Kelechi Iheanacho: Coming in From the Cold

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September 20, 2025
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After an unprecedented career-low in which tying down a regular shirt at Spanish La Liga side, Sevilla, became almost impossible, Kelechi Iheanacho was eventually declared surplus to requirement, which culminated in his being shipped to English second tier side, Middlesbrough. Even at that, playing time was something very rare for the Nigerian at the Riverside Stadium. With no top European club interested in the signature of the former Leicester City forward, the Super Eagle decided to pitch tent with former coach, Rogers Brendan at Celtic, for a career revival. It, however, remains to be seen if Iheanacho would come out redeemed at the Paradise, Kunle Adewale writes

even months after an initial loan deal to Glasgow failed, embattled Super Eagles forward, Kelechi Iheanacho signed for Scottish giants, Celtic on a free after agreeing to a termination of his contract with Spanish La Liga side, Sevilla, aiming to make up for lost time at Parkhead.

Iheanacho could not have wished for a better debut for Scottish champions, Celtic when he came off the bench to net a stoppage time winner.

Iheanacho, a free agent signing after his contract was terminated by Spanish side Sevilla, came off the bench with 20 minutes left on the clock, before he put away a stoppage time penalty for Celtic to beat home team Kilmarnock 2-1.

The Nigerian international showed a glimpse of what he could bring to Celtic this season by holding his nerve to convert a 96th-minute penalty away at Kilmarnock on his debut. His goal sparked jubilant scenes in the away end as he went into the Chadwick Stand to embrace the fans.

Iheanacho had worked with Celtic manager, Brendan Rodgers previously at Leicester City, and the 28-year-old forward is delighted to link up with his boss once again.

“We don’t need to talk about that now,” Iheanacho said, when asked about what happened in the winter. “We just need to put that aside and move on to the future. Of course, I always wanted to come to Celtic. It’s a massive club, and obviously, I know the manager as well. It didn’t work at that time, but now I think it’s the right time.

“He (Rodgers) knows me really well, and he can bring the best out of me as well. I think coming here is really good for me as well, to play under him, to play in this great club. I’ll give my best for the club.”

Iheanacho revelled in leaving a positive first impression with the Celtic support. He had only been on the pitch for 25 minutes when the visitors won a last-gasp penalty at Rugby Park, and the ex-Manchester City man knew the importance of converting it.

“It was a massive feeling,” continued Iheanacho. “Everyone was happy, and I could see how happy the fans were and how they felt when they jumped on the pitch. It was a massive win.

“The captain (Callum McGregor) asked if I wanted to take it, and I said, ‘Yes’. So, he said I could take it. This is the moment that you have to celebrate with the fans because it’s a massive win, a massive three points. I thought it deserved to be celebrated.

“It’s massive, really massive, for me. It’s a great opportunity for me here to come to this club and try to make that impact. Going forward, I think it will give me the confidence to show my quality for the club.”

Rodgers says he’s expecting even more from Iheanacho. He was delighted to see the debutant get off the mark with spot-kick and Rodgers is backing his former Leicester City player to make even more of an impact for Parkhead side in big games.

The Northern Irishman predicted that the Nigerian will continue to prove himself to be a big game player after his late penalty claimed a dramatic 2-1 win for Celtic at Rugby Park.

The Nigerian international was signed after the transfer window closed due to being released by Sevilla. Despite struggling to make an impact at Middlesbrough and in Spain lately, Rodgers feels the forward, who he worked with at Leicester, can be a huge hit at Parkhead.

“I was really pleased for Kels,” Rodgers said, “I think the last penalty he took was, for me, at Wembley, when we beat Manchester City in the Community Shield, and he stuck that one away.

“I think that’s a big moment for him, with the supporters and everything.

‘He’s got big moments in him, and once he gets fitter, he’s only going to get better.

“Our penalty taker was off the pitch. Benji (Nygren) wanted it, but my message was for Kels (to take it). I know the confidence he brings and I also know what a goal will do for him.

“I’m delighted for him and for the team because it’s been a long couple of weeks. It’s a big win for us.”

However, Iheanacho’s goal last weekend was his first in over six months as he only found the back of the net once in his time at Middlesbrough after he joined Michael Carrick’s side on loan in February.

Before that, he didn’t find the back of the net in nine league appearances for Sevilla. Reflecting on the criticism he faced at that time, the former Manchester City attacker mentioned it’s a part of the job.

“As a football player, you get this (criticism) all the time,” he said in quotes revealed by Gazette UK.

“When it’s not going really well, you just need to be strong; you don’t need to lose your mind. It’s a professional game, so you need to just focus and keep doing the work. When it clicks, you just keep going and get there.”

Before joining Middlesbrough in February, the Nigerian forward was linked with a move to Celtic. Still, concerns over his weight were raised, a topic that had also been a constant talking point during his time at Boro, where many fans believed he arrived on Teesside looking out of shape.

The striker has come out to clarify, admitting that while people may have their concerns, he’s in top physical condition. “If you really watch the game, you can see I’m making runs to get the ball. I’m really fit, I’m ready to go for the season.

“Am I ready to play 90 minutes? Of course, you’ll see. If you watch the team, you know that there are a lot of qualities in the team, a lot of great players as well.

“Getting to know the boys, getting to train with them a lot, I think I’ve learned a lot in the last few days,” Iheanacho concluded.

How well Celtic and indeed Brendan is able to revive Iheanacho’s dwindling career remains to be seen and he continues to sing redemption song.

The post Kelechi Iheanacho: Coming in From the Cold appeared first on THISDAYLIVE.

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Fubara: Peace Cheaper Than War, Urges Rivers People to Unite

*Says six-month emergency rule left state with hard lessons

*Appeals to political leaders, Assembly to bury hatchet*Promises renewed focus on governance, projects, inclusiveness

*Declares he’ll never take Tinubu’s kindness for granted

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

Governor Siminalayi Fubara yesterday called on the people of Rivers State to embrace unity and reconciliation, stressing that peace, no matter how costly, remains cheaper than war.
Reflecting on the six months of emergency rule that followed a bitter political crisis in the State, the Governor in a State broadcast in Port Harcourt on resumption of office after his six months suspension, admitted that the period was fraught with difficulties but offered valuable lessons.

He expressed deep gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his decisive intervention, which according to him, restored democratic governance and stability, vowing never to take the President’s kindness and sincerity for granted.
Tinubu had announced the emergency rule on March 18, 2025, following an irreconcilable political crisis between the executive and legislative arms.

The President, to ensure a continuous activity in the State, had appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd) as a Sole Administrator. However, on September 17, 2025, the President announced an end of the emergency rule and reinstated the suspended Governor, his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, and members of the State House of Assembly, led by Martins Amaewhule, directing them to continue their democratic functions in the State.

Following the lifting of the emergency, Rivers people in their thousands had stormed the Government House gate, in their various joyful displays seeking to hear from the Governor, but on Thursday, the Governor was yet to arrive Port Harcourt, and they were disappointed.
But despite the disappointment they felt on Thursday, indigenes and residents of Rivers trooped out in their thousands again yesterday, to welcome Governor Fubara at the domestic wing of the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa.

At about 12:19pm, Fubara, who was accompanied by his deputy, his wife, Valerie Fubara and Chief of Staff, Edison Ehie, touched down at the Airport in a private aircraft. He greeted his supporters and some of the statesmen who were at the Airport to welcome him.
THISDAY, present at the airport, also observed that the Governor went outside the premises of the VIP wing, to greet the Rivers people who were at the venue to cheer him up.
Arriving at the Government House, the Governor was received by security chiefs in the State, where, while addressing the press, he assured his continuous bond with the people of Rivers State.

Meanwhile, during his broadcast about 6 pm yesterday, the Governor, who narrated how he and other democratic officers of the state were suspended, appreciated Tinubu for restoring peace in the State.
“However, nothing has been irretrievably lost; there remains ample opportunity for necessary adjustments, continued reconciliation, and inclusiveness. We must all remember the saying, ‘the costliest peace is cheaper than the cheapest war,” Fubara said.

He pointed out that in the past six months, the State had been in serious challenge.
He recalled that, “Rivers State was placed under a six-month emergency rule, declared by Mr. President, His Excellency President Bola Tinubu, on March 18, 2025, following the intense political crisis in our State. It is without doubt that the last six months had been enormously challenging for our dear State under the emergency rule”.
Fubara said he adhered to the state of emergency declared by the President, because he was convinced that no sacrifice was too great to secure peace, stability, and progress in Rivers State.

According to him “This was why I also resisted the pressure to challenge the constitutionality of the declaration of a state of emergency, the suspension of democratic institutions, and all other actions that we endured during this difficult period.

“In the course of the six months, Mr. President graciously brokered the peace process with all the parties. Our Leader, His Excellency, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly and I, as your Governor, have all accepted to bury the hatchet and embrace peace and reconciliation in the best interest of our dear Rivers State”.
He said the parties believe the political crisis was now a thing of the past, noting that peace and stability have once again returned to the State, though not without the hard lessons learnt from the emergency rule.

“The responsibility now rests squarely on us: The government, the State House of Assembly, political leaders and stakeholders to put aside our differences, work for the common good, and advance the interests of our people above all else. We have a duty to ensure that the peace we have all embraced remains permanent in our dear Rivers State.
“On behalf of the Government and the good people of Rivers State, I extend our heartfelt gratitude to Mr. President for his fatherly disposition and decisive interventions in resolving the political crisis and for graciously restoring full democratic governance to our State.

“Personally, I will never take Mr. President’s kindness for granted, and for that, I hereby reaffirm my utmost loyalty and eternal gratitude,” he added.

To those who have expressed genuine fears, frustrations, and uncertainty over the nature of the peace process, the Governor assured them that their concerns were valid and understood.

The Governor, however, called everyone in the state to “embrace this moment as a fresh beginning. Let us work together with renewed hope and determination to build a stronger, more peaceful and prosperous Rivers State. I assure you that we will continuously work towards ensuring that we carry everyone along.”

He said, despite the setback, he recalled milestones his administration had achieved in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and other key sectors over the last two years.

He noted, “Our immediate responsibility is to return to the path of governance and development by completing the projects which we started by ensuring none of them is starved of funds or neglected, thereby reviving our economy, protecting lives and property, and improving the well-being of all Rivers people.”

He further assured to work harmoniously with the Rivers State House of Assembly to recover lost grounds and accelerate the social and economic advancement of the State, pledging to serve with the fear of God, humility, and a high sense of duty.

Commending the people of Rivers State for their resilient, patience, courage, and peaceful conduct during the period of the emergency rule, Fubara expressed “I also extend appreciation to all stakeholders, religious leaders, traditional rulers, civil society groups, political actors, women groups, youths, concerned citizens at home and abroad, and well-wishers whose prayers and support sustained us through the challenging period.

“Above all, let us draw strength from our shared identity as Rivers people. Our diversity is our greatest asset, and our unity the strongest guarantee of our future. We must rise above bitterness and division and channel our energies into rebuilding trust, fostering inclusiveness, and securing a peaceful and prosperous State for all”.

Describing Wike, as the Leader in the State, the Governor thanked him for committing to the prompt resolution of the political impasse in the State.

Fubara, called on all citizens of Rivers State, regardless of political, religious, or ethnic affiliation, to join hands in rebuilding the State and securing a future of dignity and progress for everyone.

The post Fubara: Peace Cheaper Than War, Urges Rivers People to Unite appeared first on THISDAYLIVE.

*Says six-month emergency rule left state with hard lessons *Appeals to political leaders, Assembly to bury hatchet*Promises renewed focus on governance, projects, inclusiveness *Declares he’ll never take Tinubu’s kindness for
The post Fubara: Peace Cheaper Than War, Urges Rivers People to Unite appeared first on THISDAYLIVE.

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All Set for Ladoja’s Coronation as 44th Olubadan

Kemi Olaitan

The ancient city of Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, is in a fecund mood for the coronation of the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba (Senator) Rasidi Ladoja.
For any visitor entering the city, it would not be difficult to know that a grand event is in the offing, no thanks to large billboards placed in strategic places by prominent indigenes and politicians from the city congratulating the former governor on his ascension to the throne of his forefathers. Also, varieties of Aso Ebi have been bought to mark the historic occasion.

Indeed, the organisers which comprise of two committees with one set up by the state government and the other by the umbrella body of Ibadan indigenes, the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) have unveiled a comprehensive eight-day timeline of events stretching from Monday, September 22 to Saturday, October 4, that reflects the spiritual depth and cultural richness of the traditional heritage of Ibadanland.
The celebrations will begin with a special inter-religious prayer session at the Olubadan Palace, Oke Aremo, while later in the day, the cultural spotlight shines on the command performance of ARUSA, a stage play dramatising the lineage and legacy of Ibadan kingship.

On Tuesday, the heartbeat of the city will echo through music, dance, and artistry during a special coronation cultural fiesta at the Olubadan Stadium to be followed on Wednesday with the first Coronation Lecture expected to contextualise the significance of the Olubadan throne within Yoruba and African history and to be delivered by renowned historian Prof. Toyin Falola at the International Conference Centre (ICC), University of Ibadan.
The fourth day (Kabiyesi’s Birthday) will begin with a special birthday Islamic prayer session at the Olubadan House, Oke Aremo, at 11:00 a.m., followed by a mega praise and worship concert – a celebration of faith and festivity.

The centrepiece of the historic celebrations unfolds on day five – Coronation day – at Mapo Hall, where the former governor will officially be crowned the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland and is expected to draw dignitaries, traditional rulers, and political leaders from across Nigeria and beyond with a grand reception following at the historic Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, promising pageantry and cultural splendor.

Other activities lined up include a Christian Thanksgiving service on Day Six at The Cathedral Church of The Ascension, New Bodija, Ibadan, followed by a civic reception at Ibadan Civic Centre; special Jumat service at the Central Mosque, Oja’ba on Day Seven expected to bring the Muslim community together in thanksgiving prayers for the new Olubadan and will be rounded up with a traditional thanksgiving Isese ceremony at Osemeji, Oja’ba on Saturday, October 4, to pay homage to the deep-rooted customs and ancestral heritage of the ancient city.

The stool of Olubadan, which is the supreme leadership position in Ibadan, was founded in the 19th century and characterised by a unique merit-based rotational succession system rather than hereditary rule, which alternates between the civil (Otun) and military (Balogun) chieftaincy lines.
This system ensures experienced, seasoned leaders from any social class ascend through the chieftaincy ladder to the Olubadan title, symbolizing Ibadan’s cultural unity, continuity, and rich traditions as the paramount ruler.
What is important, however, is that when an Olubadan dies, a vacancy is filled by the most senior chief from the next line in the rotational order.

While the unique rotational succession system has been lauded by people of other towns most especially in Yorubaland, however in the last few years, it has been dodged with controversies. The first controversy reared its head during the administration of late Governor Abiola Ajimobi who elevated members of the Olubadan-in-Council to monarchs with crown, an action which was kicked against by the then Olubadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji and the Olubadan-designate who was then Osi Olubadan of Ibadanland, took the late governor to court.

The controversy was to continue under the administration of the incumbent Governor Seyi Makinde, who reinvented the same law and re-crowned the monarchs. Oba Ladoja, now a lone voice with the death of Oba Adetunji, stood away again.

Speaking on the controversy, the former Governor said, “I only want to adorn one crown and that is the Olubadan crown. My journey on the Olubadan line is not about politics. It is a matter of tradition, identity, and service.”

Oba Ladoja maintained that the chieftaincy system of the ancient city must not be politicised or commercialised. “Ibadan does not need multiple kings,” he noted, insisting that the hierarchical order that allows a Mogaji to one day become Olubadan is one of the city’s most democratic and egalitarian legacies.

The state government at the coronation of the late 43rd Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, on July 12, 2024, was to publish a gazette of the new law, mandating it for all Ibadan High Chiefs to accept obaship before their eventual promotion.

Indeed, Section 4 of the amendment, titled “New Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration,” replaced “the most Senior (High) Chief in that Line” with “the most Senior Beaded Crown Oba in that Line.”

But sensing the danger ahead, Ibadan elders rose to the occasion by metting with Ladoja and prevailed on him to take the beaded crown.

Oba Ladoja announcing his readiness to accept the beaded crown at a radio programme in Ibadan in August 2024, said various Ibadan indigenes and non-indigenes had pressured him to accept the beaded crown to facilitate his ascension to the throne when the time come.

His words, “By the grace of God, I will become Olubadan. God has been merciful to me. My blood pressure has been stable. Anyone God destined to become Olubadan will become Olubadan. No matter the obstacles placed in their way. I’m ready to accept Ibadan’s ceremonial beaded crown if it’s the wish of God and the good people of Ibadanland. Only God knows who becomes Olubadan. I know by the special grace of God, I will become Olubadan.”

Thus, the late Oba Olakulehin, on August 12, 2024, in his first official duty after his coronation, crowned Senator Ladoja as an Ibadan Oba.

Oba Ladoja, as a politician, was elected to the Senate of Nigeria in 1993 on the platform of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) during the short-lived third republic. In the present political dispensation, he was elected governor of Oyo State in April 2003 on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) platform, having defeated incumbent Governor Lam Adesina and took office on May 29, 2003, with the backing of a PDP power broker in the state and an Ibadan High Chief, Alhaji Lamidi Adedibu.

However, by August 2004, Ladoja and Adedibu were locked in a fierce struggle over the political control of Oyo State and on January 12, 2006, Ladoja was impeached by the state House of Assembly and forced out of office. His deputy, Adebayo Alao-Akala (now late), was sworn in as the new governor. But on November 1, 2006, the Appeal Court in Ibadan declared the impeachment null and illegal, and the Supreme Court upheld the decision on December 11, 2006.

With his reinstatement, Ladoja officially resumed office on December 12, 2006. However, failed to win the PDP nomination for a second term and backed the candidate of the All Nigeria Peoples Party in the 2007 election, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, who eventually lost to Alao-Akala.

After the 2007 election, his attempts to return to the Agodi Government House were unsuccessful as he was the governorship candidate for the Accord Party in the 2011 and 2015 elections. In 2017, Oba Ladoja merged Accord into the PDP and later moved to the new coalition party, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in 2018 and again left for the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) in December 2018.

After the Presidential and National Assembly elections in 2019, Ladoja led the coalition that collapsed the structure of Sharafadeen Alli, and Femi Lanlehin, among others, for eventual winner, Governor Seyi Makinde of the PDP.

With Ladoja ascending the throne as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, political observers believe that as a former Governor of the pace setter state and Senator representing Oyo South Senatorial district in the aborted third republic, he has a great influence in the political firmament of the state given his past roles in shaping the political direction of the state.

For the eight days that the historic occasions will be celebrated, there is no doubt that the impact on the ancient city in terms of boosting its economy cannot be over emphasised with virtually most of the hotels in the city fully booked for the large retinues of important dignitaries that will converge on the city.

Similarly, the petty traders are expected to throng the venues of all the events to make brisk business from those that will attend.

A chieftain of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and an Ibadan indigene, Amb. Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, while lauding Oba Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan, expressed optimism that under his reign Ibadanland will witness unprecedented peace and development.

The post All Set for Ladoja’s Coronation as 44th Olubadan appeared first on THISDAYLIVE.

Kemi Olaitan The ancient city of Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, is in a fecund mood for the coronation of the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba (Senator) Rasidi Ladoja.For
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