Author: Gbenga Olaleye

The Baamofin of Ijebuland, AbdulWasiu Oduwole, has called on kingmakers to maintain neutrality and integrity in the selection of the next Awujale of Ijebuland, warning against corruption and attempts by wealthy individuals to influence the process. The Awujale throne became vacant on 13 July following the death of Oba Sikiru Adetona, who reigned for 65 years. Speaking in a statement made available on Thursday, Oduwole urged kingmakers to prioritise the best interest of Ijebuland in their decision-making. “The kingmakers must avoid corruption, as the immediate past Awujale also warned. No moneybag should be allowed to hijack the process. Their responsibility…

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has confirmed the death of Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, following a sudden collapse at the Government House in Yenagoa on Thursday afternoon. In a statement released on Thursday night and signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, the PDP said it received the news “with deep shock” and described Ewhrudjakpo as “a trusted, faithful party man.” “The National Working Committee, led by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN, and indeed the entire membership of our great party, especially our faithful members in Bayelsa State, are in profound grief,” the statement…

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday emphasised that his administration is cultivating a digital workforce poised to propel Nigeria’s next phase of economic growth. Speaking at the 3MTT National Impact Summit at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, he described the Three Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme as a cornerstone of the Renewed Hope Agenda and a pathway towards a trillion-dollar economy anchored on productivity and innovation. Tinubu was represented at the event by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume. “Together, we are laying the foundation for a digital workforce that will power Nigeria’s next chapter…

Tensions flared in the Senate on Thursday as two senior lawmakers, Senator Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North) and Senator Ali Ndume (APC, Borno South), engaged in a heated confrontation over the ambassadorial nomination of former presidential aide Reno Omokri. The clash unfolded during the second day of screening for President Bola Tinubu’s 65 career and non-career ambassadorial nominees. Omokri, seated quietly in Room 301 of the Senate building, watched the fiery exchange between two of the chamber’s most outspoken figures. Trouble began shortly after Oshiomhole commenced remarks on Omokri’s candidacy, prompting him to declare, “I cannot be intimidated by people…

The Fusengbuwa Ruling House of Ijebu-Ode has formally dismissed the lineage claim of Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde Marshall (KWAM 1), declaring the genealogical form he submitted for participation in the Awujale succession process “null, void, and of no consequence.” In a letter dated 11 December 2025, addressed to the musician, the ruling house stated that its investigations found no evidence linking Ayinde to the Jadiara Royal House or to the wider Fusengbuwa lineage, whose turn it is to produce the next Awujale of Ijebuland following the passing of Oba Sikiru Adetona in July after a historic 65-year reign. Signed by…

The Federal Government has secured more than N6.45 billion in new private-sector commitments to scale up its flagship 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme, aimed at equipping Nigerians with digital and technical skills. The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, announced the development on Thursday at the 3MTT National Impact Summit held at the State House Banquet Hall, Abuja. According to documents presented at the event, IHS pledged N2.5 billion, MTN committed N2.95 billion, and Airtel offered N1 billion in fresh support. Tijani said the funding would boost training infrastructure, deepen community engagement, and expand access…

Anxiety has gripped residents of Bayelsa State following reports that the Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, collapsed on Thursday afternoon at the Government House in Yenagoa, the state capital. The sudden medical emergency is said to have occurred during official duties, prompting immediate concern within government circles and among members of the public. According to sources within the Government House, the incident was treated as urgent, and the Deputy Governor was swiftly taken for medical attention. Unconfirmed reports indicated that he was conveyed to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Yenagoa, for further evaluation. However, efforts to independently verify this proved…

Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has asserted that the Nigerian military is incapable of defeating the country’s bandit groups solely through force, insisting that negotiations remain the only viable solution to escalating insecurity in the northwest and beyond. In an exclusive interview with the BBC, Gumi argued that modern militaries worldwide struggle against guerrilla fighters and that Nigeria is no exception. “But even the military says that in dealing with this civil unrest and criminality, only 25% is kinetic action; the rest depends on the government, politics, and local communities. The military cannot do everything. Where have you ever seen…

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has defended First Lady Oluremi Tinubu following public criticism of her brief intervention during Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke’s speech at her coronation as Yeye Asiwaju Ile Oodua in Ile-Ife on Sunday. During the event, Mrs Tinubu reportedly gestured to Governor Adeleke and threatened to turn off the microphone as he sang, prompting widespread reactions on social media. Critics claimed the act was inappropriate, but the APC described her actions as measured, patriotic, and well-intentioned. In a statement released on Wednesday and signed by Lagos APC spokesperson Seye Oladejo, the party reaffirmed its support for…

At least seven governorship aspirants of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State have withdrawn from the race and endorsed Bola Oyebamiji as the party’s consensus candidate ahead of the forthcoming primary election. Their decision followed a meeting convened by President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. The gathering was aimed at resolving internal disputes and unifying the party’s ranks in Osun ahead of the 2026 governorship contest. Notably absent from the meeting was former party secretary and aspirant, Iyiola Omisore, who had earlier dismissed his disqualification from the APC primary screening process as “a joke,”…