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- June 16, 2025
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Monarch Petitions IG Over Threat to Destroy Community
Monarch Petitions IG Over Threat to Destroy Community
Fidelis David in Akure
The traditional ruler of Ifetuntun in Ife South Local Government Area of Osun State, Oba Taofeeq Osunmakinde, has petitioned the Inspector General of Police (IG), Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, over alleged threat to destroy the community.
The monarch, who spoke with journalists in Akure, the Ondo State capital, at the weekend urged the IG to investigate and apprehend the perpetrators of unrest stemming from the ongoing border dispute between Ife and Ijebu over the 30-mile land area known as Ifetuntun.
He said: “We are appealing to the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun. We have submitted petitions with evidence to his office, as well as to the Osun State and federal governments, to come to our aid. We are law-abiding citizens and cannot take the law into our own hands. We seek justice and government intervention.”
The monarch alleged that some top government officials are threatening to level Ifetuntun, noting that armed hoodlums are beginning to take control of the community while Amotekun, “acting on behalf of the commissioner, is victimizing law-abiding citizens.”
He also claimed that a group of hoodlums had been harassing residents along the federal road connecting Ife South to Ijebu West. He said the hoodlums have been extorting money from passersby, claiming to be acting on behalf of the state government.
The Obawure of Ifetuntun explained the history of the community, claiming that Ifetuntun has existed for a long time as a government-reserved area where he served as a chief known as ‘Baale’.
Oba Osunmakinde recounted that in 2001, during President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration, a conflict erupted between the settlers of Ifetuntun and the Ijebu, prompting federal government intervention. He said the office of the Surveyor General of the Federation demarcated the borders, allowing both communities to coexist peacefully until now.
Also, the traditional ruler noted that between 2008 and 2009, a chieftaincy inquiry in Osun State included Ifetuntun, affirming its status as a town. He said he was crowned as monarch in 2010 by the late Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuade, and the then Governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, presented him with a certificate and staff of office.
He noted that while Ifetuntun had existed before 2010, this recognition of the throne solidified their peaceful way of life, which has persisted since.
The monarch highlighted that Ifetuntun has experienced the rule of nine military and civilian administrations without significant conflict or disarray in the community.
Similarly, he recounted that in 2016, they faced their first attack led by a forest guard from the Ministry of Natural Resources. According to him, they hired thugs who burned houses and caused damage estimated at ₦2 billion.
The monarch said several arrests were made while the principal suspects disappeared, and the matter was eventually settled out of court through intervention from the Ooni of Ife and the former Governor Rauf Aregbesola’s administration.
Fidelis David in Akure The traditional ruler of Ifetuntun in Ife South Local Government Area of Osun State, Oba Taofeeq Osunmakinde, has petitioned the Inspector General of Police (IG), Mr. Kayode
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- June 16, 2025
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Nigeria can’t move forward with tribal voting over competence – Peter Obi
The 2023 Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, Peter Obi, has issued a stern warning that Nigeria will keep facing failed leadership if citizens continue to vote along tribal lines rather than based on competence and capacity. Obi stated that where competence, capacity, character and compassion are non-existent, there is no magic one can
Nigeria can’t move forward with tribal voting over competence – Peter Obi
The 2023 Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, Peter Obi, has issued a stern warning that Nigeria will keep facing failed leadership if citizens continue to vote along tribal lines rather than based on competence and capacity.
Obi stated that where competence, capacity, character and compassion are non-existent, there is no magic one can do to improve the leadership of any nation.
In a post on his official X handle on Monday, the former Anambra State governor, noted that Nigerians have seen what leadership without these qualities has done to the country.
“Leadership of a nation is such that it’s either succeeding or failing, none can be hidden. There are critical areas of leadership that must exist for a nation to move forward, and these are summed up in four Cs: Competence, Capacity, Character and Compassion. Where these four are non-existent, there is no magic you can do.
“It’s in this line that I have always maintained that we must move away from voting based on tribe and religion, and begin to vote for people with competence, capacity, character, and compassion, because we have all seen, painfully, what leadership without these qualities has done to our country,” Obi’s post read.
Speaking further, Obi stressed that Nigeria today needs a leader who understands the issues, who has the knowledge, experience, and clear ideas to solve them.
“Competence because Nigeria today needs a leader who understands the issues, who has the knowledge, experience, and clear ideas to solve them. Capacity because it is not a ceremonial position; it requires strength, stamina, and the mental energy to confront our complex challenges.
“And above all, leadership must be rooted in character and integrity because without “integrity, public trust collapses, corruption thrives, and selfishness takes over. But perhaps most importantly, we need compassion, because when a leader lacks compassion, human lives are treated as statistics, and suffering is ignored.”
Nigeria can’t move forward with tribal voting over competence – Peter Obi
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- June 16, 2025
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Tehran cardinal calls for dialogue as Iran-Israel tensions escalate
As hostilities between Iran and Israel continue to escalate, Cardinal Dominique Joseph Mathieu, Archbishop of Tehran-Ispahan of the Latins, has issued a call for restraint and renewed dialogue, warning against the increasing reliance on pre-emptive military action. Cardinal Mathieu, in a statement shared with AsiaNews, expressed deep concern over the recent wave of violence, which
Tehran cardinal calls for dialogue as Iran-Israel tensions escalate
As hostilities between Iran and Israel continue to escalate, Cardinal Dominique Joseph Mathieu, Archbishop of Tehran-Ispahan of the Latins, has issued a call for restraint and renewed dialogue, warning against the increasing reliance on pre-emptive military action.
Cardinal Mathieu, in a statement shared with AsiaNews, expressed deep concern over the recent wave of violence, which has included Israeli airstrikes targeting Iranian military and nuclear facilities, and Iran’s retaliatory drone attacks.
“It is with regret that we observe in these last few hours, once again, that peace is sought through preventive attacks instead of committing to dialogue around the negotiating table,” the cardinal said.
The Cardinal’s appeal comes in the aftermath of Operation Rising Lion, an Israeli military campaign that targeted senior Iranian military leaders and nuclear infrastructure.
Iran responded with a barrage of over 100 drones targeting Israeli territory, deepening fears of a broader regional conflict.
“We pray that peace through dialogue based on a consensus will prevail. May the Holy Spirit guide this process,” Cardinal Mathieu added.
The Archbishop also voiced concern over the stalled nuclear talks between the United States and Iran, scheduled to take place in Oman. Tehran recently announced it would not participate in the sixth round of negotiations.
Mathieu, who was appointed by Pope Francis and elevated to the College of Cardinals, has long advocated for peace and interfaith cooperation.
Despite Iran’s Christian community making up a small fraction of the population, around 22,000 Catholics within a nation of more than 84 million, he pointed out their enduring presence and mission.
“The Church remains a sign of openness and fraternity,” he said, recalling Pope Francis’ efforts to promote interreligious dialogue, including meetings with Shiite leaders in Qom.
“At times, doors may seem closed, but there are still people who remain connected, who pray even in front of those doors,” the Cardinal noted, stating the spiritual dimension of peacebuilding.
Cardinal Mathieu concluded by urging continued efforts to build bridges across religious and cultural divides, stating that “many things cannot be resolved except through prayer.”
Tehran cardinal calls for dialogue as Iran-Israel tensions escalate
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- June 16, 2025
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Ex-CBN Gov Emefiele arraigned over unlawful possession of 753 duplexes, N4bn
The Federal Government on Monday formally arraigned former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Godwin Ifeanyi Emefiele, on charges of unlawful possession of 753 housing units in Abuja and various sums of money amounting to over four billion naira in a Zenith Bank account. He was docked on 8-count charges, which the ex-CBN
Ex-CBN Gov Emefiele arraigned over unlawful possession of 753 duplexes, N4bn
The Federal Government on Monday formally arraigned former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Godwin Ifeanyi Emefiele, on charges of unlawful possession of 753 housing units in Abuja and various sums of money amounting to over four billion naira in a Zenith Bank account.
He was docked on 8-count charges, which the ex-CBN Governor vehemently denied.
Among others, Emefiele was accused of unlawfully having in his control properties at Plot 109, Cadastral Zone C09, Lokogoma District, Abuja, spanning 150,462.86 square meters and containing 753 housing units.
He was, along with one Eric Ocheme (said to be at large), accused of having in his unlawful control a sum of N76.3M in bank account number 1016232915 at Zenith Bank.
In a separate count, the former Governor of CBN was alleged to have had control of N2.9B in the same account and another N1.9B suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities.
Emefiele, however, pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
Ex-CBN Gov Emefiele arraigned over unlawful possession of 753 duplexes, N4bn
- Hot News
- June 16, 2025
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19-Year-Old Nigerian Innovator Wins Top Prize at WE Innovate
19-Year-Old Nigerian Innovator Wins Top Prize at WE Innovate
Raheem Akingbolu
At just 19 years old, Nigerian-born innovator, Ifeoluwa Afolayan, a Master’s student in Design Engineering at Imperial College London and the Royal College of Arts, has emerged as one of the first-prize winners at WE Innovate, Imperial College London’s flagship pre-accelerator programme supporting women-led ventures. Her team was awarded €15,000 to further develop their innovative agricultural initiative, which aims to transform farming practices and contribute to a sustainable planet.
The solution, Aeropod (by Muju Earth) is a capsule designed to aerate and enrich soil that activates in response to heavy rain, helping to provide a climate-proof alternative to intensive farming methods.
Ifeoluwa, founder of Aeropod, alongside her talented team members — Yuchen Cai, Alex Clark, and Ocean Hu — pitched their groundbreaking project at WE Innovate. The programme supports the next generation of women entrepreneurs by helping them develop new businesses through masterclasses, business coaching, expert support, and peer mentoring.
The team’s winning concept garnered widespread acclaim for its potential to enhance crop resilience against climate change, reduce environmental impact, and empower local farmers with innovative technology— while promoting environmental sustainability. The success at WE Innovate marks a significant milestone in their journey to make a tangible difference in the United Kingdom, Nigeria, and globally.
“I’m incredibly honoured to be part of WE Innovate and to win first prize,” said Afolayan. “This initiative has the power to revolutionise agriculture in Nigeria, helping farmers adapt to climate change and ensuring food security for future generations. Our goal is to create solutions that not only transform farming but also help save our planet from the adverse effects of climate change.”
Afolayan and her team plan to partner with a Nigerian firm to expand their initiative, leveraging the €15,000 grant and mentorship support from WE Innovate to scale their impact across the region. Their project aims to introduce climate-resilient farming techniques, innovative crop management systems, and sustainable resource use to Nigerian farmers.
Afolayan believes that collaboration with Nigerian industry partners will accelerate the deployment of their solutions, creating new opportunities for local farmers and contributing to Nigeria’s efforts in achieving sustainable agricultural development.
“This achievement is a testament to the power of innovation and resilience. Our project aims to transform agriculture in Nigeria, making it more sustainable and climate-proof. We believe that with the right support and partnerships, we can create lasting change that benefits farmers and helps safeguard our planet for future generations,” Afolayan stated.
Aeropod (by Muju Earth), a soil regeneration startup from Imperial College London, and Dainty Grace, an innovative lingerie startup from Queen’s University Belfast (QUB), each won first prizes of £15,000 in the WE Innovate 2025 Grand Final.
Raheem Akingbolu At just 19 years old, Nigerian-born innovator, Ifeoluwa Afolayan, a Master’s student in Design Engineering at Imperial College London and the Royal College of Arts, has emerged as
- Biz & Economy
- June 16, 2025
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FCCPC summons Air Peace over unrefunded tickets on cancelled flights
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has summoned the management of Air Peace Limited over numerous complaints from passengers nationwide regarding unrefunded ticket fares, even in cases where…
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- June 16, 2025
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Ijaghala belongs to Gbaramatu, not Itsekiri – Gbenekama declares
There’s palpable tension in Delta State as the Gbaramatu-Ijaws on Monday, sent a warning to the Itsekiris not to trespass and claim ownership of Ijaghala Community and other lands belonging to them (Gbaramatu-Ijaw) to avoid crisis. They said they will not fold their hands and watch anyone come, invade and claim Ijaghala Community and their
Ijaghala belongs to Gbaramatu, not Itsekiri – Gbenekama declares
There’s palpable tension in Delta State as the Gbaramatu-Ijaws on Monday, sent a warning to the Itsekiris not to trespass and claim ownership of Ijaghala Community and other lands belonging to them (Gbaramatu-Ijaw) to avoid crisis.
They said they will not fold their hands and watch anyone come, invade and claim Ijaghala Community and their lands because they are peaceful and law-abiding.
Spokesman of Gbaramatu Kingdom, High Chief Godspower Gbenekama, handed down the warning to the Itsekiri people at a press conference held at Ijaghala Community town hall today.
Gbenekama insisted that the Itsekiris are customary tenants to the Gbaramatu people, just as he maintained that they should not for any reason(s) trespass and claim ownership of Ijaghala Community to avoid any form of crisis.
This is coming as the Itsekiris, a few days ago, in a “Save Our Soul” message sent to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, and the relevant security agencies, said there’s tension in the riverine communities—especially Ijaghala, Kantu, Obodo, Omadino, Ugborodo, and other Itsekiri communities—following an alleged threat issued to their people by former leader of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), High Chief (Dr.) Oweizide Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, and the Ijaws of Gbaramatu Kingdom. The Itsekiris have been claiming ownership of Ijaghala Community, a riverine settlement.
However, the leadership of Ijaghala Community, at the press conference, said they are part of Gbaramatu Kingdom and not Ugborodo Community, as claimed by the Itsekiri people, just as they pledged their allegiance to the Pere of Gbaramatu Kingdom, HRM Aketekpe Agadagba II, Oboro Gbaraun.
According to the leaders, “The general public, local government, federal government, and the international community should take note that Ijaghala (Zou-Ala Uba) Community in Gbaramatu Kingdom is an Ijaw community and is never, was never, and will never be part of the Itsekiri ethnic nationality.”
The Ijaghala Community leaders, which include the Tieyemienwei of Gbaramatu Kingdom, Chief Samuel Oritsegbubemi Eyengho; Mr. Sunday Akpa Fundlire Akpfundlire; Mr. Wilson Abeson; Youth President Remere; (Mrs.) Grace Remere Lukundritse Mofe; Mrs. Dolor Utseoritselaju; Mr. Ebi Jolomi; and Mrs. Mary D. Sangbajumi, spoke on behalf of their people.
They said, “This press conference is in tandem with our earlier publication made by Ijaghala elders about the history of Ijaghala people published (Sunday Vanguard Page 20, November 2, 2008).”
“Ijaghala used to be a fishing and palm wine tapping camp of Gbaramatu forebears before Egbegha was born and prior to the existence of Ugborodo. It has been called Zou-Ala Uba because of the distance from the entrance to other adjoining creeks and creeklets.
“Oweizibiri, the father of Egbegha, had earlier settled with other Ijaw indigenes in Amadino (Omadino) before he left his kinsmen to settle in Ikantu. After several years, Egbegha relocated from Ikantu to Oporoza, from where he moved to Zou-Ala Uba and lived permanently. Despite the fact that so many great men of Gbaramatu Kingdom had lived in Zou-Ala Uba and engaged in their natural occupations of fishing, hunting, and palm wine tapping, Egbegha’s permanent stay in Zou-Ala Uba made him known as the founder of the community. He died as an old man and was buried in Oporoza, the traditional headquarters of Gbaramatu Kingdom.
“After Egbegha had settled at his newfound community, he took a wife from Ugborodo by the name Erigbawewenimara, and the marriage produced two children, namely Egogo and Asako.
“While growing up, these children were more close to their Ugborodo mother, who spoke the Itsekiri dialect with them. In turn, Egogo also married Itsekiri women and brought them to Ijaghala (Zou-Ala Uba). Egogo, through his marriage, gave birth to a number of children who also spoke the Itsekiri dialect. This is how the Itsekiri dialect became spoken by some of the Ijaghala people, and thus the community became affiliated with the Itsekiri ethnic group.”
The Ijaghala Community leaders expressed dismay that some of the descendants of Egbegha and Egogo still engage in alienating their paternal ancestral Gbaramatu land to their maternal Ugborodo Community.
“We strongly condemn the attitudes of these persons, which have been causing problems among our kith and kin in Oporoza Community, Gbaramatu Kingdom, and the larger Ijaw nation.
“From the foregoing, we want to categorically state and inform the general public, local, state, and federal governments, and the international community that Ijaghala (Zou-Ala Uba) Community has an ancestral lineage with Gbaramatu Kingdom in Warri South West Local Government Area, Delta State, and will continue to affirm and remain in the traditional institution of Gbaramatu Kingdom.
“Finally, we hereby pledge our loyalty and allegiance to His Royal Majesty, Oboro Gbaram II (JP), Aketekpe Agadagba, the Pere of ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom.”
Ijaghala belongs to Gbaramatu, not Itsekiri – Gbenekama declares
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- June 16, 2025
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Birnin Kebbi fire: Gov Idris visits Kara Timber Market
The Kebbi State Government has released N50 million as relief support to timber merchants affected by last Sunday’s fire outbreak at the Kara Timber Market in Birnin Kebbi. Daily Post had earlier reported that the inferno, which occurred in the early hours of June 9, destroyed several shops and goods worth millions of naira. No
Birnin Kebbi fire: Gov Idris visits Kara Timber Market
The Kebbi State Government has released N50 million as relief support to timber merchants affected by last Sunday’s fire outbreak at the Kara Timber Market in Birnin Kebbi.
Daily Post had earlier reported that the inferno, which occurred in the early hours of June 9, destroyed several shops and goods worth millions of naira. No lives were lost, but at least nine traders were confirmed to have suffered significant losses, estimated at about N191.7 million.
During a visit to the scene of the incident on Sunday, Governor Nasir Idris also announced a personal donation of N10 million to support the victims.
Authorities said the government is assessing the full extent of the damage and may provide additional assistance to help affected traders resume their businesses.
Birnin Kebbi fire: Gov Idris visits Kara Timber Market
- Biz & Economy
- June 16, 2025
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FG conducts first-ever entrance exam into technical education Class 1 for 29,256 candidates in Nigeria
The Federal Government has conducted Nigeria’s first-ever National Common Entrance Examination into Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Class 1, with a total of 29,256 candidates participating nationwide across…
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- June 16, 2025
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Appeal Court Judgement: ‘Osun APC Aspirant is a False Alarmist’
Appeal Court Judgement: ‘Osun APC Aspirant is a False Alarmist’
Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo
The Spokesperson to the Osun State Governor, Mallam Olawale Rasheed has lambasted the Managing Director of National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Mr. Bola Oyebamiji, for pushing out false statement on the recent decision by the Appeal Court on the local governments issue, noting that no amount of misguided twist will change the legal reality of the sack of the officials.
Mallam Rasheed, in a statement, accused Mr Oyebamiji of a deliberate attempt to misled the public on a judgement that is clear forward, saying that contrary to the impression the Ikire-born politician tried to sell, the Appeal Court affirmed the judgement of the Federal High Court, Osogbo, on the sacked APC chairmen and councillors.
Mallam Rasheed lashed at Mr Oyebamiji for trying to capitalise on the ignorance of his party members to shore up his failing aspiration, dismissing him as a false alarmist out to heat up the polity with blatant falsehood and should be ignored by the public.
“It is shameful that someone who is aspiring to govern a state could stoop so low to misrepresent Friday’s decision of the Court of Appeal in order to cause confusion and possibly, create a crisis.”
“Contrary to his claim, the Court of Appeal did not revalidate the reinstatement of the court-sacked YES or NO officials. Rather, it affirmed their sack,” Mallam Rasheed noted.
“While the CTC of the judgement is still being awaited, excerpts from the judgement, which is already in the public space, clearly showed that the panel revalidated the nullification of the October 15, 2022 local governments election and the sack of the supposed beneficiaries. The faint reference to the sister appeal which the APC has been misrepresented, was to push home the court’s reason to deny the attempt to revive the already dismissed appeal.
“To show that Mr Oyebamiji lied, he should tell the whole world why his party filed the application to relist the appeal against the judgement in the suit filed by the Action Peoples Party (APP) which sacked the APC chairmen and councillors.
“As much as Mr Oyebamiji and his party can continue to lie about the reality of the sack of the YES or NO officials, the whole world already knows the truth and that is what matters.”
Mallam Rasheed who dismissed the claim that Osun Government will utilise Amotekun to usher elected local governments officials into office, said Governor Adeleke is a leader of due process who stuck with the law to get the local government crisis resolved.
“Amotekun was created for a purpose and that is for the security of the people. The Osun State Government under Senator Ademola Adeleke is not in the business of abusing state resources for political purposes.
“Governor Adeleke is committed to upholding due process to ensure that lawfully elected officials at the councils can assume office without any resort to violence,” the Spokesperson stated.
“This administration is committed to peace and stability, contrary to the intention of Mr Oyebamiji and his party, whose resort to violence claimed no fewer than eight lives, seven of which are PDP members. The state leadership will not give the likes of Mr Oyebamiji and his party the satisfaction of shedding more blood in their desperate bid to hijack power, and so, it will continue to solely rely on the law, one of which is the recent decision of the Court of Appeal, which affirmed the sack of the APC Chairmen and councillors.”
Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo The Spokesperson to the Osun State Governor, Mallam Olawale Rasheed has lambasted the Managing Director of National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Mr. Bola Oyebamiji, for pushing out
