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The newly installed Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has clarified that he holds no grudge against Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, over his reference to him as a ‘brother.’

This was disclosed by a professor of religion, Prof. Pius Abioje, in a video shared on TikTok, where he recounted a phone conversation with the monarch.

According to Abioje, when asked if he was upset with Obi, Oba Ladoja responded:

‘No, who said that? Why should I be angry with Peter Obi calling me his brother and friend? Am I not his brother and friend?’

The monarch reportedly went further to invoke a Yoruba proverb: ‘It is somebody who does not want to have a king as a friend that would not want his friend to become a king.’

The clarification comes after Obi faced criticism from some public figures, including social commentator Reno Omokri and broadcaster Oriyomi Hamzat, who argued that describing the Olubadan as his ‘brother’ was disrespectful.

Oba Ladoja’s comments, however, appear to put the matter to rest, affirming his cordial relationship with the former Anambra governor.

Human rights and accountability organisation, Lawyers Alert, with the support of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), through the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, has launched a project in Katsina-Ala and Otukpo Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Benue State to strengthen democratic governance, promote fiscal transparency, and enhance accountability ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The one-year initiative comes in the wake of the recent Supreme Court judgment institutionalising LG autonomy, which mandates direct disbursement of statutory allocations to LGAs.

While the ruling is yet to be fully complied with, stakeholders have expressed concern that many LGAs currently lack the technical and operational capacity to manage funds effectively and transparently.

Speaking on the challenge, Dr Rommy Mom, President of Lawyers Alert, noted, ‘Compounding the issue is the limited capacity of local civil society organisations (CSOs) and grassroots actors to monitor, engage, and influence governance processes at the LGA level.

‘This creates an accountability vacuum where mismanagement can thrive due to a lack of oversight and citizen engagement.’

As part of the project, Lawyers Alert is collaborating with Chairmen and Councillors of Katsina-Ala and Otukpo LGAs to build institutional capacity and empower grassroots actors.

The Chairman of Katsina-Ala LGA, Dr Orangoholga Justine Shaku, pledged support for the initiative, stating, ‘Any effort to build the capacity of my team in preparation for the official activation of local government autonomy is highly accepted and will have my full support.’

‘The initiative is a timely response to institutional and technical gaps, especially in fiscal responsibility and citizen engagement,’ he added.

Similarly, the Chairman of Otukpo LGA, Hon. Maxwell Ogiri, expressed readiness to strengthen his council’s capacity to deliver good governance.

Dr Mom emphasised that beyond strengthening LG institutions, the project aims to empower citizens.

‘By far, the most critical aspect is the ability of citizens at the grassroots to influence governance and elections in their localities. We are mapping local actors to build their capacity to engage and exercise their right to vote without fear.

‘Katsina-Ala and Otukpo are pilot LGAs. We intend to share lessons for possible replication nationwide. Good governance starts from the grassroots, and that is where it is most impactful,’ Mom said.

The one-year project is expected to foster collaborative engagement between citizens and local governments, laying the foundation for sustained democratic reforms, improved service delivery, and credible governance at the local level.

Nurses and midwives at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, have suspended their strike following the intervention of Oyo Governor, Seyi Makinde.

The health workers, who had downed tools over welfare-related grievances, announced the suspension after Governor Makinde paid a personal visit to the hospital, where he met with management, unions, and professional bodies.

During the visit, the governor approved an additional ?35 million to the hospital’s monthly subvention and ordered the phased payment of accumulated promotion and minimum wage arrears. He also directed the integration of non-staff personnel into the hospital’s workforce to ensure equity and inclusiveness.

Makinde further pledged to immediately constitute a Governing Council for the institution and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to complete the LAUTECH Teaching Hospital Annex in Oyo before leaving office.

In a joint statement signed by Unit Chairman, Comrade Ojewumi Olutayo, and Unit Secretary, Comrade Adedokun Foluwake, the nurses hailed Makinde as a ‘compassionate and visionary leader’ whose actions had restored confidence in the system.

‘These measures not only address our immediate welfare demands but also lay the foundation for long-term stability and growth within the institution,’ the statement read.

Following a congress held on Friday, October 3, the LAUTECH nurses formally resolved to suspend their strike, with full services resuming immediately.

‘This gesture is not only in recognition of the governor’s magnanimity but also a reaffirmation of our commitment to delivering quality healthcare to the people,’ the statement added.

Governor Makinde’s intervention is the latest in a series of direct engagements with health workers, underscoring his administration’s approach of dialogue and prompt action in addressing labour disputes.

The Ondo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling erosion and safeguarding vulnerable communities as it joined other stakeholders in Abuja for the official launch of the Nigeria Climate Adaptation Erosion and Watershed Project.

The project, supported by the European Investment Bank (EIB), was unveiled at the Congress Hall of the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja. The event drew key dignitaries including the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal; officials from the EIB Regional Hub for West and Central Africa; National Project Coordinator, Engr. Anda Ayuba Yalaks; and representatives of participating states.

In his address, the Minister of Environment described the initiative as ‘a landmark step in Nigeria’s climate adaptation efforts.’ EIB officials also noted that the partnership would strengthen resilience in erosion-prone regions and promote sustainable environmental practices.

Ondo State Commissioner of Environment, Dr. Tob Loko, according to a statement by Henry Johnson Olagundoye, praised the relentless effort by the state governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, disclosing that Ondo State is among the beneficiaries of the intervention, which will support watershed management, erosion control, and community-based adaptation programmes.

The state’s delegation was led by the Commissioner for Finance, Mrs. Omowumi Isaac, and the Commissioner for Environment and Chairman of the State Steering Committee, Dr. Tob Loko. They were accompanied by the Administrative Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Mr. Olumide Kinga, and members of the State Project Monitoring Unit.

The project is expected to be rolled out across selected states with emphasis on sustainable land management, flood control, and the protection of fragile ecosystems.

The launch brought together policymakers, development experts, and civil society groups, all united in the drive to build stronger, climate-resilient communities across Nigeria.

Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, has assented to the N43.29 billion revised 2025 appropriation bill passed by the State House of Assembly, signing it into law.

Governor Idris commended the lawmakers for their cooperation with the executive, describing the cordial relationship as beneficial to the people of Kebbi State.

‘I appreciate the House of Assembly for being alive to its responsibilities and working closely with the executive for the betterment of our people.

‘The House has truly demonstrated that it belongs to the people, and since the inception of this administration, we have never had any disagreement.

‘Anything we bring to the House always passes through the required legislative processes after thorough scrutiny. This shows the commitment of the Assembly to doing a clean job for the state,’ he said.

In his remarks earlier, the Speaker of the House, Usman Muhammad-Zuru, pledged the Assembly’s continued cooperation with the executive in driving development across the state.

He explained that the passage of the revised bill followed exhaustive deliberations to align its provisions with prevailing fiscal realities and development priorities.

Zuru disclosed that during plenary, the House considered a motion by Hashimu Usman Yauri (APC) calling on the government to rename the newly constructed Government Girls Secondary School, Tsamiya, Tundi, Yauri Local Government Area, after the Emir of Yauri, Dr. Muhammad Zayyanu-Abdullahi.

He noted that the school would henceforth be known as Sarki Muhammad Zayyanu-Abdullahi Girls Secondary School, Tsamiya, Tundi, Yauri, all in Yauri LGA.

Rivers Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has sacked all commissioners and other public officers not screened by the Speaker Martins Amaewhule-led House of Assembly serving under his administration in line with the Supreme Court decision of February 28, 2025.

A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, said the sacking was with immediate effect.

The news of the firing of the commissioners came after an Independence Day cabinet session organized by the Governor.

At the cabinet session, which served as a valedictory session, Governor Fubara thanked members of his cabinet and the other political appointees for their services and contributions to the development of the state in the last two years.

According to the statement, ‘Rivers State Governor, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has thanked members of his cabinet for their services and contributions to the development of the State in the last two years,’ the statement read.

‘The governor highlighted the significance of Nigeria’s Independence, and called on all Nigerians to work together with Mr President to build a peaceful, secure and prosperous country and a brighter future for all.’

He also reiterated his commitment to serve the State with renewed vigour, while thanking all citizens for their support, and wished all Nigerians a happy Independence anniversary.

‘Furthermore, the Governor has relieved all Commissioners and other public officers affected by the recent Supreme Court judgement of their appointments with immediate effect, ‘ the statement added.

The statement, however, did not mention the names of the commissioners or officials affected by the sack, but the majority of the commissioners appointed by Governor Fubara in the heat of his disagreement with FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, were not screened by the then Amaewhule-led House of Assembly.

They were appointed after their predecessors, who, in a display of loyalty to Wike, who influenced their appointments they resigned en masse.

But following the Supreme Court judgment recognising the Amaewhule-led Assembly as the authentic one, the appointment of the commissioners who were screened by the Oko Jumbo faction of the Assembly was rendered a nullity.

Tension gripped Idogun community in Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State on Friday as irate youths allegedly attacked the Onidogun of Idogun, Oba Moses Bakare, alongside his wife and son, Prince Victor Bakare.

The incident, which reportedly occurred in the early hours at Ishara Quarters, threw the quiet community into confusion as the youths stormed the monarch’s residence and attacked his family.

It was gathered that the monarch’s son, Prince Victor, who had visited the town to join and honour his father in the celebration of this year’s yam festival, was not spared in the assault.

According to an eyewitness, the attackers invaded the palace, vandalised property, and inflicted injuries on members of the royal family.

Describing the situation as ‘shocking and shameful,’ he said the violence forced many to flee the area for safety. He added that the exact cause of the attack remained unclear but hinted at a lingering dispute between the palace and some youths over traditional matters.

Speaking with journalists at the palace, Prince Victor, who showed visible injuries, alleged that the attackers humiliated his family by stripping his mother half-naked, pouring urine and other filthy substances on him, and physically assaulting the monarch.

The Onidogun, Oba Bakare, described the assault as a continuation of ‘unprovoked hostility’ from a faction of youths in the community.

He condemned the act as ‘barbaric and unfortunate,’ but commended the timely intervention of police operatives and men of the Amotekun Corps, who quelled the unrest before it escalated.

Confirming the development, the Amotekun Coordinator in the community, Mr Omatayo Johnson, said the swift response of security personnel prevented the tension from degenerating into a wider crisis.

Idogun community has in recent years been enmeshed in internal disputes over issues of traditional authority, youth leadership, and control of communal resources.

Sources within the town said the hostility against Oba Bakare stems from longstanding disagreements between the palace and some youth groups, who have often accused the monarch of marginalising their interests in community affairs.

The latest attack, according to residents, is believed to be linked to these unresolved tensions, which have repeatedly threatened the peace and unity of the community.

Nollywood actress, Laide Bakare, has explained why she introduced her teenage daughter, Simisola, to clubbing and alcohol at the age of 17.

Bakare, in an interview with content creator Mr Lilgaga, said her choice was deliberate. She noted that she wanted her daughter to always remember her role in her first experience with nightlife.

‘I took my daughter to the club for the first time at 17. And I like the fact that in her memoir, she would reference me as the person who introduced her to alcohol and clubbing,’ she said.

The actress added that she preferred being the one to expose Simisola to such experiences, instead of leaving her to figure it out on her own or through peers.

‘At least, she would say, ‘it was my mother who showed me these things first,” she added.

Simisola had earlier celebrated her 17th birthday in grand style with her friends, family, and her mother’s colleagues. A video from the event showed her dancing in a gown while surrounded by friends who cheered her on.

Laide Bakare’s comments have since generated mixed reactions online, with many people debating her parenting approach and decision to introduce her daughter to nightlife at a young age.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has stated that the insecurity situation in Nigeria has festered to the extent that Boko Haram, banditry, and kidnapping are now mixed, making it difficult to tackle.

Obasanjo, who spoke on Friday as the Chairman at the launch of ‘Scars: Nigeria’s journey so far and Boko Haram Conundrum’, a book by former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Lucky Irabor (rtd.), in Abuja, explained that Boko Haram emerged not as a group interested in either political power or serious issues.

According to him, all the insurgent group wanted was a better life and anything associated with it.

‘I found, yes, there was Boko Haram. I found they were not really aiming for anything political or anything seriously religious. But in short, they were looking for a better life. And any other thing attached to that is a better life for them,’ he said.

The former Nigerian head of state and two-term civilian president questioned steps taken by Nigeria as a nation in addressing the challenges, adding that if the country had taken the right steps, Boko Haram would not have been a part of its daily life.

‘Have we understood that? If we have, have we taken the steps that we should take? If we have, why are we, after fifteen years, Boko Haram is not virtually becoming part of our life? Should we accept that? If we should not accept, what should we do? How much do we know?’ He asked.

Obasanjo further questioned the country’s proactiveness in dealing with the insurgency problem, which he said is becoming a monster within the country.

‘I think we have to ask ourselves the necessary questions to be able to deal with this thing that is now becoming a monster within our country,’ he added.

Continuing, Obasanjo said he agreed to write the foreword for the book authored by Irabor because he believes Nigeria needs to retrace its steps and ask questions from the past to be able to deal with the situation at hand and the future.

While praising Irabor for insisting on bringing him to Abuja as the chairman of the launch after the foreword, the former president added that he believed Irabor has, through the book, examined the past with courage.

‘I want to thank you again, as I have said, for the courage, because you need the courage to write the type of book you are forgetting.

‘And I also see and you mentioned it in the video that we saw that interrogation will be a strong word, but that word you use. Shouldn’t we examine our past?

What is in our past that is becoming debilitating, destructive to our present and obviously to us? I believe that is what you have tried to do in your book.

‘There’s normally the tendency. Don’t talk about it. Let’s leave it. And I believe that we must get out of that culture. Let us say it as it is.

‘The history, the life of any nation, any family, any institution has the good, the bad, and the ugly. What is important? And now, mister, master of ceremony and mistress of ceremony made that point: let us have it. Let us look at it, and let us think about it. And when we have to find a solution, we may even look beyond what we can see. Let us think beyond what is available. And I think that is what you have done here.’

Obasanjo added by urging anyone with information on how Nigeria can permanently address the problem of insecurity to also speak up, just like the former CDS.

‘And I will urge and appeal that those who have things to say about this particular issue of Boko Haram, we don’t even know where Boko Haram stops and banditry starts, and kidnapping begins. They are all mixed together. We can’t go on this way. Surely, we can’t. Something must be done.

‘And the beginning of something being done is the book, ‘Scars: Nigeria’s journey and the Boko Haram conundrum.’ I hope and I appeal that those who have things to say, who know things that we should know, come up.

‘Even those who have been on the other side, who have been part or supporter of Boko Haram for whatever Boko Haram is, let them write. Let them speak up.

‘And that way, we will be able to find solutions to the problem, which cannot continue to go on without bringing it to an end,’ the former President remarked.

The event had in attendance other prominent Nigerians, including former President Goodluck Jonathan, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by Minister of Defense, Abubakar Bagudu; Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar; Bishop Hassan Kukah, among others.

Ahead of 2027 general election, the Director, Amnesty International, Kogi, Comrade Sunday Jatto has suggested that internal democracy should begin to be applied in nominating or selecting those who hold Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) or Judiciary, and the process should involve human rights organisations and the Nigeria Bar Association.

He made this call on Friday during a press conference to assess the performance of democracy in Nigeria and the way forward, 2015-2025.

He disclosed that failures in the conduct of proper elections in the political sector are threats and temptations to the judicial cycle, especially in the areas of corruption and insecurity of jobs.

‘Since litigation can be negatively influenced by the executive arm of government, with control over appointments and funds. We suggest or advocate that internal democracy should begin to be applied in nominating or selecting those who hold INEC or Judiciary in Nigeria, and the process should involve human rights organisations and the Nigerian Bar Association.

‘Democracy in Nigeria has room for improvement, and the electoral umpire needs more expertise in ICT Information in the area of automation systems for the proper conduct of elections to actualize growth, peace, and development in Nigeria.

We charge INEC to intensify efforts and exploits in the areas of modern automation means in the conduct of elections in Nigeria, where the power of technology will eradicate vote buying, thuggery, multiple voting, and excess spending in elections, and INEC’s ability to conduct elections that will take the nation to its citadel of democracy.

‘The political parties can be digitalised where every political party’s emblem has a specific code to click upon by voters from their phones and send online for automatic processing, and immediately the voters are made to see their votes count, and every citizen can know who is leading when the election is in progress, and who won after the election will be known immediately.

Comrade Jatto urged the executive arm of government to see democracy as government of the people by the people and for the people, and not to see democracy as personal belongings; the modules of democratic government do not run on dictatorship.

‘We advocate that women should be allowed to hold many leadership positions in offices. Gender equality in Nigeria has not fully taken its full course in Nigerian democracy. Any nation which do not consider women in the scheme of things, either politically or economically, hardly progresses.’