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Ondo Catholic Diocese Condemns Demolition Of Owo Memorial Park

By
Ayodele Oni
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Demolition of Owo Parks
Demolition Of Owo Memorial Park

By Ayodele Oni

The Catholic Diocese of Ondo has declared that it was not carried along in the process of demolition of the Memorial Park in honour of victims of June 5, terrorists attack at Saint Francis Catholic Church, Owo.

Reacting through a statement on Wednesday to the demolition, which has attracted condemnation, the Church maintained that efforts to reach out to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa before the demolition was rebuffed.

The statement, signed by the Bishop of the diocese, Most Rev. Jude Arogundade

stated that: “Immediately we heard of the demolition, the Diocese wrote a letter to His Excellency, the Governor of Ondo State, seeking an official audience to understand the reasons behind the demolition of the Memorial Park and to seek clarification about its future.

“As of this statement, over 72 hours have passed, and no reply has been received from the Governor’s office.”

On the position of the Church, it added that “There is no doubt that the demolition is a violation of our common respect for the dignity of life and the memory we share of our 41 brothers and sisters who were unjustly killed.

“The Catholic Diocese of Ondo unequivocally condemns and finds unacceptable the sudden and unannounced demolition of the Memorial Park in Owo.

“This site, established by the State Government, served as a neutral and communal space for remembrance, reflection, and communal healing after the June 5, 2022 terrorist attack. Its demolition seems to have renewed the pain of everyone who was affected by the attack, and justifiably so.

“We recall that when protests arose last year regarding the site, the Diocese issued a statement making it clear that the space was a Memorial Park and not a graveyard.

“In the letter, the misunderstanding by those who thought it was a burial ground, especially due to its proximity to the Palace, was addressed openly, and an appeal was made for understanding and mutual respect.

According to the Church: “The site was legitimately acquired and developed by the State Government and publicly designated as a Memorial Park for honouring the victims.

“It was commissioned and blessed by the State Government and the Church respectively. The faithful and the general public were shocked and deeply saddened that the State Government, in collaboration with the Olowo chose to demolish the site without any prior notice, consultation, or official dialogue with the Church.”

It demanded an official explanation from the state government on the future of the park, whether it will be relocated to another site.

Demolition Of Memorial Park: Late Akeredolu’s Widow, Betty, Weeps, Accuses Olowo Of Hypocrisy

By
Ayodele Oni
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Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu

By Ayodele Oni

Dr. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, widow of the late Ondo State Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, was in Owo, country home of late husband on Wednesday, during which she expressed  sorrow and outrage over the recent demolition of a symbolic monument built in memory of victims of the 2022 St. Francis Catholic Church attack.

In a video posted to her official Facebook page, a visibly distraught Mrs. Akeredolu broke down in tears, condemning what she described as an orchestrated attempt to “rubbish” her husband’s legacy — allegedly spearheaded by the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III and supported by political actors in the State.

“Today, 25/6/25, I was at Aketi’s Mausoleum in Owo. AKETI LIVES ON,” she began, before launching into a powerful rebuke of what she sees as political betrayal and cultural hypocrisy.

Betty Akeredolu recounted the efforts of her late husband to honour the memory of the victims of terrorists attack, calling the demolished structure a “symbolic monument” and not a cemetery, contrary to claims made by critics.

“Nobody, no corpse was buried in that place. It was symbolic,” she emphasized, questioning the motives behind the demolition and expressing disbelief at how a community her husband deeply loved could allow such a dishonor to his memory.

She also directed criticism at the Olowo of Owo, who she claimed was installed by her husband, accusing him of hypocrisy.

“He sleeps with the dead — all the Olowos of Owo, where were they buried? Were they not buried in that place he’s living in? Look at the hypocrisy.

“I promise you, so long as I live, they will not succeed. They will not rubbish you. Aketi lives on!” she vowed.

Atiku Not Target, Adamawa  Clarifies On New Emirates/Chiefdoms Laws

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Atiku Abubakar

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Adamawa State Government on Wednesday June 25, 2025, insisted that neither Atiku Abubakar  nor any other person was  targeted by the new policy on Emirate/Chiefdom titles in the State.

The Source reports that not a few watchers of events in the North East State were  jolted  by the news that the former Vice President has been stripped  of his much cherished ” Waziri Adamawa title by the authorities on Tuesday June 24.

The Government in a circular directed Traditional Rulers in the State to exclude/remove kingmakers ,title holders ,and other traditional council members who are not indigenes of such Emirates or Chiefdoms from decision making positions

Abubakar, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Presidential Candidate in the 2023 General Elections, who hails from Jada, in Ganye Emirate Council of the State, was installed as the 7th Waziri Adamawa by the Lamido of Adamawa in 2018.

For many years ,he held the title of “Turakin Adamawa before he was upgraded to that of Waziri.

The Government directives were contained in circular dated June 20 , 2025 and  signed by the Permanent  Secretary of the Department of Chieftaincy Affairs, Adama Felicity Mamman.

“Following the creation of new Chiefdoms in the State by the Executive Governor of Adamawa State, Rt Hon. Ahmadu Umar Fintiri, I am directed to inform you that all Kingmakers and Council members in the State must be indigenes of their Chiefdoms ,e.g all Kingmakers and Council members of Adamawa Emirate must be indigenes of Yola South ,Yola North ,Girei  Mayo-Belwa ,Song and Zumo Districts ,while those of Mubi Emirate Council must be indigenes of Mubi South and Mubi North ,Vis-a-vis all Emirates/Traditional Councils in the State .

“However, those appointed, or conferred with only Traditional titles are to maintain their status regardless of their Local Government of origin.

“With the content of this Circular all Kingmakers and Council members who are not indigenes of the Chiefdoms have been relieved of their appointments”, part of the Circular reads.

However, the directives have since raised considerable dusts with not a few commentators impugning political motives ,as well as the policy being targeted at some people, including Atiku Abubakar, himself a one time Governor of Adamawa State.

But reacting to the growing insinuations suggesting ulterior motives, the State Commissioner for Information, Iliya James on Wednesday noted that the policy reforms are aimed at ensuring that Emirates and Chiefdoms handle their internal affairs without outsiders coming to dictate to them.

According to him, traditional institutions in the State should be self-governing without taking directives from some powerful forces outside their domains

“When you have Kingmakers for a Kingdom coming from outside the Kingdom to decide who becomes King, for example, you could, one day, have the King from outside the Kingdom”, the Commissioner noted

While maintaining that the new policy wasnot targeted at any one, he emphasized that the law does not affect traditional title holders ,but Council Members who are responsible for taking, sometimes, far-reaching decisions on issues concerning the Emirates/Chiefdoms.

According to James,many prominent people, apart from Atiku Abubakar, were affected by the policy in view of the creation of new Seven Chiefdoms and Emirates in 2024 by the State Government.

“So, it is not an issue that concerns only the former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. Besides Atiku, many other prominent Council Members of Adamawa Emirate hail from outside by virtue of the creation of seven new Chiefdoms and Emirates last year”, the Information Commissioner noted.

World Drug Day: NDLEA Says Too Many Underage Exposed To Drugs

By
Ayodele Oni
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NDLEA Officials

By Ayodele Oni

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Oyo State Command, has lamented that some children from age nine now take to drugs.

The agency also disclosed that about four to five out of 10 undergraduates are into drugs.

The State NDLEA Commander, Olayinke Joe-Fadile, disclosed this in Ibadan on Wednesday during the command’s rally in commemoration of the 2025 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

The day, also known as World Drug Day, is marked every June 26 to strengthen action and cooperation in achieving a world free of drug abuse.

The theme of the 2025 celebration is “The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention, Break the Circle”.

According to Joe-Fadile, the menace of drug abuse is getting more worrisome as statistics have shown that younger people are getting exposed to drug use and offences.

“We are intensifying efforts on our campaigns across primary and secondary schools, including tertiary institutions in the state, because the demography of people using drugs is getting lower by the day.

“We now can see children from age nine upward taking drugs. The statistics are also showing us that about four to five out of 10 undergraduates are into drugs,” he said.

The NDLEA boss pointed out that the 2025 campaign highlights the need for coordinated long-term action to break the cycle of organised crime and drug trafficking.

This, he said, could be achieved by addressing root causes, investing in prevention, and building stronger health, education, and social systems.

He noted that the command had, in the last few months, arrested 150 persons for drug-related offences and burnt about 11 tons of different kinds of seized illicit substances.

Joe-Fadile cautioned that drug users could have their internal organs destroyed, leading to a slow and painful death.

He warned that the NDLEA would not relent in its efforts to ensure that manufacturers, producers, and sellers of illicit drugs in Oyo State face the full wrath of the law.

“We believe that every day is for the thieves, but one day is for the owner. NDLEA will soon knock at the doors of drug peddlers to pick them for prosecution and necessary legal trials.

He said that most traditional leaders in the state had been inducted as NDLEA ambassadors to carry out campaigns against drug abuse among their constituents.

“We have also discovered that many people respect and listen to religious leaders, hence we are collaborating with them, using their platforms to reach out to many people.”

PDP Seeks President Tinubu’s Intervention In Osun LG Crisis

By
Ayodele Oni
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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

By Ayodele Oni

The  Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in Osun State has maintained that only an intervention by President Bola Tinubu would end the crisis at the Local Government Councils in the State.

State Chairman of the party, Sunday Bisi, who spoke in Osogbo on Wednesday, also blamed the root cause of the crisis on former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola.

According to him, the lingering Local Government Council crisis in the State is a manifestation of the booby trap set for Governor Ademola Adeleke by his predecessor, Gboyega Oyetola.

He stated that Oyetola conducted Council Poll after he lost re-election in 2022, which was the foundation for the logjam being witnessed at the third tier of government in the state.

Bisi argued that Oyetola ought not to have conducted the Local Government Election

because the Electoral Act required a notice period of 360 days before the conduct of any Local Government Election in the country.

He bemoaned that Oyetola, the current Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, only gave a 60-day notice on August 15, 2022, thus violating legal procedures.

Insisting that the ongoing crisis at the Local Government Councils is a deliberate ploy orchestrated by Oyetola to make Osun ungovernable for Adeleke and to stoke violence, the PDP boss said the result of the illegal council poll is the political tension currently ravaging Osun, particularly at the local government level.

“It was after the defeat of Adegboyega Oyetola as Osun governor that he deemed it fit to conduct local government elections, despite being in government for 12 years.

“The entire system of local government administration was left moribund until then, and the election he conducted was nothing but a booby trap for the PDP.

“Following the announcement of the election, the PDP, Action Peoples Party, APP, and other political parties challenged the process in court. We approached the Federal High Court and the court upheld our position, declaring the election invalid.”

He noted that despite the legal clarity, confusion had persisted over which judgment should be recognised.

“The CTC (Certified True Copy) came out in black and white. You don’t have to be a judge to interprete that judgment. Even the APC cannot point to any part of the ruling that favours their prayers.

“All the Appeal Court judgments are valid, and if anyone is dissatisfied, the proper thing is to approach the Supreme Court.

“The political tension arising from attempts by the APC to retake control of local councils led to violent clashes. The resultant chaos as a result of taking over the local government led to the death of our members and even one of their member.

He therefore called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently intervene in the ongoing political impasse at the local government, by directing all parties involved to abide by the rule of law.

Benue, Kano Govts Demand Justice Over Persons Killed By Gunmen

By
Ayodele Oni
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Nuhu Ribadu and Governor Abba Yusuf

By Ayodele Oni

Benue and Kano State Governments have condemned the killing of two persons who were Indigenes of Kano by gunmen at Agan settlement in Makurdi, the Benue Capital.

The killing has sparked outrage and palpable tension in Kano.

The deceased, identified as Jamilu Ahmad and Barhana Suleiman, were  travelling through Makurdi before the incident on Monday evening.

The deceased were sons of Ibrahim Khalil, a Kano-based Islamic scholar. They were buried at the Gudu cemetery in Abuja on Tuesday.

Their Islamic funeral prayer (Janazah), which took place at the national mosque in Abuja, was attended by Nuhu Ribadu, National Security Adviser (NSA), and Abba Yusuf, Governor of Kano.

Hyacinth Alia, the Governor of Benue state, in a statement issued by Tersoo Kula, his Chief Press Secretary, described the murder as “barbaric and unacceptable”, ordering that perpetrators be arrested.

Alia said his administration would not allow criminal elements to tarnish the image of the state. The Benue governor sympathized with the Kano governor over the loss.

“Benue people are known for their hospitality and peaceful disposition. We cannot allow some criminal elements to tarnish our image and create a contrary image for our people.

“These criminals must be fished out immediately and made to face the full wrath of the law.”

In his reaction,  Governor Yusuf said that the Kano Government will work towards ensuring that those who killed Suleiman and Ahmad are arrested.

The Governor said the victims are innocent citizens “whose only crime was exercising their constitutional right to live and work in any part of Nigeria.

“This Government will not rest until justice is served,” Yusuf was quoted in a statement released by Bature Dawakin Tofa, his spokesperson.

“We call for calm and restraint as we work closely with security agencies at all levels and the Benue State Government to bring the murderers to justice.

“Nigeria belongs to all of us. Every citizen has the right to live, move, and thrive in any part of this country without fear of discrimination or violence.”

Last Friday, 12 people were killed after a mob set ablaze a bus packed with wedding guests who were travelling from Zaria, Kaduna, to Quan Pan LGA in Plateau.

The wedding guests reportedly lost their way before they were ambushed by a mob in Mangun.

Some Kano travelers were few months ago ambushed at Uromi, in Edo state and killed by some members of the state Vigilante that mistaken them for Fulani terrorists.

Super Eagles 1994 Squad Get Houses In Abuja

By
Ayodele Oni
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Evans Ikoku niece - receiving allocation paper from the ministry
Evans Ikoku's Niece, receiving allocation paper from the ministry.

By Ayodele Oni

After 31 years when hope seems dashed, the Federal Government has finally fulfilled its three-decade-old promise of house allocations to members of the 1994 Super Eagles squad that won the Africa Cup of Nations in Tunisia.

This was disclosed in a statement posted on the Ministry’s website on Wednesday.

One of the beneficiaries, former striker Efan Ekoku, was presented with an allocation letter for a house in Abuja.

He was represented at the brief ceremony by his niece, Lisa Jenifer Nwagbogun.

The Director and Head of Department, Public Building and Housing Development, Pemi Temitope, presented the letter on behalf of the Minister of Housing and Urban Development

Temitope described the move as part of the government’s commitment to rewarding the patriotic service of the team, which brought honour to the nation three decades ago.

Nwagbogun said, “I am deeply grateful to the Federal Government and the Ministry of Housing for fulfilling this long-standing pledge to my uncle. It is truly heartening to witness such commitment to integrity and follow-through.

“This gesture not only honours Mr. Efan Ekoku’s service but also restores faith in the value of public promises being kept.”

It will be recalled that former President Muhammadu Buhari approved the implementation of the 1994 housing pledge in 2022, 28 years after it was first made.

Housing units are being allocated to members of the team in various states, while some, like Ekoku, are receiving theirs in Abuja.

Terrorists Attack Military Base In Niger State, 17 Soldiers Killed, Nigerian Army Mourns

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Soliders on Duty

By Ayodele Oni

The Nigerian Army has announced that it suffered heavy casualties from an attack by heavily armed group of terrorists, estimated to number about 300, operating out of Kwanar, Dutse Forest.

So far, the Military confirmed that 17 soldiers were killed during the deadly ambush on a Military Base in Bangi  located in the Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State.

The confirmation comes a day after reports broke out online about the surprise attack, which reportedly claimed the lives of, at least, 20 troops and left several others wounded.

In a statement released Wednesday by Lt. Col. Appolonia Anele, Acting Director of Army Public Relations, the Military said that the attack was carried out by a heavily armed group of terrorists, estimated to number about 300, operating out of Kwanar Dutse Forest.

“Based on credible intelligence, troops engaged the terrorists in a fierce three-hour gun battle, successfully disrupting their movement toward Kwatankoro Forest where they were believed to be planning coordinated attacks or seeking refuge from ongoing operations in Zamfara State,” the statement read.

The Army further disclosed that the Nigerian Air Force conducted precision airstrikes on the terrorists’ escape routes, inflicting heavy casualties.

While the exact number of enemy fighters killed remains unclear, Anele noted that “multiple blood trails along their escape routes presumably indicate significant enemy losses.

“Regrettably, 17 brave and gallant soldiers paid the supreme price during the encounter, while ten others sustained varying degrees of injury.

“The wounded have been evacuated to a military medical facility and are currently in stable condition,” the Army spokesperson added.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Oluwafemi Oluyede, extended condolences to the families of the fallen heroes, lauding their sacrifice in the defence of the nation. He also directed that the best possible medical care be provided to the injured soldiers.

Outrage As NYSC Punishes Corper Who Called Tinubu Terrible President Over Hardship In Nigeria

By
Adesina Soyooye
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NYSC Corps Rita Member and Bola Tinubu

By Adesina Soyooye

Outrage has greeted the news that the Leadership of the  National Youth Service Corp has punished a Youth Corp Member who cried out over the difficulties she was going through in order to survive the high cost of living.

Recall that the Youth Corper,  Miss Rita Ushie, entered national consciousness  when, in a viral video, she  complained about the economic hardship and called  President Bola Tinubu a “Terrible President” Her action triggered same complaints from other youths.

The move by the NYSC leadership to harass Miss Ushie for her “impudence” was halted when Civil Society Groups and not a few Lawyers  backed her and dared NYSC. High profile Nigerians, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and two-term Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, also weighed in and condemned what they saw as a suppression of one’s opinion.

Just when everybody thought it was over; the NYSC has hit.

A month to the passing out ceremony, the Miss Ushie has been slammed with a two-month extention to her service year.

A Tuesday report by SaharaReporters revealed that a disciplinary panel at the Iyana Ipaja NYSC orientation camp in Lagos summoned her on June 18 where she was informed that her service year had been extended by two months.

Not a few Nigerians are asking why, and are preparing to challenge the unacceptable extension.

LP Reps Decry Demolition Of Obi Family’s Property By Lagos Govt, Attack On His Business Interests

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Peter Obi at the demolished building site
Peter Obi at the demolished building site

The Labour Party Caucus in the House of Representatives has condemned the controversial demolition of a property belonging to the family of the Presidential candidate of the LP,  Peter Obi, by suspected government agents in Lagos state, describing the development as deeply disturbing.

Read: Lagos Demolishes Peter Obi’s Brother’s Property, LP Leader Laments Persecution

The caucus urged the Lagos State Government, and the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC administration to ensure that no harm comes to  Peter Obi or his business interests, in the discharge of his role as a key opposition figure.

The demolition was reportedly carried out following a court order obtained under unclear circumstances. Neither the property owners nor any other party was said to be aware of the order, as it was not issued in anyone’s name.

The LP representatives condemned the apparent misuse of the judiciary, stating that it undermines democratic principles and has no place in a civilized society. They noted that the act sends a disturbing signal: if a prominent figure can be treated with such lawlessness, ordinary citizens who are supposed to be protected by the law are even more vulnerable.

The lawmakers, speaking through their leader, Afam Victor Ogene, in a statement in Awka, Anambra State, noted that the development aligns with the recent alarm raised by Obi about a covert attack on him and his businesses, on account of his courage in contesting the last presidential election and consistency in highlighting the nation’s widespread hardship and increasing level of insecurity.

Hon. Ogene stressed that partisan politics shouldn’t breed anguish, pain, or sorrow to anyone. He emphasized that politics should be free from bitterness and actions that harm others physically, economically, or psychologically, particularly when the goal is to serve the people’s interests.

“Our leader and candidate is a staunch democrat, consistently advocating for transparency, integrity, and nation-building globally. His actions on national issues have been guided by robust patriotism and a commitment to peace.

“Peter Obi’s unwavering empathy for the downtrodden and suffering masses has earned him widespread admiration across ethnic, religious, and party lines.

“Therefore, his and his family’s legitimate economic and social investments should be protected, just like those of every law-abiding citizen, and not ruined by undemocratic forces driven by partisan politics and bitterness.”

Obi had in response to the incident said: “Any society where lawlessness overrides the rule of law is not destined to be a haven for investors. Recent reports showing that Nigeria’s human rights indicators have worsened merely highlight severe shortfalls in government protection for civil liberties, personal security, and basic living standards.

“I know what I have been going through as a person in abuse of my human rights just because I contested a Presidential election which I have legitimate rights to do. So I imagine what small business owners, regular citizens, and vulnerable communities face every day. If this level of lawlessness can happen to someone with a registered company and legitimate means, what hope does the ordinary Nigerian have?”

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