Category: Nigerian Tribune

Different strokes for different folks, goes the saying. Nothing amplifies this age-long wisecrack more than the visit last Tuesday’s visit of the first daughter of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Mrs. Folashade Ojo-Tinubu, to the palace of Oba Ewuare II, Oba of Benin, where she sought to introduce the ‘Iyaloja of Edo Markets’ to the revered monarch. SUYI AYODELE, Regional Editor, South-East and South-South, captures the moment Oba of Benin took the president’s daughter on a cultural voyage.

You are in Benin, the home of culture. We have our culture here.’ That was the opening response of Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, Oba of Benin, to the stranger-than-strange concept of an ‘Iyaloja of all Edo Markets’ which the daughter of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Mrs. Folasade Ojo-Tinubu, presented at the sacred grounds of the ancient palace.

At the palace of the Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba of Benin, a new level of protocol prevails. The Benin Palace is unlike any other. When the Benin monarch sits, the entire kingdom bows in deference. Indeed, Uku Akpolokpolo radiates royalty in every ramification. His carriage and personality are overwhelming-too obvious, too domineering for anyone, even the blind or dumb, not to notice.

Guests to the ancient palace are treated differently. The king and his palace functionaries determine what is to be done at any point in time with any guest. Yes, the level of hospitality and reception may be the same, but the disposition of the king depends on the issue at hand. Ultimately, the oba determines the procedures and proceedings in his court.

When, for instance, the Omo N’Oba considers an issue too frivolous to attract his direct response, he assigns an appropriate chief to reply on his behalf. He is not an Uku Akpolokpolo for the fun of it. His is the Umogun-the Lion of the Benin Kingdom and its subjects, both at home and in the Diaspora. Little wonder the Benin people punctuate every word uttered by the oba with the prayer-wish: Oba Agha Tokpee (may the king live long)!

Oba Ewuare displayed not just the majesty of the Benin monarch at that chance meeting with the president’s daughter, he equally demonstrated that while others may discard their custom, he, as the Omo N’Oba, holds tenaciously to the traditions handed over to him by his forebears.

So, last Tuesday, when the self-styled Iyaloja General of Nigeria and first child of President Tinubu, Folasade Ojo-Tinubu, visited the Benin Palace to present to Oba Ewuare II, Oba of Benin, Pastor Josephine Ivbazebule as the ‘Iyaloja of all markets in Edo State,’ the monarch imposed on the president’s daughter a simple but profound exercise in cultural diversity.

Having reminded Mrs. Ojo-Tinubu that she was on Benin soil, after listening to her, the oba threw a sharp glance at his guest and asked: ‘Do you know the role of Iyeki in Benin culture?’

The guest could only mumble an affirmation. But the king was not impressed. He explained further: ‘Iyaloja is alien to us here in Benin. I have discussed this matter with my chiefs and those who are knowledgeable.’ Then he asked one of his chiefs, Osaro Idah, the Obazelu of Benin, to educate the president’s daughter on the concept of Iyeki-a purely traditional position, distinct from the social and cosmetic Iyaloja General of Nigeria, which Mrs. Ojo-Tinubu parades.

The controversy over the ‘Iyaloja of all Edo markets’ began on April 30, 2024, when, barely 11 months after her father, President Tinubu, was sworn in, Mrs. Ojo-Tinubu wrote an audacious letter to the Oba of Benin, asking him to provide all necessary support for Pastor Isi Ibhaguezejele, as her appointed Iyaloja of all Edo markets.

In the letter, Mrs. Ojo-Tinubu, who had transmuted from Iyaloja of Lagos to Iyaloja General of Nigeria, wrote:

‘Your Majesty, my name is Chief Dr. Mujudat Folasade Tinubu-Ojo (FCIML), the Iyaloja General of Nigeria, and the First Daughter of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR).

‘With greatest sense of responsibility and utmost regards to our Royal Father, His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo Oba Ewuare II, The Oba of Benin, I humbly write to introduce PASTOR MRS. JOSEPHINE ISI IBHAGUEZEJELE as the Edo State Iyeki-Elect.

‘With this development, it is her responsibility to see to the day-to-day affairs of traders in the state (Edo State).

‘Your Majesty, I humbly request that you give your daughter every necessary backing to succeed in this great and noble assignment as I look forward to your fatherly blessing for her to be fruitful in her newly assigned responsibilities,’ Folasade requested.

Expectedly, Benin market women did not allow that apparent aberration to pass unnoticed. From all the markets in Benin-Oba Market, Oliha, Ekiosa, New Benin, and many more-market women trooped in their thousands to the Benin Palace to protest the abnormality.

Leading the protest, the President of the Benin Market Association, Madam Blackey Ogiamen, emphasised that there had never been anything like ‘Iyaloja of Benin Market’ in the history of the kingdom. According to her, what obtains in each Benin market is an Iyeki (leader), who is independent of any other market, and who holds the position in trust for the Omo N’Oba.

Speaking during the protest, Madam Ogiamen said: ‘About three weeks ago, we heard that Folashade Tinubu wanted to impose another leader of the market women in Edo State. So, we are here to say thank you to His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II.’

The gale of protest, many thought, had put paid to the misadventure. But it turned out that Mrs. Folashade Ojo-Tinubu was only biding her time. At the time she first made the move, the government of Edo State was under the leadership of Godwin Obaseki. But with Governor Monday Okpebholo, who incidentally belongs to the same political party as President Tinubu, now in power, the president’s daughter felt that the time had come to install an Iyaloja of all Edo Markets.

So, last Thursday, Saturday Tribune gathered, the self-styled Iyaloja General of Nigeria moved to the Edo State Government House, where, in the company of other women, she pronounced Pastor Josephine Ivbazebule as the Iyaloja of all markets in Edo State.

She then proceeded to the Benin Palace to inform the monarch and ask for his blessings. Accompanied by Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo-Anani, Coordinator of the Edo State First Lady’s Office, Mrs. Ojo-Tinubu told Oba Ewuare II that she was in the state to inaugurate Pastor Josephine Ivbazebule as the Iyaloja of all markets in Edo State and deemed it necessary to call on the monarch.

It was after listening to her that the Omo N’Oba decided to lecture the president’s daughter on the culture of the Benin people and the relationship between Iyeki and the Benin Palace. Hear Chief Idah, who delivered the traditional inaugural lecture on behalf of the Benin monarch:

‘Iyaloja is alien to us here in Benin. Every Iyeki has a special relationship with the palace. Are you aware of that? Do you know that every Iyeki has a cultural role to perform inside every market?

‘The Oba does not interfere so long as the Iyeki does what is expected of her in the shrine of a particular market on behalf of the Oba. We are not going to say much, except to explain to you the concept of Iyeki in Benin.’

Chief Idah went further: ‘Iyeki is independent in every market, like the Oba Market, Ogiso Market, and others. The traders select their leaders from within the market. The Iyeki do more than the role of coordinating traders.

‘There are certain shrines in all the markets. They play roles on behalf of the palace. After their selection, they bring the person to the palace for confirmation.

‘The novelty of a general Iyeki is alien to Benin custom and tradition. We just believe the Iyaloja is your socio-cultural thing, like you have other clubs.

‘It is not in our culture to have a general Iyeki. Iyeki is particular to each market. No one has the right to control another in a different market. The Iyeki in Oba Market has no role to play in Ogiso Market. The Oba established the market for all in society.’

The finality of the oba’s tone may have permanently put paid to the audacious move by the president’s daughter to have a stooge preside over the affairs of market women in Edo State.

A palace source, who pleaded anonymity, hinted: ‘It will be suicidal for either Josephine Ivbazebule, or anybody whatsoever, to go to any market in Benin as Iyaloja. Who will she be talking to? An average Benin person knows that the Omo N’Oba’s words are laws here. Incidentally, Omo N’Oba was not mistaken in his choice of words.’

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has dismissed a suit instituted against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, challenging the legality of the six-month suspension handed to Senator Natasha Uduaghan-Apoti, representing Kogi Central over alleged misconduct.

The suit, which was instituted by one Ovavu Illiyasu and nine others, was thrown out by the trial judge, Justice James Omotosho on the grounds that the plaintiffs lacked locus standi (legal right) to file the matter before the court.

Marked FHC/ABJ/CS/654/2025, the suit challenged the validity of Natasha Uduaghan-Apoti’s suspension for various reasons.

Among other reliefs, the plaintiffs urged the court to void the suspension of Senator Natasha on the ground that their senatorial district would be shortchanged and called for her immediate recall.

They advanced several arguments to support their request for invalidation of the suspension, including the claim that the people of Kogi Central Senatorial District would be deprived of adequate representation in the Senate.

In his judgment on Friday, Justice Omotosho held that the ten plaintiffs had no locus standi to institute the action and subsequently dismissed the suit for lacking in merit.

Flights have resumed at Munich Airport after drone sightings forced Germany’s second-busiest airport to suspend operations for the second time in 24 hours.

The airport said flights were stopped at 21:30 local time (20:30 GMT) on Friday, affecting around 6,500 passengers. At least 17 flights were grounded the previous day after drones were spotted near the airfield.

Munich Airport said on Saturday morning that operations had ‘gradually resumed’ but warned passengers of ongoing delays.

Travellers were urged to check flight updates before heading to the airport.

Authorities have not identified where the drones came from or who operated them. Reports in Belgium said 15 drones were seen above the Elsenborn military site near the German border before crossing into German airspace and being spotted by police in Dren.

Germany’s Interior Minister, Alexander Dobrindt, said he would raise the issue of anti-drone defences at a meeting of European interior ministers and plans to fast-track legislation allowing police to request military help to shoot down drones.

The latest incident comes amid a surge in drone sightings across Europe. Airports in Copenhagen and Oslo have also suspended flights after drones were detected near restricted zones.

European leaders met in Copenhagen this week to discuss a coordinated response, including a proposed ‘drone wall’ to detect and destroy hostile drones.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said the frequency of airspace incursions was increasing, calling it ‘reasonable to assume the drones are coming from Russia.’

Moscow has denied involvement, and Danish authorities say there is no evidence linking Russia to the incidents.

Speaking in Sochi on Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin dismissed the claims with a joke: ‘I won’t do it again. I won’t do it again – not to France or Denmark or Copenhagen.’

The Associate Senior Pastor of The Fountain of Life Church, Toluwanimi Odukoya, has opened up about how her marriage crash and other personal losses have influenced her faith and ministry journey.

In an interview with Truthtable, shared on her YouTube channel on Thursday, Odukoya said her separation happened due to circumstances beyond her control.

She said, ‘I’ll say I’m separated. Most of you don’t know I’m separated and that’s actually defined or has shaped my life. It was circumstances beyond my control.’

Reflecting on the experience, the 40-year-old compared the end of her marriage to ‘a death,’ adding that between 2021 and 2023, she also lost her stepmother, her father’s twin sister, and her father, Pastor Taiwo Odukoya.

Speaking further about the marriage crash, she noted that separation does not always mean either party is at fault.

‘My ex-husband is a great man. but if God doesn’t ordain you guys to be together and you force-fit yourselves, the likelihood of staying together is very low,’ she explained.

Despite the emotional toll, Odukoya said she chose to accept her pastoral calling, even when she struggled with self-doubt.

‘When the call came, I told God, ‘You know all the baggage I’m trying to navigate. But if you call me to serve, then maybe you’ve put something in me.’ I just decided to keep my eyes on Jesus.’

She also credited her family, especially her late father and siblings, for their support during that period.

‘My dad fought for me. My family encouraged me. That embrace added to my self-esteem and self-worth.’

I want to know if it is true that walking can actually lead to weight loss.

– David (by SMS)

Yes, walking is a great form of exercise and an additional way to lose weight. Apart from being low intensity, you don’t have to buy lots of expensive equipment to get the benefits. You simply take on a pair of shoes, put on some comfortable clothes, and get the fresh air.

Luckily, anything that burns calories can help you lose fat, including walking. Although walking doesn’t burn as many calories as running, cycling, or playing sports, consistently getting 7-8k steps (1-1½ hours of walking) daily can help you burn anywhere from 300-400 calories. Combined with a balanced diet, it can make you see massive weight loss.

It was a day of glamour, grace, and heartfelt tributes as Mutiat Yinka Ladoja, former First Lady of Oyo State and one of the wives of the newly-crowned Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasheed Adewolu Ladoja, celebrated her 70th birthday in grand style.

The septuagenarian is a popular politician and the Maye Iyalode of Ibadanland.

The birthday ceremony, which took place at the prestigious Sunlight Royal Hall, Ibadan, drew an array of guests from politics, business, royalty, and social circles. It was truly a gathering of the ‘who is who,’ as family, friends, and associates turned out in colourful attires to honour the celebrant.

Guests were treated to a day of music, fine dining, and glowing tributes. Speeches poured in celebrating Mutiat Ladoja as a woman of grace, resilience, and generosity whose warmth continues to endear her to many.

The celebrant, radiant in a resplendent attire befitting her natural beauty, was joined by her children, grandchildren, and friends, who all spoke fondly of her nurturing spirit and unwavering faith.

The event also featured musical performances, cutting of the birthday cake, and a lively dance floor that saw dignitaries and socialites alike celebrating with her.

From political heavyweights to captains of industries, Ibadan’s elite came together under one roof to toast to a woman whose life has been defined by service, elegance, and enduring love.

The Military High Command on Saturday confirmed the arrest of 16 of its officers over alleged misconduct related to issues of indiscipline and breach of service regulations.

This was contained in a statement made available to Defence Correspondents in Abuja by the Director of Defence Information, DDI, Brig-Gen Tukur Gusau.

The statement explained that investigations revealed that their grievances stemmed largely from perceived career stagnation caused by repeated failure in promotion examinations, among other issues.

While explaining that the action was being taken as part of routine efforts to maintain order, discipline, and loyalty within the ranks, it warned that It would not tolerate behaviour that undermines the integrity of the institution or threatens its constitutional role under democratic authority, saying that that ‘ the Armed Forces of Nigeria remains fully committed to its constitutional responsibilities and will remain professional at all times.

‘The Armed Forces of Nigeria wishes to inform the public that a routine military exercise has resulted in the arrest of sixteen officers over issues of indiscipline and breach of service regulations. Investigations have revealed that their grievances stemmed largely from perceived career stagnation caused by repeated failure in promotion examinations, among other issues.

‘Some of the apprehended officers had been under jurisdiction for various offences, either awaiting or undergoing trial. Their conduct was deemed incompatible with the standards of military service.

‘Upon completion of the investigation, indicted officers will face the full military disciplinary process in accordance with established procedures to ensure accountability and preserve professionalism within the Armed Forces.

‘The Armed Forces wishes to assure the general public that these actions are strictly disciplinary in nature and part of routine efforts to maintain order, discipline, and loyalty within the ranks.

‘The Armed Forces will not tolerate behaviour that undermines the integrity of the institution or threatens its constitutional role under democratic authority.

‘The Armed Forces of Nigeria remain fully committed to its constitutional responsibilities and will remain professional at all times.’

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has charged young people in the State to take advantage of emerging business opportunities provided by his administration to actualise their entrepreneurial dreams, warning that entitlement mentality and lack of prudence are obstacles to growth.

Governor Eno gave the charge on Friday, at the opening ceremony of the 2025 edition of Ibom Ignite Conference, themed ‘Ignite to Accelerate’, held at the Ibom-LED Centre, Uyo.

The Governor, who initiated the programme in 2017 while serving in church leadership, said Ibom Ignite was borne out of a desire to inspire young people towards self-development and enterprise.

He described the conference as a platform to challenge youths to break away from dependency and cultivate the discipline of business prudence.

Recounting his own experience, Governor Eno said he started the Royalty Group in 1995 with just five rooms and grew it into a thriving business empire, which he considers a model of the Akwa Ibom entrepreneurial spirit.

‘I am a true Akwa Ibom brand. When you talk of an Akwa Ibom brand, see me standing here,’ the Governor declared, while urging youths to emulate his example by starting small and nurturing their vision with consistency.

He recalled how his early passion led him to write the book ‘Wealth Creation: God’s Way’, which he used in mentoring youths on hard work and vision. He explained that the same drive birthed Ibom Ignite, which has since inspired a culture of entrepreneurship among young people in the State.

‘I was tired of seeing young people angry, entitled, and waiting as if the world owed them something. We must change that mindset. If you believe in a dream, live for it, avoid distractions, and don’t be discouraged by critics. Those who doubt you today will applaud you tomorrow,’ he said.

The Governor further stressed that passion remains the fuel for success, advising participants to develop clear goals and pursue them with courage.

‘You must have a passion for something. Something must be driving you, and if you are pursuing it, stay focused,’ he told the gathering.

Speaking on governance, Eno noted that while leadership is vital, responsible followership is equally critical for progress. ‘Everything rises and falls on leadership, but we must begin to look at followership too. A leader can have good intentions, but without the right followership, intentions will fail,’ he observed.

He urged youths not to waste the emerging business opportunities provided by his administration through Ibom-LED and other empowerment programmes, noting that his generation lacked such platforms and had to struggle without government intervention.

Earlier in his keynote address, Chief Executive Officer of Emerging Markets Telecommunication Services, Obafemi Banigbe, said Akwa Ibom has all it takes to become Nigeria’s hub for technology, sports, agriculture, and economic growth. He, however, emphasized that vision, investment in human capital, and deliberate action are necessary to unlock such potentials.

Banigbe charged young people to think beyond the cliché of being ‘leaders of tomorrow’ and instead position themselves as ‘builders of tomorrow.’ He advised them to focus on making impact rather than chasing headlines, and to embrace collaboration over unhealthy competition.

Also speaking, the General Secretary of the Assemblies of God Nigeria, Rev. Godwin Akpan Amaowoh, encouraged participants to start small and grow steadily, while remembering those who supported them along the way. He cautioned against gambling with time and resources.

In his welcome remarks, Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, Pastor Imo-Abasi Jacob, described the 2025 theme as both symbolic and instructive, explaining that every great leap begins with ignition, a spark of passion, purpose, and possibility.

Other speakers expected at the two-day conference include Deputy Country Director of the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, Obinaju Uchenna; Senior Special Assistant on Digital and New Media to the Presidency, O’tega Ogra; Rector of Dakadda Skills Acquisition Centre, Prof. Enoidem Usoro; and CEO of Corporate Shepherd Ltd, Idorenyen Enang.

Also billed to speak are Ubotex CEO, Ubong Obot; Sole Administrator of Ibom Paints Ltd, Ime Uwah; Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Akparawa James Edet; and Guinness World Records Holder, broadcaster and writer, George Iniabasi Essien.

The conference is expected to feature paper presentations, panel sessions, and networking opportunities designed to inspire Akwa Ibom youths to ignite passion, accelerate growth, and build enterprises with global relevance.

At least 30 people have been injured following a Russian drone strike on a railway station in north-east Ukraine, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

In a post on X, he said that preliminary reports indicated train staff and passengers were at the site of the strike in the city of Shostka, in the Sumy region.

Emergency services are on the scene and have begun helping people, he said, adding that information regarding the injured was still being established.

He also posted a video showing a damaged train carriage on fire.

Russia’s army has repeatedly targeted Ukraine’s railway infrastructure since invading in February 2022.

Zelensky called the strike on Shostka station in Sumy ‘savage’.

‘So far, we know of at least 30 victims’ including passengers and railway staff, he said.

‘The Russians could not have been unaware that they were striking civilians,’ he added.

The site is around 50 kilometres (30 miles) from the Russian border.

A separate wave of overnight strikes by Russia’s army on Saturday cut off power to some 50,000 households in the northern Chernigiv region.

Ukraine’s army on Saturday also claimed to have struck a major oil refinery in Russia’s northwestern Leningrad region.

Kyiv has vowed to increase its own long-range drone attacks on Russian energy sites, in what it calls fair retribution for Russia’s daily attacks on its cities and power grid.

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