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Adieu Uncle Paddy!

By
The Source
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0
Dr Paddy Njoku
Dr Paddy Njoku

 

By Emeka Ihedioha

 

A former Governor of Imo State, His Excellency, the Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, who was also a Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, pays a glowing, but emotional tribute to his beloved accomplished brother-in-law, Dr. (Amb) Paddy Njoku, who has just passed on.

 

We have lost our dear elder brother and first in-law, Amb. Sir (Dr) Paddy Kemdi Njoku, KSJI, KSS, a man whose life exemplified service, wisdom, humility, and devotion to humanity.

 

His passing on May 26th, 2026, leaves a profound void in our hearts and particularly in the Ihedioha family.

 

Uncle Paddy was not only our senior brother, but also a reliable source of counsel, strength, and encouragement.

 

Born on 28th August, 1950, Dr. P.K Njoku was an accomplished administrator, respected mediator, and devout Catholic, who served with integrity and distinction in both public and private capacities.

 

He was a pan Nigerian and distinguished himself admirably in several roles as University Administrator, Chairman of the Board of NECO; as President of the Institute of Chartered Mediators and Conciliators (ICMC), and Commissioner in the Imo State Judicial Service Commission, where he consistently demonstrated excellence, fairness, and dedication.

 

A mercurial wordsmith and multilingualist, Dr. P.K. Njoku was evidently active in several socio-cultural associations within and outside Nigeria.

 

He was a man of great resource and compassion.

 

Though this loss is painful, we are comforted by the lasting legacy he leaves behind, as we continue to pray for the eternal repose of his soul.

 

Ije Oma

 

Emeka Ihedioha, CON, KSC

Omenkeahuruanya

 

For the records, Dr Paddy Njoku was married to Emeka Ihedioha’s elder sister, Lady Onyekachi Njoku, who, sadly, passed-on  a few years ago.

Don Says State Police Long Overdue, Part Of Federalism

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Prof Olufemi Otubanjo

By Ayodele Oni

 

A Research Professor at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, (NIIA), has remarked that the proposed creation of state police, is a reform that is long overdue for Nigeria’s federal system.

 

Prof Olufemi Otubanjo made the position known on Friday,  during an exclusive interview on _Frontline_, a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese-Ijebu, Ogun State.

 

“State police is something that was long overdue. Long overdue because of the fact that it is a natural part of federalism to have state police and to have state control of the judiciary, and so on,” he said.

 

The comment follows the Senate’s passage on Wednesday of a constitutional amendment bill seeking to establish state police services across Nigeria.

 

The bill would also empower state governors to appoint Commissioners of Police for their states, subject to confirmation by State Houses of Assembly

 

Otubanjo argued that policing, judicial administration and correctional services are traditionally shared responsibilities in federal systems.

 

“It’s high time Nigeria has state police, because it is part of federalism. We are a federal system. Every federal system has division of labour.

 

“Just as we have the high court system at the state level, we have police at the state level. These are all state functions,” he said.

 

He lamented what he called excessive centralisation of powers at the centre, saying successive governments have “abused federalism” by holding on to functions that should be devolved.

 

“We have had this over-centralisation of the police to the point that a governor clearly does not have control of the commissioner under him,” he noted, citing a recent kidnapping in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

 

“The governor does not control the security situation. But the governor cannot tell the police to go there, not to talk of the military.”

 

The professor was of the view that state police would give governors and regional security outfits more flexibility to respond to crime.

 

 “Federal police has been known to stop other paramilitary organizations, they don’t have power to do what they are doing. The state police grants that power, for flexible operations,” he stated.

 

He acknowledged potential “rough edges” at the start, including jurisdictional conflicts and the risk of governors misusing the police against opponents.

 

“There will be over zealousness on the part of governors to use the police against their opponents,” he said.

 

But he expressed confidence those issues can be managed through legal safeguards and constitutional provisions.

 

“So all those things will be captured gradually in legal restrictions and constitutional provisions, and gradually we will get used to it. We have to start,” Otubanjo added.

 

“Under his proposed structure, state police would handle crimes within state jurisdictions and be accountable to the governor, while federal police would focus on interstate and national security matters.

 

“When the governor is the chief security officer of the state, he is the chief security both in name and in deed,” he said.

 

He cited the United States, Germany and India as examples of federal countries with decentralised policing.

 

“The U.S. has police, even for university… and if they cannot handle an issue, they will go to the metropolitan, to the city police,” he said.

 

Addressing fears of politicisation, Otubanjo said sincerity and professionalism must guide appointments and operations.

 

“That DPOs will not be determined by political party affiliation. So, gentlemen, sincerity and politics… must not be allowed to get into the system.

 

“Sincerity must be the essence of the system,” he said. He added that public scrutiny and social media would help check abuses.

 

Responding to callers who said insecurity had worsened under President Bola Tinubu, Otubanjo urged caution. “How do you know that insecurity is increasing?

 

“People in Nigeria talk. Have you done any research?… Whether it has increased or decreased is a different problem.

 

“State police is an idea whose time has long been overdue. It has come. And I think that gradually we will work out all the rough edges,” he concluded.

Nigeria Is Destination Point For Fleeing Insurgents – NIIA Don, Otubanjo

By
Ayodele Oni
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Prof Olufemi Otubanjo

By Ayodele Oni 

 

It has been observed that insurgents fleeing other African conflicts are exploiting Nigeria’s vast, poorly governed spaces to establish criminal operations. 

 

“There are many places that have no presence of government. So, everybody can walk in and take over for a couple of times. And then, of course, at the end of the day, if government intervenes, those people will run away.”

 

A Research Professor at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, (NIIA),  warned that Nigeria’s security crisis is being worsened by the internationalisation of terrorism, with armed groups displaced from conflicts across the Sahel and beyond now infiltrating the country.

 

Prof Olufemi Otubanjo spoke during an exclusive interview on _Frontline_, a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese-Ijebu, Ogun State, on Thursday, June 26, 2026.

 

Otubanjo pointed out that the threat had evolved beyond Boko Haram into a wider regional challenge involving cross-border armed networks.

 

“The problem is that insurgency has become so international. It used to be Boko Haram alone, but it looks like the insurgents are running away from different parts of the world, including Sudan. We are beginning to see Sudanese in Nigeria as bandits, coming to kidnap us.

 

Otubanjo also linked growing instability in the Sahel to climate change, citing desert encroachment, loss of farmland and collapsed livelihoods.

 

“We don’t know how much climate change is creating havoc in terms of population and livelihood. A lot of people have lost their homes.

 

 “They have lost their jobs because the sand dunes have taken over their villages and communities. They are taking over their farms. And they are moving down,” he said.

 

He cautioned against profiling all northern migrants as security threats, stressing that many are economic refugees fleeing hopelessness. 

 

“A lot of the northerners that we see in Lagos and we think that, oh, maybe they are terrorists, they are economic migrants. They are running away from hopelessness and joblessness in the north. Because there is no new investment,” he added.

 

While acknowledging persistent insecurity, Otubanjo said it would be wrong to claim the Federal Government is inactive.

 

“There is a challenge of security in Nigeria. No doubt about it. And we have not overcome it but, that is not to say that government is not doing what is necessary.

 

 “It’s a process. And the people, of course, are impatient. Yes, we don’t want to see kidnapping again. We don’t want to see bandits. But it doesn’t happen like that.

 

He said soldiers are making daily sacrifices in the fight, with many “paying the ultimate price.

 

“In summary, let me say that I’m not so sure I can vouch for Tinubu’s record on terrorism, but you know that they are not laying idle. And they are working. Soldiers are dying. And so we must give it to them and pray that they will do better and get us out of this mess,” Otubanjo said.

 

Dismissing claims that strained ties with military-led Sahel states are driving insecurity, he said Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso face their own insurgency battles and continue to cooperate with Nigeria through the Multinational Joint Task Force. “We have a multinational joint task force that’s supposed to cooperate among countries in the Sahel to fight insurgency. And it’s working,” he said.

 

*Nigeria’s diplomatic posture*

Despite the security challenges, Otubanjo described Nigeria’s foreign policy as a key strength, noting the country maintains “peaceful relations with almost everyone.”

 

“Nigeria is one of the greatest countries in the world in terms of having no enemies,” he said. On relations with Washington, he added: “There’s no enemy-state conflict. The United States is our friend. Even between wives and husbands, there’s a quarrel once in a while. It doesn’t mean they have enemies.

Six Nigerians In Côte d’Ivoire Detention Regain Freedom

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Bianca Ojukwu

By Ayodele Oni 

 

After eight months in foreign cell, the Federal Government has secured the release of six Nigerians who had been detained in the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire since October 2025 over alleged economic-related offences.

 

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the development in a statement issued on Friday by its spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, attributing the breakthrough to sustained diplomatic engagements by the Nigerian Embassy in Abidjan.

 

According to the ministry, four of the detainees regained their freedom on June 22, while the remaining two were released the following day after months of diplomatic and consular intervention with the relevant Ivorian authorities.

 

It explained that throughout the detention period, officials of the Nigerian Embassy maintained regular consular access to the detainees, monitored their welfare and held continuous discussions with Côte d’Ivoire’s Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Justice, alongside other relevant institutions, to facilitate their release.

 

The ministry commended Nigeria’s Ambassador to Côte d’Ivoire, Nwabiola Ezenwa, and members of the diplomatic mission for what it described as their professionalism, commitment and persistence in resolving the matter.

 

It also expressed appreciation to the Government of Côte d’Ivoire for its cooperation, noting that the cordial relationship between both countries contributed significantly to the successful outcome.

 

Reaffirming its commitment to Nigerians living abroad, the ministry said protecting the rights, welfare and dignity of citizens remains a key priority of Nigeria’s foreign policy.

 

It assured Nigerians overseas that the country’s diplomatic missions would continue to provide consular assistance and engage host governments through established diplomatic channels whenever the need arises.

 

The ministry further advised Nigerians residing or travelling abroad to obey the laws of their host countries and maintain regular contact with the nearest Nigerian embassy or high commission for necessary support

“We are on Course, Focused On The Task Ahead” – NDC Assures Nigerians

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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0
NDC Officials

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

 

The Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, has sued  for calm among members, supporters and the general public, insisting  that the party remain focused and on course.

 

This is as it assured that it has not been deregistered, and that all nominations made ahead of the 2027 general elections remain valid.

 

The party’s assurance is coming against the backdrop of the judgment delivered by a Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja on Friday, quashing earlier Court order compelling the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC to register NDC as a party.

 

The Court had, in December 2025, ordered the INEC to register  the NDC as a political party, with the electoral umpire complying accordingly.

 

However, while ruling on a motion filed by Peace Movement Party, PMP, in Lokoja, Kogi State capital, trial Judge Honourable Justice Isah Dashen while nullifying the earlier decision mandating INEC to register NDC, also ordered all parties to return to the status quo before December 2025.

 

But reacting to the judgment, the party, in a statement issued by its National Chairman Moses Cleopas Zuwoghe, while expressing shock and disbelief, informed that all efforts are underway to appeal and reverse the strange judgment.

 

The NDC said it is surprised that such a weighty judgment could be delivered based on a motion filed by an unregistered association, which is not known to it as a party.

 

The party emphasized that all the issues purportedly raised by the PMP at the Lokoja High had earlier been dealt with and decided by the court in December 2025.

 

The NDC similarly questioned the locus standi of the PMP to institute the case, being not a registered association, as well as not known to be seeking registration as political party.

 

The party condemned orchestrated attempts by some vested interests to seek to shrink the democratic space, through the suppression of opposition voices.

 

However, the party warned that it is rather too late for anyone under any guise to narrow and or derail the country’s democratic space.

Following is the full text of the NDC statement.

 

“Our attention has been drawn to a ruling by the Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja this morning, wherein His Lordship, Honourable Justice Isah Dashen, gave a ruling on an application filed by an unregistered association known as Peace Movement Party.

 

“The public knows that by December 2025, the Nigeria Democratic Congress  as an association complained of INEC’s refusal to register us as a political party, whereupon we proceeded to the Federal High Court. The Federal High Court upheld our constitutional right to freedom of association under the Constitution and compelled INEC to register us, which INEC did.

 

“Since then, we have started political activities, embarked on the registration of members, held congresses from ward to national levels, held conventions, and concluded primaries to all offices following INEC’s timetable. We have been fully participating in all INEC activities without let or hindrance.

 

“NDC also fielded candidates, and fully participated, in the just-concluded bye elections in Nasarawa and Enugu states.

 

“Candidates for the House of Assembly, House of Representatives, Senate, Governorship, Presidential, and Vice-Presidential positions have been duly nominated, and we are in the process of formally submitting them to INEC in accordance with INEC’s timetable.

 

“The association that filed the complaint is unknown to us. The Peace Movement Party (PMP) is not a registered political party in Nigeria. They claimed, in a motion (not even a substantive suit or appeal), that the court should set aside its earlier judgment on the purported ground that, in 2015, they had sought registration as a political party with the victory sign as their symbol and were denied.

 

“It is important to note that they are not an association applying for registration now under the exercise that started last year. They are also not a registered political party in Nigeria participating in the political process now, as we are.

 

“Furthermore, the court, having delivered a final judgment in our suit against INEC, had become functus officio. The court had also dealt with all related issues concerning associations claiming they wanted to use the same symbol and colours. The court, in its judgment, overruled INEC when those issues were raised, and there is no appeal against that judgment.

 

“Therefore, we are surprised that, on an application by an association claiming that it wanted to register as a political party with the victory sign in 2015, an association that is not a registered political party and is not seeking registration now to participate in the current political process, His Lordship came to the conclusion that they have locus standi, and furthermore, that he has jurisdiction to do what he did.

 

“Accordingly, we have been informed that His Lordship made an order setting aside the court’s earlier decision of December 2025.

 

“There was no order directing our deregistration. However, we are dissatisfied with the decision that has been made, and we have instructed our team of lawyers to immediately proceed to the Court of Appeal to challenge the jurisdiction and propriety of His Lordship’s order.

 

“We assure the general public, and particularly our candidates at all levels, that our party is on course. The NDC has not been deregistered, and we are challenging today’s order at the Court of Appeal as soon as possible. We have no doubt that justice will be done.

 

“We condemn efforts by those who seek to shrink the democratic space and stifle opposition voices and alternatives. Nigerians have a right to a full range of opinions, ideas, and alternatives, and political platforms and candidates should be allowed to participate in the 2027 general election process, which has already gone midway.

 

“It is too late for anyone to attempt to use the judiciary to derail or narrow Nigeria’s multi-party democratic space. If the said association (Peace Movement Party) were a party affected by the judgment on our initial suit, the only option open to it was to appeal the verdict, an option which it did not take. Even at that, the window open for such appeal has since closed and any such appeal by now has become statute-barred.

 

“To now try to upturn that verdict through the back door, via a motion, is not only unheard-of,  but also illegal and an outright abuse of court process.

 

“We thank Nigerians for their support, and we thank all our candidates, members and supporters for their confidence and trust in the party. We assure them that all nominations made remain valid, that our platform is strong and legal, and that justice will be served.

 

“Signed:

Sen. Moses Cleopas Zuwoghe

National Chairman, Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC)”

NDC Caucus Condemns Court Order Deregistering Party, Says It’s Coup Against Democracy 

By
James Orji
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0
Victor Ogene

The House of Representatives Caucus of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC has rejected and condemned Friday’s order by a federal High Court in Lokoja purporting to de-register the  party and strip it of legal recognition, describing the order as a judicial coup against democracy.

In a statement signed by the Caucus Leader, Afam Victor Ogene, it said the ruling is an assault on democracy and a calculated judicial harassment

” Nigerians have seen this script before. An earlier controversial judgment out of Abuja sought to de-register five political parties by fiat. But the Court of Appeal promptly reversed that recklessness, affirming that no court can extinguish a political party through judicial shortcuts. Many Nigerians believed at the time that such an ugly chapter was closed. Sadly, today’s ruling confirms a renewed campaign to suffocate opposition by other means,” the statement said.

“The Facts Are Indisputiable:

“The 90-day statutory window to challenge our party’s registration closed long ago. And strangely, INEC, the only constitutionally empowered body for party registration, was not the appellant in today’s curious judgment. A court can not sit in judgment over its own earlier judgment, and one in which the principal party in the matter, INEC itself, is not contesting.

“We consider this outrageous development as ‘Forum Shopping’. This was not an appeal. The matter was surreptitiously returned to the same court that earlier ordered INEC to register the NDC. That is not jurisprudence; rather, it is lawfare — the weaponization of the judiciary against political opponents.

“The timing apparently betrays the intent. The order was issued on the very day INEC was expected to open its portal and issue access codes for political parties to upload candidates for the 2027 elections. To target the NDC at the precise moment the electoral process entered this critical phase is not coincidental. It is calculated, deliberate, and despicable.

“We make bold to say that this Is all about 2027, not the law. And never justice.
“We hold the ruling APC directly responsible for this anti-democratic plot. The objective is clear: to muscle the opposition out of the 2027 elections and reduce Nigeria’s democracy to a coronation for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“We ask the APC: What are you afraid of?
“If you believe in your record, come to the ballot. Why are you afraid of competition? Why has the courtroom replaced the campaign trail?

“Let it be clear: Nigeria is not a one-party state. 2027 will not be a coronation.
“We will not yield. The NDC will not be de-registered by judicial decree. We will not be silenced. We will pursue this illegality through every available legal remedy, right up to the highest court in the land, the Supreme Court, if that is what is required to return to the path of sanity. We trust that the judiciary will rise above partisan pressure and deploy its liberating powers to defend the Constitution.

“If this order stands, it will trigger a major political crisis and destroy public confidence in the judiciary and INEC. That is a price Nigeria can not pay.

“To all NDC members across the country: Stay calm. Stay law-abiding. Stay resolute. The NDC was born in struggle. No court order can kill that resolve” the Caucus affirmed.

State Police: Peter Obi Calls For Halt Of Implementation, Fears  It Could Be Used To Manipulate 2027 Elections

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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0
Peter Obi
Mr Peter Obi

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

 

The Presidential Candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, in the 2027 General elections, Peter Obi,  has expressed serious reservation and fears over the possibility of the proposed State Police arrangement becoming a tool for the manipulation of the 2027 polls.

 

Obi commended the National Assembly for the passage of the State police Bill, and described the development as a commendable move towards tackling the worsening security challenges facing the country.

 

However, the former Anambra State Governor expressed misgivings over what  he termed a disorderly and cacophonous legislative process ahead of the laudable initiative.

 

In a statement shared on his official site on Friday, June 26, 2026 ,Obi ,the Labour Party, LP presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, noted that the arrangnment is in sinc with the yearnings and aspirations of the overwhelming majority of Nigerians, who had long kicked against the highly centralized nature of the country’s security architecture.

 

According to him, the new idea of decentralizing the Police Force remains the only feasible framework for the size, diversity and security realities of Nigeria.

 

However, Obi emphasized that while the proposed arrangement remains ideal, and represents a significant milestone in the bid to overcome insecurity, he expressed concern over the shaky nature of its implementation.

 

Particularly, the NDC Presidential candidate said the speed with which the National Assembly passed the State Police Bill without recourse to wider consultations, has raised pertinent questions and honest suspicion about the motives behind the plan.

 

“The rush to enact the law without proper legislative procedure fuels suspicion among many observers about the political motives behind it.

 

“The process should involve greater community participation. Policing should be more visible at the Local Government,and Community levels.

 

“The mechanism for passing the law appears highly disorganised, with no public hearing on such a sensitive issue”, Obi stated.

 

He expressed regret that such a sensitive piece of legislation could be passed without first addressing the possibility of abuse and misuse by supervising authorities.

 

Obi maintained that one of the teething challenges surrounding state police is not logistics, but the fear of possible abuse by state Governors.

 

“There is widespread, justifiable fear that State Police Forces could become instruments in the hands of Governors.

 

“The suspicion is that a state-controlled Police Force could be weaponised to suppress political rivals, disrupt opposition rallies and manipulate elections.

 

“For state policing to evolve from a risky political gamble Into a genuine security solution, the law must not only permit states to establish police forces, but also clearly provide for independent oversight bodies, such as state-level Police Service Commissions that are entirely free from executive influence, to ensure that policing.serves the public interest rather than the interests of the ruling elite.

 

“Going by what Nigerians have seen so far, there is no guarantee that this administration can resist the temptation to take advantage of state policing to influence the 2027 general elections by proxy”, the NDC presidential candidate added.

 

While reaffirming his support foy the project, Obi, however, called for the deferment of implementation of the process till after the 2027 polls.

Rejection Of NDC Abuja Reps. Ticket: “I Don’t Want To Be Part Of Irregularities” –  Aisha Yesufu

By
Ayodele Oni
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0

By Ayodele Oni

 

Activist Aisha Yesufu has revealed reasons for her refusal to obtain nomination form for the House of  Representatives under the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). She did not want to be part of “irregularities”, she disclosed.

 

According to her, she turned down an offer to contest for a seat in the House of Representatives because “About 20 people had picked up forms for the ticket and I was not going to be part of irregularities.”

 

She was speaking at a public lecture on citizens’ participation in governance at Veritas University in Abuja.

 

Yesufu stated that she rejected the ticket because about 20 people had already purchased nomination forms and were contesting for the position.

 

“I was not going to be part of that system even though it was going to benefit me,” she said.

 

She explained that accepting the ticket would have unfairly affected other aspirants who had spent money and effort pursuing the position.

 

“The reason I didn’t take it was because of the process. There were about 20 competent people from whom money had been collected during the process who would be shortchanged,” she stated.

 

Describing the arrangement as unfair, Yesufu said: “The process was unjust; in my view, it was criminal. If we claim to be guided by the law, then why should we do something unjust?”

 

She added that she would rather lose than benefit from an unfair political process.

 

“I have no problem with losing. I would rather stand with ordinary people than pursue titles and honours through an unfair process. That is how I have always lived my life,” she said.

 

She also urged young Nigerians to become more involved in politics, stressing that political participation should go beyond voting during elections.

 

National Leader of the NDC, Seriake Dickson, had revealed that he and the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, initially offered activist Aisha Yesufu a ticket to contest for the House of Representatives, but she declined.

 

Dickson made the disclosure during a stakeholders’ meeting of the party held in Abuja, amid ongoing internal disagreements within the party.

 

According to him, the offer was made as part of efforts to involve Yesufu in the party’s political structure, but she reportedly rejected it, saying she was “too big” for the position.

 

“AMAC/Bwari Federal Constituency was offered to Aisha. Dickson told her, ‘I can do this one for her. Even if there are people who have been asking, this one I can give to her unopposed.

 

“I will make sure she emerges unopposed. No need for primaries. It will be: this is who the party is going with, full stop. This is Peter Obi’s candidate. This is Seriake Dickson’s candidate, full stop.’

 

“Aisha declined. Apparently she is too big for the House of Representatives; she wants to start with the Senate.

 

“Even our presidential candidate, Peter Obi, told Aisha, ‘See, take this thing. If I am lying, Aisha should respond and tell me that I am lying.’ He told Aisha, ‘Take this thing. This is good for your career. This is good for your trajectory. You have not been in an elective office before.’

“Aisha said no.”

“Our March To New Nigeria Cannot Be Halted” – Peter Obi Media Office Reacts To Court Order On NDC

By
The Source
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0
Peter Obi
Mr Peter Obi

Peter Obi Media Reach. POMR has been bombarded with calls from the newsrooms and other concerned persons on the strange court ruling from a High Court in Lokoja, Kogi State. Below are our initial responses to inquiries pending legal views on it.

​”We have received the news of today’s bizarre ruling from the court in Lokoja regarding the legal status of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). While our

 legal teams are thoroughly reviewing the judgment to initiate immediate corrective and appellate measures,  our Principal urges all our supporters, coalition partners, and patriots nationwide to remain absolutely calm and focused.

 

​We always knew that the journey to dismantle a deeply entrenched and grossly underperforming political status quo would be met with fierce institutional resistance and unexpected legal detours.

 Today’s ruling is a hurdle, not a stop sign. Our commitment to providing a transparent, legitimate, and formidable alternative for Nigerians remains unshakeable. The platform we are building is robust, and our legal rights will be vigorously pursued. Do not be discouraged; the vehicle may face a temporary breakdown, but our destination remains non-negotiable.”

 

​

Gov. Aiyedatiwa Mourns Death Of Fmr. Commissioner, Akindele-Odunmbaku

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Olasinmi Akindele-Odunmbaku

By Ayodele Oni 

 

Kehinde Segun Alabi pays emotional tribute

 

Ondo State Governor,  Lucky  Aiyedatiwa, has expressed sadness over the passing of former Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Olasimi Akindele-Odunmbaku.

 

In a condolence message released by the Chief Press Secretary Ebenezer Adeniyan,Governor Aiyedatiwa described the late Mrs. Odumbaku as a committed public servant, a passionate advocate for women and children, and a shining example of selfless service to Ondo State.

 

The Governor noted that during her tenure as Commissioner, the late Odunmbaku worked tirelessly to advance the welfare of women, promote gender inclusion, and protect the rights of vulnerable children across the Sunshine State. 

 

“Her dedication to community development and grassroots mobilization left an indelible mark on the Ministry and the state in general.”

 

Governor Aiyedatiwa commiserated with the immediate family, friends, associates, and the entire political family of the deceased.

 

He particularly commiserated with her husband, Cardinal James Omolaja Odunmbaku (Baba Eto), who is a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC). 

 

He prayed that Almighty God will grant the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss and grant her soul eternal rest.

 

Death of the former Commissioner In Ondo State was announced by the family on Thursday.

 

Cause of her death was not known, but tribute on the Liberal Platform a group she belonged said she passed on in her sleep at the wee hours of Thursday 25 June 2026.

 

Oloye (Mrs.) Olasinmi Akindele-Odunmbaku was a prominent Nigerian politician and women’s rights advocate, who served as the Ondo State Commissioner for Women Affairs.

 

During her short active life, she participated in Nigerian politics, notably running for the Ondo North Senatorial District in 2019 and serving as the Deputy Governorship candidate for the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).

 

She was known for her active advocacy regarding the 35% affirmative action for women in Nigerian governance.

 

She was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, into the family of the late Prof  Olabode Akindele.

 

*A Tribute by Kehinde Segun Alabi*

 

“Sometimes I asked why we are being created.

 

“I didn’t expect to ask that question this week. But the sudden demise of Oloye Sinmi Odumbaku forces it out of me.

 

“Oloye Sinmi was a rare gem. She arrived with warmth, served with strength, and left rooms brighter than she found them. 

 

“Then she was gone. No warning. No final chapter. No chance to sit and say “I’ve done enough, let me enjoy the fruits.

 

“Yesterday, till 12am, she was still hale and healthy. Laughing. Planning. Hoping for another day, another meeting, another sunrise. _Bum!_ The unbooked Uber driver called Death beckoned unannounced. No notification. No “ride arriving in 2 minutes. 

 

“It pulled up, opened the door, and took her away without letting her say goodbye to the ones she loved most.

 

“And that’s where the question starts.

If we can’t choose when we leave, can we really say we chose to come?

 

“We don’t book our birth dates. No one fills a form to arrive on a Tuesday in June. We are thrust into life — into families, into struggles, into purpose we didn’t apply for. 

 

“Yet we spend years planning departure as if we control it. Retirement plans. 5-year goals. ‘When I turn 60, I’ll rest.’

 

“Oloye Sinmi was healthy at noon. By evening, the room was silent. Her passing whispers back: _What if 60 never comes?_ What if the fruit ripens after the farmer is gone? What if the “see you later” becomes the last word?

Then what’s the essence of working hard?

 

“If we cannot determine how long we stay, why burn midnight oil? Why build legacies, raise children, serve communities, plant trees whose shade we may never sit under?

 

“Maybe we’ve been asking the wrong question.We ask “What’s the point if I might not reap it?”

 

“But Oloye Sinmi answers with her life: The point was never just the reaping. The point was the planting.”

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