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Elders of Imiakebu community in Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State have rejected plans to collapse the Three Ibies federated clan structure into an ’emirate dynasty.’

The Ogieaga of three Ibies, Mallam Ali, last week announced change the name of the Three Ibies to the Ibvie clan.

But the Azamanodu III of Imiakebu, HRH Musa Awoh Ahmadu, said the Ogieaga of Three Ibies did not carry out consultation before the announcement.

He said Imiakebu remained an autonomous village with its own traditional head and governing structures, including village head, chiefs, elders’ council and youth representatives.

Ahmadu appealed to Governor Monday Okpebholo to intervene before the issue escalates.

He said the appointment of Mallam Braimah Inusa as Chief Imam and one Shadrach as youth leader of Imiakebu, saying both claims were ‘false and baseless.’

According to him: ‘The title of Ogieaga of the three Ibies is rotational among Imiakebu, Itsukwi and Imiegba. Any attempt to alter this arrangement will derail our cultural heritage.

‘We will not recognise HRH Mallam Ali Suleiman as the Ogieaga of Ibvie clan, a title alien to our laws and traditions. This move is a prototype of colonial imposition.’

The Ogieaga of three Ibies clan, Mallam Ali Suleiman, said the meeting held in his palace was to see how they can restructure the clan for better administration

He said rotation of the clan headship is between the three communities Imiegba, Imiakebu and Itsukwi.

‘Restructuring the adminstration of the clan does not in anyway affect the status of the present occupant

‘Nobody is trying to change the rotational headship, but we are trying to restructure for better administration.

‘We want to see how we can divide our community for better administration,’ Suleiman said.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Friday tendered more evidence in the trial of retired Col. Sambo Dasuki and three others before an Abuja High Court.

Dasuki a former National Security Adviser (NSA)is charged with an amended 32-count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust, dishonest release and receiving various sums of money to the tune of N33.2 billion.

He was accused of misappropriation of security funds in the accounts of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), alongside a former General Manager with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Aminu Baba-Kusa.

Others are two firms: Acacia Holdings Limited and Reliance Referral Hospital Limited.

The EFCC arraigned the four defendants afresh on, March 25 in a case that began in 2015.

The anti-graft agency accused Dasuki, among others, of releasing the equivalent of N10billion in foreign currencies from the NSA’s account.

The account with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for the 2014 presidential primary election of the then ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

Dasuki and his co-defendants, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges, marked as FCT/HC/CR/43/2015.

At the resumed hearing of the case , PW1, Adariku Michael, a detective with EFCC informed the court that the commission received intelligence report on Sept. 21, 2015 bordering on abuse of office and money laundering.

He was taken in evidence by the prosecution counsel, Rotimi Jacobs, SAN.

He alleged that the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) moved huge sums of money between October, 2014 and April, 2015 to accounts of various companies.

The witness said the report was assigned to a special task force headed by ACE Halimah Kazeem.

The witness said that on receiving the report, the special task force swung into action and wrote a letter to the CBN.

He narrated how money for the ONSA account in the CBN was transferred to different individuals and companies into their different banks.

Responses from requests sent to CBN and other banks were tendered in evidence and marked as exhibits.

The defendants counsel , A A Usman for Dasuki, Solomon Umoh, SAN for Baba-Kusa and Acacia Holdings Limited and A O Ayodele for Reliance Referral Hospital Limited reserved their objections

The parties as suggested by Umoh agreed to be shown the documents before the proceedings, so that the trial can go smoothly.

Justice Charles Agbaza then adjourned the case until Nov.11 for continuation of hearing.

Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, has called for renewed investment in the care economy, describing care as the ‘foundation of national development’ and a key driver of productivity and social inclusion.

Ogunlende said this while delivering a keynote address at the Creative Care Council’s ‘National Day of Care’ event in Lagos, organised by Caring Africa, an advocacy initiative led by Blessing Adesiyan.

The gathering brought together policymakers, medical experts, creative industry leaders and social development advocates to advance conversations around formalising care work as a vital part of Nigeria’s economic and social infrastructure.

Speaking on the theme; ‘It Starts With Care,’ the commissioner said care was not sentimental or secondary, but a structural necessity that supported families, workplaces and economies.

‘Care is the foundation of our economy, the very infrastructure that supports our cities and national development. When families lack care, when aging parents receive no formal support, and when care work is informal and undervalued, the cost is huge. It shows up in lost productivity, gender inequality and wasted human potential.’ Ogunlende said.

He noted that through Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development, the government had continued to provide services and protection for children, the elderly, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups.

‘We manage over 15 homes and institutions, including correctional and elderly care homes,’ he said. ‘Just recently, we rescued a young lady who went missing from Lekki to Ikorodu. That’s part of what we do daily.’

Ogunlende said Lagos State’s THEMES Plus Agenda, which adds Social Inclusion, Gender Equality, and Youth Development to its core priorities, reflects the government’s commitment to embedding care in governance.

‘Care is the new oil,’ he said. ‘Not everyone will see its value immediately, but those who do and invest in it will reap its benefits. If we are serious about unlocking Nigeria’s full economic potential, we must invest in the care economy, one that works for every child, every caregiver, and every older adult.’

Founder of Caring Africa, Blessing Adesiyan, shared a deeply personal story that inspired her advocacy for the care economy.

Recounting how she cared for her late father in the United States, she described care work as ‘quiet labour’ that sustained life but was often unpaid and undervalued.

‘That day was one of quiet labour, the kind of work that doesn’t earn income or recognition, but is driven by love and responsibility. Before any worker leaves home, there’s someone who wakes a child, ties their shoelaces, and packs their lunch. Care runs the economy before the economy even wakes up.’ Adesiyan recalled.

She emphasised that care work, parenting, nursing, cooking and caregiving, should be recognised as labour deserving of value and reward.

‘If we want a truly prosperous Nigeria, we must acknowledge that care is not just personal, it’s a national priority. Childcare, paid leave, elder care, these are the building blocks of a nation that truly values its people,’ she said.

Adesiyan called for public and private sector partnerships to build systems that make care affordable, accessible, and dignified. She also challenged the misconception that caregiving is ‘women’s work.’

‘Care is not a woman’s job. It is the work that makes every other kind of work possible,’ she said. ‘If we can care for our people, we can care for our progress.’

A consultant paediatrician and member of the Creative Care Council, Dr. Ayodele Renner, highlighted the health risks caregivers face, particularly women who shoulder the bulk of care responsibilities in Nigerian homes.

‘Women bear the disproportionate burden of care. In the short term, this can lead to burnout and anxiety. In the long term, it may cause insomnia, depression and reduced productivity. When we support care, we protect the health and well-being of caregivers.’ Dr. Renner said.

He stressed the need to institutionalise care as part of workplace policies, social protection programmes, and national health plans.

‘Care is infrastructure,’ he added. ‘When families have access to care, breadwinners can be more productive, and societies become stronger.’

The Federal Government has called on member states of the Union of African Shippers’ Councils (UASC) to take collective action against arbitrary shipping surcharges and unfair freight practices that continue to undermine trade competitiveness across West and Central Africa.

Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, made the call while declaring open the Sub-Regional Seminar and Meeting of the UASC Standing Committee No. 1 in Lagos.

The two-day event brought together delegates from 19 countries, maritime regulators, trade agencies, and logistics experts to review strategies for boosting trade readiness under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Oyetola, represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Olufemi Oloruntola, stressed that the time had come for regional collaboration to address persistent challenges in port logistics, trade facilitation, and shipping cost regulation, all of which threaten the continent’s ability to harness AfCFTA’s full benefits.

He said: ‘Arbitrary surcharges and high freight rates continue to erode trade competitiveness, placing undue burdens on importers and exporters. It is imperative for member states, through UASC, to engage constructively with shipping lines and international partners to ensure transparency, fairness, and equity in freight rate determination.’

The minister described AfCFTA as a ‘game-changing opportunity’ for Africa’s economic transformation, offering access to a single market of over 1.4 billion people with a combined GDP exceeding $3 trillion. He warned, however, that without coordinated efforts to address logistics inefficiencies and unfair shipping practices, African economies risk being left behind.

‘Our vision is to build a resilient maritime transport system that supports inclusive growth and sustainable economic development. Together, we can make West and Central Africa a model of effective cooperation and readiness under AfCFTA,’ Oyetola added.

He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to implementing resolutions from the meeting, noting that collective effort remains key to positioning the region as a competitive bloc in global trade.

Also speaking, the Executive Secretary/CEO of Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Dr. Pius Akutah, said AfCFTA presents an opportunity for Africa to deepen regional integration, expand industrial capacity, and enhance participation in global value chains.

He explained that in Nigeria, the Council has been implementing policies to improve port efficiency, promote multimodal transport, and develop inland dry ports and logistics hubs-critical enablers of AfCFTA and the World Trade Organisation’s Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA).

Expressing concern over the recent peak season surcharge introduced by some shipping lines, the NSC chief cautioned that arbitrary charges pose serious threats to trade growth and regional competitiveness.

‘Through constructive engagement at this forum, we can develop a unified regional position that promotes fairness, transparency, and sustainability in shipping practices. Our deliberations should lead to practical measures that enhance efficiency, reduce the cost of trade, and improve the overall competitiveness of our economies,’ he said.

The Secretary-General of UASC, Abdurahman Abba Kafougou, said the Lagos meeting builds on the outcomes of the Union’s last engagement in Luanda, Angola, in February 2024, and marks another step toward harmonising trade practices across the continent.

He explained that Standing Committee No. 1 (Transport and Trade) and Standing Committee No. 2 (Cooperation and Regulation) serve as UASC’s technical arms, driving studies and recommendations that shape policy direction across member states.

Kafougou noted that discussions at the Lagos forum would focus on maximising AfCFTA opportunities for shippers, proper application of Incoterms 2020, reducing cargo delivery time and costs, and developing reliable cross-border information platforms.

‘These issues are crucial to reducing trade bottlenecks and improving competitiveness across our sub-region. I encourage all experts present to engage in in-depth discussions that will lead to actionable recommendations for adoption by the UASC Executive Committee,’ he said.

He commended Nigeria and the NSC for their leadership and continued support to UASC’s regional agenda, describing the meeting as ‘another milestone in strengthening trade and transport cooperation among member states.’

In his remarks, the Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, underscored the need to address digitalisation, infrastructure, and connectivity challenges for AfCFTA readiness.

Represented by Nneka Obiano, a NIMASA Director, Mobereola said the agency is advancing the digitalisation of maritime operations and pushing for an integrated port community system to streamline processes and enhance efficiency.

‘A fully integrated port community system is an urgent necessity for achieving AfCFTA’s goals,’ he said, noting that NIMASA will continue to strengthen collaboration with the Shippers’ Council and other UASC members.

Similarly, the Comptroller-General, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi, represented by Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, called for pragmatic reforms to address regional trade facilitation challenges.

He highlighted the importance of adopting competitive freight pricing mechanisms and aligning customs procedures with AfCFTA’s framework to enhance economic integration.

‘Aligning customs processes with AfCFTA objectives will help reduce trade barriers and promote competitiveness across Africa,’ Adeniyi stated.

As the two-day UASC seminar and meeting, hosted by the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, continues, participants are expected to produce resolutions that will guide policy harmonisation and shape maritime trade frameworks across West and Central Africa in line with the AfCFTA’s objectives.

The wife of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) 2023 presidential candidate, Mrs. Lilian Adebayo has said that her husband, Prince Adewole Adebayo, will be on the ballot for the country’s highest office in 2027.

She also foreclosed any plan by her husband to dump the SDP for any other opposition party to actualise his presidential ambition in 2027.

Adebayo spoke in Abuja shortly after receiving an award of honour from the Forum of SDP State Chairmen led by Lagos Chairman, Hon. Femi Olaniyi (Ferrari),

She emphasised her husband’s readiness to serve, noting that his consistency and passion for the SDP demonstrate his vision for a better Nigeria.

‘Prince Adewole Adebayo is not just in politics for ambition; he is in it for service. And if Nigerians will be true to themselves, he can defeat anybody in 2027,’ she asserted.

Assuring the sub-national party leaders of her husband’s unshakable loyalty to the party, Mrs. Adebayo said the 2023 presidential candidate would not jump ship to another political party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

She maintained that her husband has been a consistent member of the party since his teenage years and has resisted pressure to defect to bigger parties despite numerous offers.

‘My husband, Prince Adewole Adebayo, has often said it publicly that he joined the SDP at the age of 19 and has never left. He had several opportunities to move to other parties, including the PDP but he chose to remain in the SDP. By the grace of God, in the next election, he is still going to be there. He’s not leaving SDP for another party whatsoever,’ she said.

Commending the party’s conflict resolution mechanism, Mrs. Adebayo also applauded the leadership for effectively managing the party.

‘Like every other party, we’ve had our share of challenges, but the SDP has always handled issues internally. Whenever there’s a problem, it gets resolved amicably. So, I’m not scared of anything. Peace will always reign in our party,’ she affirmed.

On the issue of women’s inclusion in politics, Adebayo called for greater representation of women in governance, saying their compassionate and balanced approach to leadership can contribute meaningfully to national development.

‘Women deserve more representation. They rule with empathy and fairness. If we truly want a balanced and progressive society, we must allow more women to participate in leadership,’ she said.

She also dismissed the notion that women do not support each other in politics. She argued that oftentimes men are responsible for the seeming disagreement between women by creating unnecessary rivalry among women.

‘I don’t believe women don’t support women. If men leave us to sort ourselves out, we’ll always stand by one another. I was so happy to see the only female among the SDP chairmen; I gave her a big hug. If she contests for any position, I’ll definitely support her.’

Organiser of ‘Believers Talent Competition’, Modupeola Awofolaju, has urged government to create more enabling environment for youth development programmes, rather than imposing restrictions.

She said there is need for collective efforts to nurture next generation of talented Nigerians.

Speaking in Ibadan during an event tagged ‘Believers Talent Competition’, with the theme ‘Evolve and Thrive,’ Awofolaju called on government agencies, parents, and private organisations to collaborate in empowering young people with skills and purpose.

According to her, engaging teenagers in their early life’s is crucial in preventing them from channelling their energy into negative pursuits.

She said: ‘We’ve been running vocational clubs in public schools since 2017, and this outreach started last year. Our goal was to engaged teenagers early, if we don’t, they will channelled their energy elsewhere. We want to catch them young and help them discover their purpose.’

While commending schools and students in attendance, Awofolaju decried bureaucratic and religious restrictions that often hinder outreach programmes from reaching more schools, particularly public institutions.

‘We sometimes face resistance from government agencies because of concerns over religion. But this isn’t about religion, it’s about the future of our children. We have talented young people; the sky is not their limit’.

Pastor Tayo Ogunleye of Harvesters Church, Ibadan, challenged educators and policymakers to reviewed Nigeria’s outdated school curriculum to accommodate creativity and practical skill development.

He said, ‘Our schools still use decades-old curriculums that don’t reflect current realities. We need to start looking at the potential of each child beyond academics. If we don’t, we’ll keep reproducing old failures.’

He urged parents to balance education of their children with talent discovery.

Highlight of the competition include scholarship award to Usman Mariam of Angels College after winning in Art Category.

The award winner described her experience as both humbling and inspiring.

She said: ‘My victory shows that my talent means a lot and I can do better. I feel proud and want my colleagues to also follow in my footsteps.’

The event, which featured public presentation of Mrs. Awofolaju’s new book titled ‘DISTRACTION – Overcoming the Subtle War Against Focus’, also showcased creativity across art, music, and dance, featured spirited performances from Angels College, Living Stone College, J Nissi College, and Akobo Baptist Church Teenagers Fellowship.

In the Art Category, Angels College took the first position, followed by J Nissi College and Akobo Baptist Church in third place. Living Stone College won the Music Category.

President of Artiste Managers Association in Nigeria, AMAN, Collins Ifeanyi Onwuneme Ajereh Enebeli a.k.a. Mavin Grandpa Worldwide (MGW) has given reasons why the association is rolling out the drums to celebrate its 30th anniversary of existence in grand style.

The show tagged ‘AMAN @ 30 Awards’ is billed for the Grand Ballroom of Eko Hotels and suites on Wednesday November 26, 2025.

‘We can’t afford to keep quiet about this milestone’ Mavin Grandpa noted with a tinge of pride in a recent encounter.

‘An association that has lasted through three decades in Nigeria is not a baby’ he continues.

A quick pointer to the fact that AMAN is serious about its 30th anniversary is that in 2023, the first edition of the AMAN awards held at the Fantasia Hall, Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria while this year, 2025, the Artiste Managers Association In Nigeria (AMAN) award will hold at the Grand Ball room of Eko Hotels. This is no doubt an upgrade. We see this as a milestone worth celebrating. And heavily too according to our limits.

‘As part of our celebration, a careful meritorious selection of credible, influential, distinguished and impactful Nigerians have been listed for the prestigious AMAN awards which is a major highlight of the event of the evening.

‘The AMAN awards is designed to recognize, appreciate, and reward hard work and excellence within the creative industries in Nigeria, Africa and beyond.’

Mavin Grandpa Worldwide hinted excitedly, ‘the beauty of AMAN awards 2025 event is that it is a double barrel celebration of AMAN@30 and the 2nd edition of the AMAN awards. What is more, we have surprises for our guests..including a longer award list made possible by the board of Governors for the AMAN Awards.

The vibrant city of Lagos has once again become a beehive of sporting activities as the 2nd Senator Abiru Mixed Team Table Tennis Championship serves off today at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere.

The three-day tournament, which runs from October 30 to November 1, features 30 teams from across Nigeria, Benin Republic and Togo, bringing together more than 150 athletes competing for a share of the ?5.5 million prize pool, an increase from ?4 million last year.

The championship, which is the first mixed team event of its kind in Africa, was established by Senator Tokunbo Abiru, founder of the Sail Innovation Lab and Empowerment Foundation, as part of his youth development and community impact initiative.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Senator Abiru, who represents Lagos East Senatorial District, reiterated his commitment to using sports as a tool for youth empowerment and social inclusion.

‘Our youth development philosophy goes beyond classrooms and computer labs. The discipline, focus, and teamwork that make great innovators are the same traits that define great athletes,’ Abiru said.

‘It was on this belief that we launched this championship to celebrate excellence, inclusion, and community spirit through sports. This year’s edition marks an exciting leap forward as the total prize money has been increased from ?4 million to ?5.5 million to reward excellence and encourage professionalism.’

The senator also revealed plans to integrate technology and entrepreneurship training into the tournament framework, allowing participants to benefit from opportunities available through the Sail Innovation Lab in Ikorodu, a centre dedicated to equipping young Nigerians with digital, creative, and entrepreneurial skills.

‘Whether it’s a racket or a keyboard, excellence is possible,’ Abiru added. ‘This initiative is designed to build a generation that combines sportsmanship, creativity, and resilience to thrive in today’s world.’

President of the African Table Tennis Federation (ITTF Africa), Wahid Enitan Oshodi, praised the senator’s consistency in promoting youth development and supporting grassroots sports in Nigeria.

‘The mixed team idea is fantastic. It gives us a platform to prepare for the next Olympics,’ Oshodi said. ‘Any talent without opportunity is a waste, and what Senator Abiru has done is to create opportunities for young players to develop themselves.’

Also speaking, the President of the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF), Adesoji Adetayo, described the championship as a bold and innovative project that has elevated Nigeria’s standing in African table tennis.

‘Nigeria became the first African nation to host this event last year, and this year we are witnessing its evolution into an international competition,’ Adetayo said.

‘Countries like Benin Republic and Togo, who attended last year as observers, are now competing. This shows how far we’ve come in developing the sport regionally.’

Lagos State Sports Commission Director-General, Lekan Fatodu, commended the initiative as a reflection of Lagos’ strong commitment to grassroots sports and youth development.

‘This event aligns perfectly with our vision to discover and nurture young talents,’ Fatodu said. ‘It’s not just about competition; it’s about building sustainability, investment in youth, and community development. I urge every athlete to give their best and represent their community with pride.’

The event, organised in partnership with ITTF Africa and the NTTF, is expected to climax with the grand finale on Saturday, where winners will emerge and receive both monetary rewards and mentorship opportunities through the Sail Innovation platform.

The Secretary-General of the NTTF, Ilesanmi Akanni, gave the vote of thanks, appreciating the sponsors, athletes, and the media for their commitment to promoting the sport’s growth in Nigeria and beyond.

The Senior Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on North Central Community Engagement, Dr Abiodun Essiet, has called for urgent action to strengthen social cohesion among Nigeria’s ethnic, cultural, and religious groups, noting that unity remains crucial to lasting peace and national prosperity.

She said the intervention has become necessary in view of persistent communal tensions and security challenges, especially in parts of the North Central, which continue to impede development and social stability.

Dr Essiet made the remarks in Benue State at a Community Workshop and the inauguration of Community-Based Peace Structures, organised by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (North Central) in partnership with the International Communities Organisation (ICO) and the North Central Development Commission.

The event brought together community leaders, traditional rulers, farmers’ groups, representatives of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), and women and youth groups from all 23 local government areas of Benue State.

She described the initiative as a major step in advancing peacebuilding, fostering inclusiveness, and strengthening mutual understanding among Nigeria’s diverse communities.

‘A peaceful and prosperous Nigeria is achievable in unity. This event represents a key step toward strengthening collaboration among communities, deepening social cohesion, and sustaining peace through inclusive engagement,’ she said.

Recalling that her office had earlier launched the Presidential Community Engagement Peace Initiative (PCEPI), she stressed that it demonstrates President Tinubu’s commitment to building safer communities and ensuring citizens play central roles in peacebuilding.

She explained that the ongoing project, Promoting Community Peace and Strengthening Social Cohesion in North Central Nigeria, is part of Nigeria’s broader efforts to implement the United Nations Universal Periodic Review (UPR) recommendations in partnership with the International Communities Organisation (ICO).

The first phase, held in Abuja on September 9, brought together stakeholders from across the North Central region to analyse security challenges, conduct SWOT analyses, and identify community-driven solutions.

The outcome, she said informed the creation of new community-based peace structures inaugurated in Benue State, adding that the structures will complement security agencies and support the Benue State Commission for Peace and Reconciliation through intelligence gathering, early warning systems, and dialogue mechanisms.

Urging all Nigerians to unite behind the goal of national peace and shared progress, she said, ‘Building social cohesion is not a one-off event; it demands patience, inclusiveness, and collective commitment.

‘Let us seize this moment to work together, not as separate communities, but as one united people determined to build a peaceful and prosperous Benue State, and by extension, a stronger Nigeria,’ she said.

Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, represented by his deputy, Sam Ode, commended the initiative as a timely step toward consolidating peace and security in the state.

He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to supporting the president’s peace agenda through collaboration and community participation, noting that peace remains central to good governance and development.

Similarly, the Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Benue Chapter, Mr. Vitalis Neji, described peace as key to achieving sustainable development and pledged the support of local government chairmen to ensure the success of the programme.

The Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Pastor Ernest Atoji, also lauded the organisers, saying that enduring peace is crucial for farmers to return safely to their fields and sustain food production.

Traditional rulers and other stakeholders at the event pledged their commitment to work together in promoting harmony and inclusive development across communities in Benue and beyond.

Residents affected by the Ibadan Circular Road Corridor project have given seven days ultimatum to the state government to stop its planned demolition of their structures or face mass protest that may shut down the capital city.

The affected residents, comprising six local governments, accused the state government of land grabbing, unlawful displacement and deliberate oppression under the guise of expanding Ibadan Circular Road project.

The affected residents, drawn from Akinyele, Ona Ara, Ido, Lagelu, Oluyole, and Egbeda local governments, promised to resist what they described as ‘reckless abuse of power’ and deliberate plot to cause hardship, pains and agony to the affected residents.

The residents, under the aegis of Corridor Residents of Ibadan Circular Road, issued the warning in a communiqué presented at a news conference held yesterday at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre, Iyaganku, Ibadan.

The communiqué, signed by Prince Adeniyi Fasoye (convener) and Isiaq Jimoh (secretary), was presented by Mr. Tayo Oladosu.

The residents said the news conference was called as a result of the recent effort of the government, who through its officials, had begun pasting demolition notices on their buildings, against the initial assurance by Governor Seyi Makinde, who last year September promised the residents that no building would be demolished.

They accused the officials of marking additional 850 metres of land across several communities under the guise of road expansion, alleging that the expansion of the Ibadan Circular Road project by the administration of Governor Makinde violated due process and constitutional provisions.

According to the communiqué, the Ibadan Circular Road project, now officially known as Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja Circular Road, was lawfully initiated in 2005 under the administration of former Governor Rashidi Ladoja, who acquired the land through proper constitutional and legal processes for overriding public interest.

They explained that at the time, ‘the land owners and the occupants of the demarcated proposed 75 metres (right and left) were consulted’ and that ‘the land was pillared after adequate measurements of 75 metres from the midpoint were taken.’

The residents said compensation was paid to some landowners during the administration of the late Governor Abiola Ajimobi, though the process was not completed.

‘The compensation to date has not been completed, as there are about N80million yet to be paid to the land owners and occupants as of the time of acquiring the land legally,’ the communiqué said.

The residents expressed outrage that the current administration under Governor Makinde had, without due process, expanded the legally-acquired 75 metres on each side to 500 metres, alleging that the move violated constitutional provisions.

The people called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, National Assembly, Olubadan of Ibadanland, and his council as well as other well-meaning individuals to prevail on the governor to shelve the idea of the expansion of the corridor.