Gen Olanrewaju To LASIEC: Stop Elections Into ‘Illegal’ 37 LCDAs

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May 12, 2025

A former Minister of Communications, Maj. General Tajudeen Olanrewaju (rtd.) has condemned the decision of the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission, LASIEC to conduct council elections in the 20 LGAs and LCDAs in the state.

The election, according to LASIEC has been slated for July 12, and in preparation the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, held its ward congresses across the state on Sunday.

The congresses, according to checks by the magazine was marred by irregularities and protest, following allegations of imposition by the leadership of the party.

As in the past, political pundits said the ruling APC is likely to sweep the elections in all the 20 LGAs and 37 LCDA’s, which have remained a contentious issues, since they were created by the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu while he was governor of the state.

The LCDAs have yet to be listed among the 774 LGAs recognised in the Nigerian Constitution.

According to Olanrewaju, any election conducted into the LCDAs is likely to be nullified if challenged in the court by any willing party.

The former Minister urged the LASIEC to be guided by this, saying the legitimacy of the councils has remained a matter of contention for years.

Olanrewaju: “It is unconstitutional to conduct elections in 20 constitutionally recognised LGAs and unconstitutionally recognised 37 LCDAs in Lagos State. This election will be a nullity if any of the participating parties should challenge the conduct of the election in the court. The only recognized 20 Local Governments in Lagos State are listed in the Amended 1999 Constitution.

“If elections were to be conducted in 20 constitutionally recognised LGAs, indigenes would form 90 percentage of the contestants. With an additional 37 LCDAs, the indigenes have been schemed out of contest.

“It is obvious now that the state indigenes have lost their patrimony. I think one of the participating parties can go to court and challenge the status quo. Can’t this course of action be taken?”

PDP Reconciliation: Difficult Task For Saraki

By

James Orji

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May 12, 2025

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A former Senate President, Bukola Saraki has been picked by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to head a Reconciliation Committee to bring all the warring parties in the party together.

Saraki, a former governor of Kwara state was, on Sunday, chosen by the Peoples Democratic Party Governors Forum, PDP-GF to head the committee made up of some current and past governors of the party, at a meeting held yesterday in the Abuja, the nation’s capital.

The former governor got the position amidst the internal crisis that have rocked the party for months. A slew of defections in the party has made some political pundits to predict an imminent implosion in the PDP.

Looking at the huge impact the crisis has had on the party, close watchers insist that Saraki, with his experience faces an arduous task, even though others said he has enough experience to perform having been part of the party for many years.

Apart from the former Senate President, other members of the committee are governors Dauda Lawal of Zamfara, Caleb Muftwang of Plateau, and Peter Mba of Enugu State.

Also, Senators Seriake Dickson, Ibrahim Dankwambo, and former governor of Abia State, Chief Okezie Ikpeazu are members of the committee.

The meeting that held at the Bauchi State Governor’s Lodge was called by the PDP-GF Chairman and Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, the magazine was told.

Those that attended the meeting include the governors of Enugu, Zamfara, Plateau,Oyo, Taraba, Adamawa, and Osun states.

The Minister of the Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike, who has been fingered by not a few, of being among those causing the crisis in the party also attended the meeting.

The Bauchi governor said the meeting was necessary in other for all the leaders of the party to “close ranks” ahead of the May 27 National Executive Council, NEC meeting.

In spite of the obvious rancour in the party , Mohammed assured the party’s supporters that “PDP is united”, pointing out that the meeting was attended by key leaders of the party.

Mohammed: “We are here with all the governors elected under the party, that are still in the party, and a substantial number of former PDP governors, with our leaders, the chairman of the party, and some members of the National Working Committee (NWC).

“We discussed some of the issues relating to our party, some existential issues, of cours,e that have been circulating in the media and among us, so that we will be able to navigate smoothly for the NEC scheduled to take place on May 27 and by August, we will have an early convention.

“So many issues and reports have been made, and it is an opportunity to close ranks, and to make sure that at least there are no ill feelings, there are no qualms, there are no misgivings between the leaders of the party.

“Governors of the party have reached out to our colleagues who have been there before, who have more experience.

”Whatever suggestions or opinions they may have will go a long way in giving an added impetus to the actualisation of our NEC, and our convention scheduled to take place on specific days.

“We want to reassure our teaming supporters that the PDP is working, the PDP is united,” Mohammed said.

Meanwhile, close watchers of the party insist that Saraki has a difficult task ahead of him considering the deep-rooted crisis that the party has been embroiled in for months, particularly after its loss of the Presidency to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.

Military Intensifies Crackdown On Oil Thieves In Niger Delta, Arrests 36

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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May 11, 2025

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Troops of the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army have arrested no fewer than 36 suspected oil thieves following coordinated clearance operations in the Niger Delta Region.

The operations, said to have been carried out in conjunction with operatives from other security agencies, also led to the dismantling of over 21 illegal refining facilities across the states of the Region.

A statement issued on Sunday, May 11, 2025, by the Spokesperson for the Division, Lt Col.Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, informed that over 591,000 litres of stolen petroleum products were recovered during the operations.

He noted that during the operations which were part of the renewed crack down on the activities of oil thieves and pipeline vandals, troops discovered massive illegal refining activities around Orashi Game Reserve ,as well as Okolomade area of Abua/Odua local council of Rivers State.

According to him, troops were able to trace a hose as long as more than 15 kilometers which was connected to an illegal loading bay used for the purpose of siphoning crude oil from pipelines.

“In a followup operations, five illegal refining sites with a large metal tank loaded with over 350,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gasoline Oil AGO were intercepted.

“These were in addition to large ovens, with a massive dugout, filled with over 100,000 litres of stolen crude handled appropriately.

Seven items ,including a pumping machine borehole, electric cables,and sockets were recovered at the scene”, Col.Danjuma stated.

In the same vein, about 1,428 bags of stolen petroleum products, estimated to be over 21,500 litres of crude were seized at the fringes of the Imo River.

Seven illegal refining sites , five operational boats ,used for illegal refining activities ,along side 38 drum pots ,and 15 drum receivers were also destroyed.

According to the Army spokesperson, one illegal refining site, consisting of an oven, receiver waste pit ,and a 50 meter long hose were destroyed at the Okarki Forest in Ahoada West Local Council of Rivers state.

In Otokolomabie and Coconut Estate in Bonny Local Government of Rivers State, troops, Col Danjuma noted discovered and seized an operational boat ,laden with over 10,000 litres of stolen petroleum products.

This is just as over 20,000 litres of stolen crude ,contained in a truck, were intercepted in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers state.

Similarly ,in an intelligence-driven operation on Ring Road 2, in Uyo local council of Akwa Ibom State, troops seized a tanker truck conveying over 16,500 litres of stolen petroleum products ,with the driver fleeing and abandoning the truck .

“In Bayelsa, troops intercepted a DAF XF380 ,Tanker truck ,with registration number ABM 210 XA ,Rivers state loaded with 45,000 litres of stolen AGO ,together with three suspected oil thieves .

“Likewise in a Creek between Oyeregbene ,and Babragbene communities in Southern Ijaw LGA ,a wooden boat loaded with over 1000 litres of stolen crude was concealed in the Creek,” the Army spokesman said.

“Furthermore ,Danjuma informed that within the waterside area of Isoko South local council in Delta state ,two Toyota Camry vehicles conveying over 1,250 stolen petroleum products were seized,while in Egbokodo general area of Warri South Local Government. 38 sacks filled with over 1,175 litres of stolen crude also recovered.

“Troops in snap checks at Koka general area in Oshimili South LGA, intercepted a Honda vehicle with registration number AAA 289 BM.

“In a thorough search conducted on the vehicle, two locally fabricated pistols ,a cutlass cartridges and sum of twenty five thousand ,one hundred Naira only were recovered”, the Army spokesperson stated.

One Teacher Killed, Several Abducted, As Bandits Invade Zamfara College

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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May 11, 2025

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

After a lull, banditry elements have once again beamed their operational searchlight on schools. A teacher was, reportedly, killed, while several others, mostly students, were kidnapped in Zamfara state on Saturday night May, 10, 2025.

In a statement on Sunday May 11, 2025, the Amnesty International Nigeria said that some heavily armed gunmen stormed Government Secondary school Tsafe, in the dead hours of Saturday and kidnapped unspecified number of people, killing one in the process.

The body noted that the incident which occurred from Saturday night to the early hours of Sunday underscores the failure of the Nigerian authorities to adequately protect lives and properties of the people.

The Source reports that the incident has, once more, brought to the fore past attacks and abductions targeted at schools in Zamfara and other security challenged states in the North.

Mass kidnap of school children had somewhat characterized part of the activities of insurgents especially in Borno,Kaduna and Zamfara states. Hundreds of school children has been abducted on several occasions.

But the trend subsided between late 2024 and early this year and normalcy creeped gradually into the education system in the affected areas.

This attack has, however, re-echoed sad memories and palpable apprehension of past activities of terrorist elements in the North West and North East regions of the country.

While confirming the incident, the Zamfara State Police Command informed that efforts are underway to track down the hoodlums and rescue the abducted victims.

The State Police Command spokesperson, Yazid Abubakar who gave the name of the dead teacher as Mallam Kabiru, noted that his wife and two other female residents of the College’s staff quarters were taken away by the attackers.

According to Abubakar, the attackers targeted the staff quarters of the secondary school and noted that Kabiru was shot following his attempt to resist the bandits.

“They (bandits) invaded the staff quarters of the Government Secondary School on Saturday night.

“They wanted t him (the deceased) but he resisted them .That was when he was shot .His wife and two others were later taken away”, the Police Spokesman stated.

He, however, assured that Operatives of the Police Tactical Squad and other security agencies in the state have been mobilized to go after the attackers.

Instructively, Saturday’s attack and kidnaps came on the heels of an emergency parley of Northern Governors Forum in Kaduna to brainstorm on the recent resurgence of terrorist activities in the region.

At their meeting held in Kaduna on Saturday, the Northern Governors among other things expressed concern over the recent resurgence of terrorist activities in the region.

They, therefore, called for an accelerated action towards the legalization of State Police as a veritable panacea to the region’s seemingly intractable security challenges .

Incessant attacks on schools and other educational facilities by hoodlums have tended to worsen the issue of out-of-school children in the Northern part of Nigeria.

Lamido: APC Will Soon ‘Explode’, PDP Will ‘Wrest Power’ In 2027

By

James Orji

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May 11, 2025

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Sule Lamido, a former governor of Jigawa state has appealed to members of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, not to be disillusioned amidst the problems facing the party. He said the party will bounce back and win the Presidency in 2027.

Recently, the PDP has been embattled as a result of the apparent divisions within its ranks. The PDP has also been facing the challenges of keeping many of its members, as key leaders in the party have been defecting to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.

As a result, some political pundits have predicted that the main opposition party in the country is dead, and does not have a chance of returning back to the power anytime soon.

Recall that the biggest defection hit the party recently after the governor of Delta state, Sheriff Obovrewori, his deputy, and all the 23 members of the state House of Assembly defected to the ruling APC.

The party was still nursing the wounds of the defection it suffered in the Oil rich state, when , during the week, three Senators, one of them a former governor of Kebbi state, Adadmu Aliero dumped the party for the ruling party.

Not a few political pundits insist that the party has received so much hit, and has been weakened ahead the 2027 presidential election when it’s supposed to face the ruling party.

But speaking while delivering a keynote address at the PDP congress held at Aminu Kano Triangle in Jigawa, the former governor and PDP chieftain said the party’s fortune will return, saying many of those who left the party will soon return.

He boasted that some members of the APC, including its National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje will also join the PDP soon, ahead the 2027 election, saying “the PDP will rise with full force to wrest power in 2027,” adding that many of those who joined the APC are not of like minds, and will soon push the party to ‘explode’.

Lamido: “I’m confident that all those who left the PDP will return, including Ganduje, because very soon, the APC will burst and split into factions, having accommodated people with different mindsets.

“I said it, and I repeat: within six months, all those who defected to the APC will come back, and the PDP will rise with full force to wrest power in 2027.”

2027: Patience Jonathan Backs Tinubu, Says Presidency Is ‘Turn-by-Turn’

By

James Orji

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May 11, 2025

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Nigeria’s former First Lady Dame Patience Jonathan has declared that she’s “not going back to the (Aso) Villa” Nigeria’s Presidency.

The wife of former President Jonathan said she will support Remi Tinubu, the current first Lady to be in Aso Rock beyond 2027 because she’s her ‘friend’ and that it’s her ‘turn’ to occupy the position, saying “Let my friend be there,’ referring to Remi Tinubu.

She spoke Saturday night at an awards event in Abuja, where she received the Women Icon Leader of the Year 2025 award from Accolade Dynamics Limited.

Dame Jonathan’s remark comes amidst recent suggestions that some powerful interests in the country, particularly from the North are planning to lure former President Goodluck Jonathan to join the 2027 presidential race.

The magazine reported that the incumbent, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has fallen out with some leaders from the region, who supported him in 2023, but are now shopping for his replacement, after accusing him of abandoning the region following his ascension to power.

But sources close to the former Nigerian leader informed the magazine that he has no intention to run for the highest office in 2027.

According to Dame Jonathan, she has been a friend to Remi Tinubu for years, and she would prefer that her husband spent the maximum eight years in office, saying it’s the turn of the Tinubu’s to rule the country.

Dame Jonathan: “I’m not running. I’m not going back to the Villa. If you call me, I will not go.

“Let my friend be there. Let me also ‘wahala’ her the way she used to ‘wahala’ me when I was there. “I believe in one president. I believe in turn-by-turn. When it’s your turn, I will support you. When it’s not your turn, step back – so that the country can move forward.”

The Jonathans left the Nigerian Presidency in 2015 after the former leader lost the election to Muhammadu Buhari in a keenly contested election.

Ondo: NNDP Gov Candidate, Edema Quits Party

By

Ayodele Oni

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May 11, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

After losing legal tussle to unseat Ondo state Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, governorship candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party, (NNPP) during last election, Gbenga Edema, has announced his resignation from the party.

Edema has earlier been disowned by the party for challenging the outcome of the Ondo governorship election in court.

His letter of resignation, addressed to

the Chairman, New Nigeria People’s Party Mahin Ward 11 Ilaje Local Government Area, was dated 9th May, 2025.

The letter reads “I wish to humbly inform you of my intention to resign my membership of the party forthwith.

“Since joining the party in June, 2024, the party has been characterised with internal wranglings and rancour that have stunted the growth of the party.

“This is not healthy for any serious-minded party that intends to win elections, which is the major objective of all political parties.

“Furthermore, the activities of the leadership of the party negates the ethos of political parties; which is to form Government at various levels.

“Since my over 35 years in active political party participation, I have never seen a political party with a leadership so treacherous to the extent of frustrating its candidate by withdrawing a legitimate case in court in favour of an opposing party against its candidate.

“It is apparent that the objective of the party is radically different from the above stated objectives of any serious-minded political party.

“From the foregoing, it is obvious that I am not on the same page with the leadership of the party as to what a party’s objectives and values should be.

“By this letter therefore, I hereby cease to be a member of the New Nigeria People’s Party with effect from today, 09th May, 2025. No doubt, lessons have been learnt.”

AMVCA 2025: Nollywood Shines Seven Doors, Lisabi Movies Win Big

By

Akinwale Kasali

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May 11, 2025

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By Akinwale Kasali

For three consecutive years, Femi Adebayo has won the Coveted Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards, AMVCA.

Year 2025 is no different as the son of the legendary actor Adebayo Salami, continued to horn his craft, and consistently written his name in the sands of time with his creativity.

He once again showed the mettle he is made of as his Movie, ‘Seven Doors’, carted home three awards in various categories.

Saturday, May 10, 2025, witnessed an event that attracted a galaxy of stars from across the continent, as the AMVCA held its 11th edition in celebrating the Africa make believe industry.

The night celebrated excellence in African film and television, bringing together the continent’s brightest stars and industry professionals.

As the evening progressed, winners across various categories are being announced, highlighting the remarkable talent and creativity within the African entertainment industry.

Lisabi: The Uprising produced by Lateef Adedimeji and his Wife, Adebimpe Adedimeji, was the toast of the night, alongside Adebayo’s Seven Door movie, as both movies went home with three awards each.

The movie, Suspicion, The Legend of the Vagabond Queen of Lagos, and Christmas in Lagos captivated audiences and judges alike, marking a year of bold narratives and technical brilliance.

Johnny Drille and Kunmie’s soulful performances set the tone, weaving emotion into an evening that honored 28 categories.

Below is the full list of winners

Best Movie

– Christmas in Lagos

– Farmer’s Bride

– Freedom Way – Winner

– House of Gaa

– Inkabi

– Lisabi

– Skeleton Coast

– Suspicion

Best Director

– House of Gaa

– Inkabi

– Seven Doors

– Skeleton Coast

– The Man Died -Winner

– The Weekend

Best Lead Actress

– Chioma Chukwuka (Seven Doors) — Winner

– Gbubemi Ejeye (Farmer’s Bride)

– Uzoamaka Onuoha (Agemo)

– Uche Montana (Thin Line)

– Uzoamaka Aniunoh (Phoenix Fury)

– Hilda Dokubo (Wives on Strike 3)

– Bimbo Ademoye (Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre)

Best Lead Actor

– Gideon Okeke (Tokunbo)

– Bucci Franklin (The Weekend)

– Femi Branch (House of Gaa)

– Thapelo Makoena (Skeleton Coast)

– Bimbo Manuel (Princess on a Hill)

– Stan Nze (Suspicion)

– Femi Adebayo (Seven Doors) — Winner

– Adedimeji Lateef (Lisabi: The Uprising)

Best Supporting Actress

– Meg Otanwa (Inside Life)

– Tina Mba (Suspicion)

– Ireti Doyle (All’s Fair in Love)

– Ini Dima-Okojie (Skeleton Coast)

– Mercy Aigbe (Farmer’s Bride) — Winner

– Omoni Oboli (Wives on Strike 3)

– Darasimi Nadi (Aburo).

Best Supporting Actor

– Gabriel Afolayan (Inside Life) — Winner

– Adedayo Adebowale (Lisabi)

– Aliu Gafar (Seven Doors)

– Femi Jacobs (Freedom Way)

– RMD (Christmas in Lagos)

– Uzor Arukwe (Suspicion)

– Mike Afolarin (House of Gaa)

Best Cinematography

– Agemo

– Inkabi

– Lisabi (The Uprising)

– Skeleton Coast

– Soft Love

– The Legend of The Vagabond Queen Of Lagos — Winner

– Yen Ara Asaase Ni

Best Digital Content Creator

– We Listen We don’t Judge (Bible Edition) — Winner

Best Editing

– Inkabi (Tongai Furusa) — Winner

– Christmas in Lagos (Martini Akande)

– Skeleton Coast (Jordan Koen)

– Soft Love (Holmes Awa, Paballo Modingoane)

– Lisabi: The Uprising (Anthill Studios)

– Princess on a Hill (Laughter Ephraim, Peter Ugbede)

Best Costume Design

– Aníkúlápó (The Rise of the Scepter)

– Christmas in Lagos — Winner

– House of Gaa

– Lisabi

Best Makeup

– Aníkúlápó (The Rise of the Scepter)

– Inside Life

– Farmer’s Bride

– Lisabi (The Uprising) — Winner

– Seven Doors

– Suspicion

Best Documentary

– Mai DùnDún — Winner

– I Will Remember You

– On Your Own

– Walvis Tale

Best Series Scripted

– Cheta M

– Inside Life – Winner

– Princess on a Hill

– Roses & Ivy

– Seven Doors

Best Series Unscripted

– Ebuka Turns Up Africa

– Skillers: The Building Reality Show

– Style Magnate

– Take Me Home

– Wa Milele – Winner

Best Writing Movie

– A Ghetto Love Story

– Christmas in Lagos

– Freedom Way — Winner

– House of Gaa

– Skeleton Coast

– The Weekend

Best Writing TV Series

– Aníkúlápó (Rise of the Spectre)

– Cheta M

– Princess on a Hill

– Roses & Ivy

– Seven Doors

– Untying Kanti — Winner

Best Art Direction

– Aníkúlápó (Rise of the Spectre)

– Christmas in Lagos

– Farmer’s Bride

– Lisabi (The Uprising) — Winner

– Seven Doors

– The Man Died

Best Sound Design

– Beast of Two Worlds

– Freedom Way

– Inkabi

– Lisabi (The Uprising)

– Seven Doors

– Suspicion — Winner

Best Music/Score

– Freedom Way

– Inkabi

– Seven Doors — Winner

– Skeleton Coast

– Soft Love

Trailblazer Award

Kayode Kasum — Winner

Best Short Film

– Brukaci — Winner

– Sukari

– The Incredible Sensational Fiancée of Seyi Ajayi

– What Are You Truly Afraid Of?

Best Unscripted M-Net Original

– Husband Material

– Nigerian Idol (Season 9) — Winner

– Overall Best

– Pastor Wants a Wife

Best Indigenous Language (East Africa)

– The Caller

– Empty Grave

– Makosa ni Yangu — Winner

– Sabotage

– Wa Milele (Forever?)

Best Indigenous Language (South Africa)

– Walvis Tale

– The Vow

– Mwizukanji — Winner

– Man of Gold

– Lukas

Best Indigenous M-Net Original

– Zi M Uzo — Winner

Best Scripted M-Net Original

– Uriri

– All Mine

– My Fairytale Wedding — Winner

– Italo

– The Caller

– Kam U Stay

Lifetime Awards

Nkem Owoh

Sani Mu’azu

Best MultiChoice Talent Factory

– Gone

– Everything Light Touches – Winner

– The Immersive Alarm

– Deadbeat

– Nwananga

– Rivals in Time

“Itsekiris Are Yoruba” – Alaafin Of Oyo, As Warri Chiefs, Others Pay Homage To Monarch

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Akinwale Kasali

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May 11, 2025

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By Akinwale Kasali

His Imperial Majesty, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade 1, the Alaafin of Oyo has declared that Itsekiris are Yoruba.

He disclosed that Itsekiris are Yorubas for being the Children of Oduduwa.

The Monarch made this statement during the visit of Royal Warri Chiefs and other Itsekiri leaders to the Alaafin in the ancient Oyo town, which royal pedigree was established around 1100 AD.

At the palace, a prominent and veteran journalist, Adewale Adeoye, introduced the delegation led by the Iyasere of Warri Kingdom, Chief Johnson Amatsereuleghe who later introduced other members of the delegation

Those in the entourage were the Egogo Iwere of Warri Kingdom, Chief Barr. Robinson Ariyo, the Ogwa or Warri Kingdom, Chief Roland Oritseajafor, the Omotamudieyi of Warri Kingdom, Chief Omotolubi Newuwumi and Prince Benson Onuwaje, the Chief Executive Officer, Emirate Logistics whose outfit recently won the Best Security Company in Nigeria Award, conferred on it by the Nigerian Human Rights Community, NHRC, a coalition of 130 Civil Society Groups across the 36 states of the Federation.

Speaking at the meeting, Iyasere said he brought fraternal greetings from the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse 11 and the entire people of Warri Kingdom.

He described the visit as historic and a deliberate attempt to strengthen the bridge of collaboration and solidarity between Itsekiri and the Yoruba people who are of the same ancestry.

He praised the Alaafin for his demonstration of qualitative leadership within the shortest time of his emergence.

The Iyasere said the visit was to congratulate the Alaafin on his new leadership role in Yorubaland and across the world.

He said the Alaafin has come at the right time in history adding that the people are waiting for him to heal the wounds and scars of the past by uniting all children of Oduduwa for peace and prosperity of the people.

He said the Itsekiri in Delta State have suffered political and economic marginalisation dating to decades and that the people have endured so many repression and exclusion that needed to be addressed.

“There is no ambiguity about our Yoruba origin. This is a fact we know. It is evident in our location in Delta, in out language, our culture and the folklore handed over by our forefathers.”

Responding, the Alaafin thanked the delegation for remembering to visit the home and the land of their ancestors.

He said “We are bound by blood. What affects you affects the entire Yoruba people. We have the same history, shared fears and aspirations. We need to work together as one people driven by the same history and destiny,” Oba Owoade told the Warri Chiefs.

Alaafin said apart from the history he knew as a King, he stated that he had the added advantage of having his National Youth Service, NYSC in Warri Kingdom during which he had first hand information on the culture, heritage and aspirations of Itsekiri land.

The Alaafin said the Yoruba and Itsekiri need to work together adding that what affects Itsekiri also affects the entire Yoruba people.

“We have the same ancestry, history, shared fears and aspirations. We need to work together as one people driven by the same origin and destiny” Oba Owoade told the Warri Chiefs.

Others at the entourage were Secretary, Warri South Local Government, Emmanuel Nunu, Chairman, Warri indigenous Peoples Movement, Hon Kingsley Tenumah Afere and the Secretary, Monoyo Edon, former Director of Protocol to the Delta State Government, Hon Godwin Abigor, former Councillor, Warri North Local Government, Hon Appearance Afejuku and Itsekiri Community leader, Hon Dere Jarekpe.

Succession Dispute Rocks Ekiti Judiciary Over Appointment Of New CJ

By

Ayodele Oni

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May 11, 2025

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Biodun Oyebanji and Justice Lekan Ogunmoye

By Ayodele Oni

Succession crisis is rocking Ekiti State Judiciary as the State is set to appoint another substantive Chief Judge to succeed late Justice Oyewale Adeyeye who died in 2024.

After his death, Justice Lekan Ogunmoye was appointed in acting capacity pending the appointment of a new one.

The State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, according to reports, has forwarded the name of Justice Ogunmoye to the National Judicial Service Commission, (NJC) for confirmation as the Chief Judge.

The decision has, however, led to protest by one of the most senior Judges in the State Judiciary, Justice Jide Aladejana, who saw the action of the Governor as a slight.

Aladejana, in a statement, insists that

his exclusion from the shortlist of nominees forwarded to the NJC for appointment as the next Chief Judge of Ekiti State contravenes judicial seniority convention, and also echoes a painful chapter of past injustice that saw him suspended from office for 16 years.

Justice Aladejana was suspended in 2006 following his alleged involvement in the controversial impeachment of former Governor Ayodele Fayose.

The NJC at the time, recommended his retirement, but the Ekiti State Government neither implemented the recommendation nor replaced him permanently.

Instead, the government continued to appeal for his reinstatement until it was approved in 2023.

“I was eventually reinstated after 16 years, during which the State government continued to treat me as a member of the judiciary.

“They sent me abroad for studies, appointed me to chair a judicial commission of inquiry on chieftaincy matters, and later made me Chairman of the Ekiti State Independent Electoral Commission.”

Justice Aladejana decried what he described as a “worrisome outcome” after the Ekiti State Judicial Service Commission (JSC) forwarded names to the NJC based on the preference of Governor Biodun Oyebanji.

According to him, the governor’s choice of Justice Lekan Ogunmoye, who was appointed to the bench nearly 12 years after him, raises constitutional and ethical questions.

He maintained that the state’s justification for his exclusion — that he was posted to Court 3 while Justice Ogunmoye sits in Court 2 — is “unconstitutional, against convention and common sense.”

He argued further that courtroom assignment is merely an administrative matter and not a determinant of judicial seniority.

“The Ekiti State government’s position that I am junior because I resumed in Court 3 is both misleading and unjust. It is shocking that after enduring 16 years of suspension based on a disputed NJC recommendation, I am once again being sidelined — this time from my rightful place in the hierarchy.”