele Oni

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April 14, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

As delegates from 36 states arrive Abuja for the National Convention of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the Party is again facing a fresh round of uncertainty after the Management of a proposed venue withdrew its earlier approval for the party’s national convention.

The party had concluded arrangements to use Rainbow Event Centre as the host venue, but the facility owner reportedly rescinded the agreement late Monday, citing external pressure.

ADC spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, disclosed the development on social media, alleging that the decision followed pressure from authorities within the Federal Capital Territory, (FCT) Administration.

He claimed the proprietor of the facility informed the party that he was warned that his licence could be revoked if the venue was used for the convention.

“After paying all the fees required and setting up for our convention, the owner of Rainbow Event Centre has just informed us that he has come under pressure from the FCT authorities that if he allows the ADC use of his facilities, his licence will be revoked,” Abdullahi said.

Despite the setback, he insisted the party would proceed with its convention as planned.

“We have already signed the contract with him. We will hold our convention tomorrow as planned at the Rainbow Event Centre. We will not bow to this creeping tyranny,” he added.

The management of the facility had yet to issue an official statement at the time of filing this report.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Convention Media and Publicity Sub-committee, Kola Ologbondiyan, had said the party secured the venue after being denied access to other public facilities in Abuja.

According to him, earlier requests to use the Eagle Square and the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Velodrome were turned down by relevant authorities.

However, the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, denied claims that the party applied for Eagle Square, adding that the stadium facilities are not controlled by the FCT Administration but by the National Sports Commission.

The development adds to ongoing tensions within the ADC, which is already grappling with leadership disputes and legal battles

How Iyabo Obasanjo’s Governorship Ambition Was Nipped In The Bud

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Adesina Soyooye

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April 14, 2026

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By Adesina Soyooye

She arrived spitting fire. She fired from all cylinders. She took not a few people by storm. And she lit up Ogun State political space. She was sure-footed. And, as the saying goes, she knew her onions. She was prepared in, and from all angles.

Academically, she is solid – a Professor of Epidemiology. Politically, she is solid – a former Senator of the Federal Republic who represented Ogun State. Before then, she was the Commissioner for Health, Ogun State. And then, not that it cuts an ice with her because she hardly flaunts it, but, for the records she is a daughter of a former President of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo.

Professor Iyabo Obasanjo re-entered Nigeria’s political scene after she gave it space for three years a couple of months ago. On re-entry, she set her eyes on the State’s top job. She gave it her all. She was not afraid of anybody, or anything. She took the Media by storm, granted more interviews than any of the other aspirants. She even, a few days ago, had an audience with President Bola Tinubu, a privilege a couple of her colleague-aspirants never got.

Not a few people were rooting for her. They admired her courage. Her bluntness. And her ability to speak truth to power.

But all that has just ended. Her ambition and aspiration ended in one room on Monday, April 13, where in her presence, the “owners” of Ogun State’s political space unanimously endorsed another as the most qualified to succeed the incumbent Governor, Dapo Abiodun.

In that room, at the stakeholders meeting, Governor Abiodun announced the endorsement of Olamilekan Adeola, popular as Yayi, as the Governorship choice of the All Progressives Congress, APC.

Based on this decision which came not from the people during Governorship Primary, but from stakeholders – Ogun State APC caucus – at a meeting held at the APC state secretariat, Abeokuta, Senator Obasanjo has immediately suspended her campaign for the Governorship seat of Ogun State in 2027.

Senator Obasanjo, in a statement she personally signed, stated that she has decided to put her ambition on hold following the party’s consensus pick of Senator Yayi as candidate.

In the spirit of sponsorship, she congratulated Senator Yayi and wished him well in his future endeavours.

She, also, thanked the party leaders and all her supporters and commended them for their unwavering steadfastness and unprecedented support while her consultation across the state lasted.

Senator Obasanjo: “At the Ogun APC caucus meeting held today, April 13, 2026, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi) was announced as the consensus candidate of our party for the 2027 gubernatorial election.

“I congratulate him and wish him every success. I also thank the state and national leaders of our great party for the opportunity to participate in the nomination process.

“Based on these developments, I have decided to suspend my gubernatorial aspiration.

“To my supporters across Ogun State, I am deeply grateful for your calm, steadfast support and unwavering trust throughout this journey. Together, we move forward with patience, strength and hope.”

It is not known what other step Senator Obasanjo will take. Will she, again, give politics space by going back to the United States of America, or stick around and see comes her way? Time will tell.

Ogun 2027: Yayi Endorsed As APC Consensus Candidate For Governorship

By

Akinwale Kasali

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April 14, 2026

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By Akinwale Kasali

Senator Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, has been unanimously endorsed as the All Progressives Congress, APC, Governorship Candidate ahead of the 2027 Governorship Election in Ogun State.

The Senator was announced as the APC Candidate at the ongoing APC Strategic Caucus Meeting attended by key stakeholders, party leaders, and former governors, where extensive deliberations were held on the future of the party in the state.

Speaking at the meeting, the State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, disclosed that after serious consultations with former Governors and leaders of the party, a collective decision was reached in the interest of unity and progress to pick Yayi.

He said: “After a serious deliberation with former Governors and leaders of our great party, we have resolved that our next flag bearer for the next political dispensation in Ogun State is Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola Yayi.”

The consensus decision reflects the party’s commitment to cohesion, continuity, and strategic leadership as preparations intensify for the forthcoming governorship election.

Party leaders at the meeting expressed confidence in Senator Adeola’s capacity, experience, and dedication to delivering impactful governance and consolidating on the developmental strides recorded in Ogun State.

The APC in Ogun State reaffirmed its unity and readiness to work collectively toward ensuring victory at the polls.

It would be recalled that Senator Adeola had told his supporters not to begin any political campaign for his Governorship ambition, stressing that he was ready to follow due process.

Less than a week after making the pronouncement, the APC Stakeholders in Ogun State unanimously gave their nod for Yayi to be their Governorship flagbearer come 2027.

University Of Porthacourt Teaching Hospital Stops Salaries Of 1000 Staff, Declare 2000 Missing

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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April 13, 2026

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The authorities of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, UPTH, said they have embargoed the salaries and emoluments of 1000 staff.

This is as they informed that only 2000, out of about 4000 staffers that have been drawing salaries are actually on the ground.

The Chief Medical Director CMB, Prof Chituru Orluwene, who disclosed this at an interactive session with the media on Monday April 13, 2026, to mark his 100 days in office ,noted that the institution has plugged all observed leakages within the management architecture.

According to him, at the inception of his administration, the hospital did not have a standard staff nominal roll. He noted noting that about 4000 staff were on the payroll..

However, after a preliminary examination , according to him, only 2000 out of the 4000 on the payroll were discovered to be real workers.

Prof Orluwene said the shocking discovery led to the management ordering a formal verification exercise with the committee only able to verify 2000 workers.

He explained that after an initial examination of the report of the verification committee, hospital management decided to stop the salaries of 1000 of the 2000 unaccounted workers ”

“When we resumed office early in the year, we found 4000 staff on the payroll. But only 2,000 tlof them were actually on the ground .

“Sequel to this development, we initiated a verification exercise; a process that will also help us get a nominal roll for the hospital because when we assumed office, we did not meet any on the ground.

“Suffice it to say that the exercise has assisted us recovering so much . We have stopped the salaries of over 1000 persons .

“When this report gets to the Federal Government, they will have to employ people who are ready to work”, the CMD added.

According to him ,the hospital has equally recorded a huge success in its quest to block revenue leakages and diversion of public funds within the system.

He emphasized that the prudent measures are in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration .

This was as he informed that his management has directed a downward review of hospital and mortuary bills to accommodate the interests of the less privileged.

The CMD added that his administration has introduced an in-patient feeding arrangement with charges for three meals for a day pegged at N5000.

Former SDP Presidential Candidate, Adebayo, Queries INEC Chairman’s Integrity

By

Akinwale Kasali

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April 13, 2026

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Adewole Adebayo - SDP Presidential Candidate

By Akinwale Kasali

Adewole Adebayo, former Presidential Candidate of the Social Democratic Party, SDP, during the 2023 Polls has joined the league of opposition Parties querying the Integrity of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, boss, Prof. Joash Amupitan.

Adebayo said that if an alleged X account (former Twitter) linked to Amupitan is eventually confirmed to be his, then his Integrity needs to be questioned.

The former SDP Presidential Candidate made this assertion while on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, stating that the controversy surrounding the account goes beyond technical arguments and boils down to public confidence in the electoral body.

Adebayo added that the situation could raise serious questions if the account is traced to the INEC Chairman despite his denial.

“If it is traced to him and he denies it, then it raises questions about integrity,” Adebayo said.

He added that the issue was significant because the credibility of the electoral umpire depends largely on public trust.

He also noted that although digital content could sometimes be manipulated, stressing that technological tools exist to verify the ownership of online accounts.

“It is well known that in the digital space, you could manipulate anything, but there is forensic tracing of identity,” he stated.

According to him, the matter could be resolved through judicial or legislative processes.

“It is either someone will go to court to challenge his qualification on grounds of partisanship and present evidence or the National Assembly will conduct an investigation, possibly through its INEC committees,” he added.

The SDP Chieftain however clarified that even if the account were proven to belong to Amupitan, it would not automatically disqualify him from serving as INEC chairman.

He explained that the law requires only that the individual not belong to any political party at the time of appointment.

Adebayo further stated, “The requirement is that at the time of appointment, you should not be a member of any political party. It does not mean you could not have been a member in the past or that you did not vote.

“Someone who voted in 2023 can still become INEC chairman in 2025.”

Adebayo stressed that the central issue remains honesty and public confidence in the electoral process.

“In a simple matter like this, if you are already lying to the public and we are to trust you with determining election outcomes, then it becomes a question of integrity,” he added.