Author: Gbenga Olaleye

A fresh controversy has erupted between two of Yorubaland’s most prominent traditional rulers, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, over the conferment of the chieftaincy title Okanlomo of Yorubaland on businessman Dotun Sanusi. During the unveiling of the 2geda media platform in Ibadan last weekend, the Ooni conferred the title on Sanusi. In response, the Alaafin issued a 48-hour ultimatum demanding the withdrawal of the title, calling the move illegitimate and warning of “consequences.” The Ooni has yet to respond publicly, even as the deadline expired on Wednesday. On Thursday, the…

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has attributed the recent upsurge in killings and insecurity across Nigeria to political manoeuvrings ahead of the 2027 general elections. Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, Gen. Musa warned that some political actors may be deliberately stoking unrest to discredit the government’s security efforts. “In 2024, we recorded the lowest number of deaths. How come this year, suddenly, everything has spiked? Politics is coming, the election is coming,” Musa noted. “Some individuals don’t want peace because when there is peace, the government is seen to be…

London, Friday – Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has firmly dismissed speculation regarding Andrey Santos’ potential departure from the club, expressing his satisfaction with the young midfielder’s presence at Stamford Bridge. In a statement shared by football journalist Fabrizio Romano on X (formerly Twitter) on Friday, Maresca made clear that Santos remains an important figure in his plans for the upcoming season. “I’m very happy with Andrey and very happy with Andrey staying here with us,” said Maresca. “He can play in Enzo Fernandez’s position for sure, he can play in Moi Caicedo’s position for sure.” Santos’ ability to operate in…

Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has pledged to reopen and restore full operations in all local government areas (LGAs) across the state, following months of political gridlock and suspended activities. Speaking on Thursday at a reception organised by the Osun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Osogbo, Governor Adeleke likened the opposition to the Biblical Pharaoh, accusing political rivals of attempting to sabotage the state’s progress. “We will get our local government back and running. They want to hold Osun down. They are shocked with our delivery and transformation of Osun,” Adeleke told a cheering crowd.“We…

Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State has stated that he will not anoint or handpick a successor when his tenure ends in January 2028, stressing that such a decision must arise through a democratic process. The governor made this known on Thursday while receiving stakeholders from Owerri Zone who paid him a solidarity visit at Government House, Owerri. Addressing concerns surrounding the Imo Charter of Equity, a political framework aimed at ensuring rotational leadership and addressing imbalances, Uzodinma warned against its misuse, saying it should not become a tool for division or misinformation. “The Charter of Equity is not for…

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reiterated that the official age for voter registration remains 18 years, in line with provisions of the Electoral Act. This clarification was provided by the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Yobe State, Alhaji Ibrahim Abdullahi, during an advocacy visit to the Emir of Bade, Alhaji Abubakar Umar-Suleiman, in Gashua on Thursday. The REC’s statement came in response to a query from the Emir regarding whether individuals aged 16 or 17 could register to vote in anticipation of reaching the legal voting age by the 2027 general elections. “Only eligible citizens of 18…

The world’s oldest living person, British great-grandmother Ethel Caterham, celebrated her 116th birthday on Thursday, 21 August 2025, marking yet another extraordinary milestone in a life that spans more than a century of global change. Caterham, who resides in a care home in Surrey, England, became the world’s oldest person earlier this year following the death of Brazilian nun Inah Canabarro Lucas in April, who also reached the age of 116. Born on August 21, 1909, in Shipton Bellinger, a village in southwestern England, Caterham was just five years old when World War I began. Her lifetime has encompassed two…

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, has firmly stated that he is not engaged in any supremacy battle with any monarch, either within Yorubaland or anywhere in the world. This clarification comes amid growing public speculation following a recent disagreement between the Alaafin and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi. The dispute reportedly began after Oba Owoade criticised the Ooni’s decision to confer the chieftaincy title of Okanlomo of Oduwa on businessman Dotun Sanusi during an event in Ibadan. In a statement released on Thursday by his Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, the Alaafin described himself…

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has issued a stern call to the leadership of community development unions across Abia and beyond, urging them to prioritise integrity and good governance within their localities. Speaking on Wednesday during a meeting with the Abia State Association of Igbo Town Unions at the Government House, Umuahia, Governor Otti lamented the continued presence of individuals with questionable character in leadership positions across some communities. The union delegation, led by its President General, George Mgbeorurukwe, met with the governor to discuss issues affecting their operations and collaboration with the state government. Otti made it clear that…

Liverpool legend and former England international, Steven Gerrard, has revealed his top three midfielders in the world at the moment, highlighting players who have consistently dominated the centre of the pitch for both club and country. Gerrard, who is widely regarded as one of the finest midfielders of his generation, made the selections during a quickfire interview session with ESPN, where he was asked to name his current top three midfielders. Without hesitation, the former Liverpool captain named Manchester City’s Rodri, Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister, and Paris Saint-Germain’s Vitinha. “Rodri, Mac Allister and Vitinha,” Gerrard simply said, giving a nod…