Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has formally appointed Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo, following “thorough consultations.”

The announcement was made on Friday by Commissioner for Information and Orientation Dotun Oyelade, confirming Governor Makinde’s approval of Owoade’s appointment.

“The Oyomesi, after thorough consultations and divinations, have recommended Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo, and Governor Seyi Makinde has given his approval,” the statement read.

This development brings an end to the prolonged controversies surrounding the passing of former Alaafin Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III in April 2022.

Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs Ademola Ojo expressed confidence that Owoade’s appointment would resolve disputes related to the late Oba’s passing.

“This decision has resolved the socio-legal controversies that emerged after the transition of Oba Adeyemi. We urge the people of Oyo State to support the new Alaafin and celebrate this historic moment,” Ojo stated.

Oyelade hopes the new Alaafin’s reign will usher in peace, unity, and prosperity for Oyo State residents.

“We pray that his reign brings progress and harmony to the people of Oyo and strengthens the historic legacy of the Alaafin institution,” Oyelade concluded.

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has taken 10 officers from its Lagos Zonal Command into custody due to allegations of theft.

These officers, who were arrested last week, are currently under investigation for their suspected roles in the disappearance of several operational items.

On Wednesday, EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Mr. Dele Oyewale, confirmed that the arrest was authorized by the Commission’s Executive Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede.

Oyewale also stated that investigators are making progress and those found guilty will face internal disciplinary actions.

“In its continuing efforts to sweep the EFCC clean of corrupt tendencies, 10 officers of the Lagos Zonal Command of the Commission are being detained over the investigation of some missing items involving them.

“The officers were arrested last week on the directives of the Executive Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, and are answering questions related to the theft of some operational items that they could not account for.

“Investigators are making good progress, and those found culpable will be subjected to internal disciplinary processes,” he said.

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President Bola Tinubu has arrived back in Abuja following a nearly three-week stay in Lagos.

The presidential jet, an Airbus A330, touched down at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport at approximately 9:30 pm, carrying the president and his aides.

Upon arrival, Tinubu was greeted by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, and other high-ranking security personnel.

Tinubu’s return follows his attendance at President John Mahama’s inauguration in Accra, Ghana, earlier on Tuesday.

During his time away from Abuja, Tinubu also paid a visit to Enugu State.

The president initially departed Abuja for Lagos on December 18, 2024, where he spent the Christmas and New Year holidays.

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The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Executive Committee has approved the appointment of Éric Sékou Chelle as the new Head Coach of Nigeria’s senior men’s national football team, the Super Eagles.

The decision followed the recommendation of the NFF’s Technical and Development Sub-Committee during its meeting held in Abuja on January 2, 2025.

The appointment was formally endorsed by the NFF Executive Committee on January 7, 2025.

Chelle, 47, is a former head coach of Mali’s senior national team.

During his playing career in France, he represented Martigues, Valenciennes, Lens, Istres, and Chamois Niortais.

Born in Côte d’Ivoire to a French father and a Malian mother, Chelle was eligible to represent Côte d’Ivoire, France, and Mali.

He opted for Mali, earning five caps before retiring.

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The Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, has claimed that his life is threatened due to criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Felix Morka, APC’s national spokesperson, stated, “Peter Obi has crossed the line so many times and has it coming to him whatever he gets.”

Morka described Obi as an “irrational being” and slammed his public commentary during an Arise Television interview.

The APC spokesperson labelled Obi’s claims as “ridiculous” and “deceptive,” criticising his 8-year tenure as Anambra governor for lacking legacy.

Morka added that Obi needs to figure out why he lost the 2023 presidential election and should stop being dishonest.

Obi expressed concerns over “institutional corruption, mismanagement, poverty, hardship, and an escalating debt profile” in his New Year message.

He noted that “corruption has been deeply entrenched in government” while “nepotism has become the norm on Tinubu’s watch.”

Obi demanded “vigorous, positive actions” from the administration to bring succour to Nigerians.

Reacting to Morka’s comments, Obi asked Nigerians if he has “crossed the line” after receiving threats.

The LP chieftain vowed to continue speaking “truthfully,” noting that Nigeria is drifting towards authoritarianism and undemocratic practices. “Have I really crossed the line?” Obi asked, citing threats against his life, family, and associates.

Obi said he remained committed to upholding decorum but won’t be silenced in his resolve to speak truthfully.

He warned that Nigeria is transforming into an authoritarian regime, suppressing freedom of expression.

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The Secretary to the Ondo State Government (SSG), Hon. Temitayo Oluwatuyi, popularly known as Tuykana, is dead.

WITHIN NIGERIA gathered that Oluwatuyi died in an undisclosed hospital where he was receiving treatment after an auto crash he had recently.

It was also learnt that the late SSG died on Saturday morning two weeks after he was involved in a car accident on his way to Ibadan, Oyo State capital on December 19, 2024.

The state government is yet to officially announce his death to the public.

The governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, approved the appointment of Tayo Oluwatuyi as the SSG on January 24, 2024.

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The popular Warri Refining and Petrochemicals Company, (WRPC) has commenced operations.

This is barely a month after the commencement of operations at the 60,000-barrel-per-day-old Harcourt Refinery.

This was disclosed by the NNPCL Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, during a tour of the facility on Monday.

According to him, although the repairs on the facility are not yet 100 per cent complete, operations have commenced.

He said, “We are taking you through our plant. This plant is running. Although it is not 100 per cent complete, we are still in the process. Many people think these things are not real. They think real things are not possible in this country. We want you to see that this is real.”

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Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, has passed away at the age of 100 in Plains, Georgia.

The Carter Center confirmed his death in a formal statement released on Sunday.

Carter had reportedly been in hospice care at his home in Plains since February.

His passing follows the recent loss of his wife, Rosalynn Carter, who died on November 19 at the age of 96.

Carter had attended her memorial service in a wheelchair.

Born into a Georgia farming family, Carter graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy before launching a career in public service.

He served as Georgia’s governor and then defeated incumbent Gerald Ford in the 1976 presidential election. Carter served one term as the 39th president of the United States, from 1977 to 1981.

Following his presidency, Carter became known for his tireless humanitarian efforts. He founded the Carter Center, an organization focused on promoting human rights and alleviating suffering worldwide.

In similar news, Former US first lady Rosalynn Carter, the wife of former president Jimmy Carter, died Sunday at 96 at the couple’s home in the southern state of Georgia, their nonprofit organization announced.

Carter was best known for her work post-White House, as she and her husband championed human rights, democracy and health issues around the world — all while maintaining a notably humble public image.

She had joined her husband in at-home hospice care on Friday after being diagnosed with dementia in May…

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The Chief Magistrate Court in Iyaganku, Ibadan, Oyo State, has ordered that Prophetess Naomi Silekunola, Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat, and Mr. Abdullahi Fasasi be detained at Agodi Correctional Center.

This decision follows their alleged involvement in the Ibadan Children Funfair stampede that occurred last week.

Under tight security, the three individuals, including Mr. Fasasi, principal of Islamic High School; Alhaji Hamzat, owner of Agidigbo FM; and Naomi Silekunola, estranged wife of Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, were presented before the court on Tuesday regarding the incident.

Their arrest is connected to the stampede at Islamic High School in Ibadan on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, which resulted in the deaths of 35 minors and injuries to others.

Chief Magistrate Olabisi Ogunkanmi issued the order after the suspects’ arraignment on Tuesday.

The Police prosecutor alleged that the defendants committed an offense contrary to Section 324 of the Criminal Code, charging them with four counts.

The court premises were crowded with relatives and interested parties.

Ogunkanmi ordered the suspects to remain at Agodi Correctional Center pending the state prosecutor’s advice.

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Dele Farotimi, a prominent human rights advocate, has regained his freedom after meeting the conditions for his release from the Ekiti State Correctional Centre.

Farotimi’s release came after a magistrate court in Ado-Ekiti granted him bail last Friday, with two sureties required to guarantee his appearance in court.

Magistrate Abayomi Adeosun specified that the sureties must be respected members of society, with one required to own property within the court’s jurisdiction.

As part of his bail conditions, Farotimi was also required to surrender his international passport and refrain from engaging with the media while his trial is ongoing.

Farotimi is currently facing a 14-count charge of alleged defamation, with the police accusing him of “criminally defaming” Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Afe Babalola in his book, ‘Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System’.

He has pleaded not guilty to all charges, maintaining his innocence throughout the ordeal.

In a separate case, Farotimi is facing 12 additional charges related to cybercrime, filed by the Inspector-General of Police.

He was granted ₦50 million bail in that case, with one surety required.

Upon his release, Farotimi addressed his supporters, reaffirming his commitment to truth and integrity in his advocacy work.

“In my public advocacy, I have never lied against anyone. If I don’t know something, I will simply say I don’t know,” he emphasized.

Farotimi stressed that truth remains the most effective tool for achieving meaningful change in Nigeria.

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