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The battle began innocuously days ago, and it provided a window into the mind of former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi. A certain Katch Ononuju, director general of the Abuja-based Heritage Centre, had declared in an interview that Kenneth Okonkwo, lawyer, actor and former LP presidential campaign spokesman, had lobbied to be the publicity secretary of the party. Mr Okonkwo was not just incensed but also shocked. He said that he expected Mr Obi to halt the antics of someone lying in his name. It seemed a simple enough fight; but it soon snowballed into a fiery exchange between the actor and the former candidate, with Mr Ononuju, the agent provocateur, becoming a bystander.

Convinced that he had never lobbied anyone for a position, let alone for a lower position, Mr Okonkwo painted his disappointment colourfully. Said he: ‘How is it that people are lying with Peter Obi’s name, and Peter Obi would hear such a thing publicly and would not react to it and would not call them to order publicly? You can never use me, Kenneth Okonkwo, to lie against Peter Obi, no matter the situation, because I detest lies. It shows a leader who cannot even defend the truth or defend people who have worked for him. These are the kind of problems Peter Obi has, attracting even street urchins, classless street urchins who are ill-bred. Those are the kind of followers he’s attracting now.’

Here is where the story got incandescent. Instead of simply refuting Mr Okonkwo’s allegations, Mr Obi sidestepped the part that involved Mr Ononuju, and launched into a discourse on egalitarianism. Or, to be more historical, and in perhaps an unconscious imitation of Voltaire, Montesquieu, Rousseau, and Diderot, the French philosophes, Mr Obi wrote a disproportionate thesis on the concepts of egalite, equalite, fraternite – all to answer why he failed to set the records straight in the matter of Okonkwo vs. Ononuju. It may seem sophomoric philosophy, especially seeing that he was a student of philosophy himself, but Mr Obi is capable of throwing red herring and using colourful yet uncharismatic language. For the former governor, the acerbic exchange between Mr Okonkwo and Mr Ononuju was not about truth or falsehood; it was instead about how to view the poor and the dispossessed, his eternal and jejune fancy. To him, it was, indeed, about street urchins.

Here is how Mr Obi framed the answer to a question not posed by Mr Okonkwo: ‘Humanity is paramount in my politics, no street urchins. Lately, I have heard a few people say that those who follow Peter Obi are low-class Nigerians, and some have even gone as far as calling them ‘street urchins’ and people of no value. It is deeply unfortunate that in today’s Nigeria, citizens now look down on fellow citizens in such a degrading manner. I have never and will never look down on anyone, except to lift them up.My involvement in politics has never been about associating with the so-called high and mighty, but about standing with the ordinary Nigerians whose voices have been silenced and whose resources have been stolen by the same ‘big names’ who now parade themselves with all sorts of titles and names.No Nigerian is a street urchin. It speaks volumes about the state of our nation that everyday Nigerians are now battered by poverty and hardship, to the point their leaders refer to them as of no value, and urchins.’

Mr Obi said he ‘heard a few people say’. For inexplicable reasons he was unprepared to mention Mr Okonkwo, the secondary object of his thesis, by name. Yet, his explanation about street urchins and how they are treated smacks of excessive condescension. It is clear that Mr Okonkwo made reference to street urchins in the context of a class of people unable to engage in the smallest exercise of logical deductions. Well, one is a lawyer, and the other a third-rate philosopher. Worse, rather than set the records straight, Mr Obi actually preferred to politique. Thereafter, he engaged in extrapolations and then deplored Nigerian leaders’ view of the poor, putting words in their mouths, and all but concluding that Mr Okonkwo belonged to that category of snobbish leadership. Mr Obi obviously and alarmingly views all this as politics. But he was not done, for, as he is wont, he must end every public statement with jaded sermons. Hear him: ‘Every Nigerian deserves dignity, opportunity, and care. That is why I will continue to do my part to ensure that the ordinary Nigerians enjoy a better life, one built on access to education, quality healthcare, and genuine efforts to lift them out of poverty. True leadership is not about mocking the weak; it is about lifting them up.’ Nigerians do not have a global reputation for mediocre reasoning or tolerating mendacity. It is, therefore, mystifying why a loud and impertinent section of the populace finds Mr Obi’s drivelling fascinating.

Chairman of MTN Nigeria, Dr Ernest Ndukwe, has called for greater regulatory precision and long-term policy stability across African markets to sustain the continent’s growing telecommunications sector and support the expansion of African multinationals.

Speaking at the 31st Nigerian Economic Summit (NES) in Abuja during a plenary session titled ‘Titans on the Move: Africa’s Multinationals,’ Ndukwe said that the success of Africa’s telecoms industry depends heavily on stable and predictable regulatory frameworks that encourage long-term investment.

‘Telecoms companies make investments that run into billions of dollars. Without consistent regulatory environments, it becomes extremely difficult to plan and sustain such levels of capital deployment,’ he said.

He described telecommunications as Africa’s ‘invisible infrastructure,’ explaining that the sector underpins trade, financial inclusion, innovation, and connectivity across the continent. According to him, the telecoms industry is not only driving communication but also enabling other sectors to thrive in an increasingly digital global economy.

Ndukwe, a former Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), noted that MTN has grown into one of the world’s leading mobile operators, with MTN Nigeria ranking among the top 20 globally by subscriber base.

‘These rankings demonstrate that Africa is not just a consumer of global innovations; it can also create companies that compete at the highest levels. Expansion across African markets has proven that multinationals from this continent can shape the global conversation,’ he said.

Reflecting on lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, Ndukwe said the crisis exposed how indispensable the telecoms sector has become to modern economies. ‘It showed us that without robust telecoms networks, national economies would have been paralysed. This is why continued investment in telecoms infrastructure must be prioritised if Africa is serious about integration and growth,’ he added.

According to him, telecommunications plays a much broader role than connecting people-it opens access to financial services, education, and new opportunities for millions of Africans excluded from formal systems. He cited the rise of mobile money as a homegrown innovation that is bridging gaps in financial inclusion.

‘Telecoms does more than connect people. It creates access for millions who are excluded from formal banking and education systems. The rise of mobile money shows how African innovations are uniquely solving African problems,’ Ndukwe stated.

Other panellists at the session echoed similar sentiments. CEO of Flutterwave, Olugbenga Agboola, spoke about how fintech companies are integrating fragmented payment systems to facilitate cross-border trade, while Girish Sharma, Managing Director/CEO of Guinness Nigeria Plc, said that sustainability for multinationals depends on building trust and long-term partnerships with local communities.

The session concluded that African multinationals – from telecoms and fintech to consumer goods – are redefining economic integration across the continent. For Ndukwe, the message was clear: Africa’s economic future rests on the strength of its ‘invisible infrastructure’ – telecommunications – and the continent’s ability to create a stable policy environment that supports continued investment and innovation.

Meanwhile, the telco has announced an ambitious plan to expand high-speed broadband coverage to eight million homes by 2028 as part of its transition from a traditional telecom operator to a technology company (TechCo).

Chief Broadband Officer, Egerton Idehen, disclosed this during the Nigeria Digital Transformation virtual session with MIP Fellows at the weekend.

Idehen likened broadband to ‘the electricity of the digital age’ urging media practitioners to amplify the call for more people to connect to fibre or other broadband networks.

He said fewer than 2% of Nigerian homes currently have fixed broadband access, a gap MTN seeks to close through its Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) initiative, which already spans 16 states.

The Broadband Chief explained that the company’s rollout combines fiber with 4G/5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) to ensure nationwide reach, especially in areas where fiber deployment is not cost-effective.

‘We won’t bring a Rolls Royce where there’s no road,’ Idehen said, noting that fiber serves dense urban centers while wireless broadband will reach semi-urban and rural communities.

He emphasised that MTN’s broadband expansion aligns with the Federal Government’s National Broadband Plan and Digital Economy Policy, adding that every kilometer of fiber laid strengthens Nigeria’s economic resilience and competitiveness.

However, Idehen lamented persistent obstacles such as vandalism, right-of-way (RoW) bottlenecks, and community resistance, which he said cause about 30-35 fiber cuts daily and significantly raise maintenance costs.

‘Vandalism doesn’t just disrupt MTN’s service; it disrupts lives, businesses, and the economy. Protecting this infrastructure should be a shared national responsibility,’ he added.

Idehen also highlighted ongoing efforts to improve affordability, customer experience, and partnerships with local contractors, state governments, and estate developers to integrate fiber into new housing projects. He noted that MTN is exploring bundled broadband packages with streaming services to enrich customer experience.

While acknowledging the country’s broadband penetration of around 50%, Idehen expressed optimism that the national target of 70% by 2027 is achievable through collaboration between government, operators, and communities.

‘Every home we connect represents a new opportunity for learning, growth, and connection. We’re not just building networks, we’re building Nigeria’s digital future,’ he stressed.

Bridge builder

Silence lessener

Tamer of the eternal turmoil

Between contending tongues

The horizontal strife in their syntax

The paradigmatic leanings of their words

The seeming idiocy behind their idioms

The loaded profundity of their proverbs

Pause

And so it was

When The Road* led you to your quickening quest

And whispering Embers burst into blaze

Across your Mediterranean bridge

How did King Baabu’s barbarous barking

Sound 0n the lips of a different bully:

Red like the fiery fury of Thunder King

Or soft like the mellow expressivity of the Gallic tongue

How did you manage the magic rendering

Of Silences’ ‘painted harmonies’

Or the redolent tonalities

In the anxious patience of Waiting Laughters?

Tell us about the passionate territoriality of tongues

And the semantic serendipity of lucky correspondences

Diligent undoer of Babel’s babble

Patience being your province; wisdom your wand

* References to some of the works translated by Professor Fioupou: The Road and King Baabu (Wole Soyinka); Embers (Soji Cole); Thunder King (Femi Osofisan); Labyrinths (Christopher Okigbo); Waiting Laughters (Niyi Osundare).

The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has officially declared its nationwide support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections, pledging to mobilise millions of young Nigerians across the 36 states, 774 local government areas, and the diaspora to ensure his re-election.

NYCN President, Ambassador Sara-Igbe Sukubo, who made the declaration while in Abuja over the weekend, revealed that to underscore the support, the Council will take the initiative to obtain the the All Progressives Congress (APC) nomination form on behalf of the President.

He said this becomes necessary to building on the achievements of President Tinubu’s first term and ensuring a brighter and more prosperous future for Nigerian youths

According to Sakubo, the resolutions to support President Tinubu’s reelection emerged after extensive consultations over the past two weeks, reflecting the collective voice and aspirations of Nigerian youths across all 36 states and the 774 local government areas.

‘After due consideration and careful evaluation of national developments under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, the Nigerian youth have decided to declare their unflinching support for the President to seek a second term in office come 2027.

‘Therefore, today, on behalf of over 60 million Nigerian youths, we formally call on His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to declare his intention to contest for the office of President in the 2027 general elections.’

Restating the commitment of the Nigerian youths to supporting President Tinubu’s re-election, he revealed that the council will take the initiative to obtain the party’s presidential nomination form on his behalf.

Stressing that the declaration cuts across all 36 states of the federation, the 774 local government areas, and youth communities in the diaspora, he said, ‘We call on all state chapters, local government coordinators, and affiliate youth organizations under the NYCN to cascade this resolution to the grassroots and mobilize full support nationwide.’

The group assured President Tinubu of the unwavering commitment of Nigerian youths to secure his re-election in 2027, declaring, ‘We are confident of mobilizing not less than 40 to 60 million youth votes to guarantee victory for the President.’

Emphasising that the NYCN is not a partisan organization, Sukubo, however, explained that the decision stemmed from a collective desire to secure the future of Nigerian youths and to consolidate on the gains recorded under President Tinubu’s administration, especially in the areas of youth empowerment.

‘Our decision stems from our collective desire to secure the future of Nigerian youths and to consolidate on the gains recorded under President Tinubu’s administration, especially in the areas of youth empowerment, education, agriculture, entrepreneurship, digital innovation, and social investment.

‘We recognize the President’s unwavering commitment to the growth and inclusion of young people in national development, and we believe that a second term will further strengthen and expand these opportunities for our generation.

‘On this note, we call on every Nigerian youth, home and abroad, to rise in unity, hope, and determination to ensure continuity and progress in 2027,’ he said.

Following intensified operations by troops from various patrol bases, additional kidnap victims have been rescued in Kwara State.

The state has experienced bandit attacks in various parts, including Oke-Ode in Ifelodun Local Government Area, Lafiagi and Patigi in Edu and Patigi Local Government Area, resulting in numerous killings and abductions.

The situation led to the temporary relocation of the General Officer Commanding 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Maj-Gen. CR Nnebeife, from Ibadan, Oyo State, the headquarters of the 2 Division, to Kwara State, to coordinate operations.

Last Wednesday, the Chief Press Secretary to Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Rauf Ajakaye, announced the deployment of a full army brigade and equipment to the state to intensify operations against bandits terrorising communities in affected areas.

He stated that troops were already patrolling villages around Oke Ode and Babanla in Ifelodun Local Government Area, with plans to extend operations to Edu and Patigi, targeting the dense forests used as hideouts by kidnappers.

The operations are already yielding positive results, with troops neutralising bandits and rescuing kidnap victims over the past few days.

According to published reports, 148 Battalion (Rear) dealt a significant blow to bandits on October 6 while conducting clearance operations across Kogi and Kwara states.

Spokesperson of 2 Division, Lt.-Col. Polycarp Okoye, said the troops mounted a strong blocking position along the Kwara-Ekiti border axis, where they neutralised two armed bandits and recovered two brand new AK-47 rifles.

Earlier, the Army, in collaboration with sister services and security agencies, eliminated a wanted terrorist kingpin, Kachalla Maidawa, and 11 of his foot soldiers in their hideout within the forests between Kogi and Kwara states.

Two kidnap victims were rescued when the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division of the Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen CR Nnebeife, led soldiers to Babasango Forest in Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.

On October 9, the GOC was on an operational visit to the Army’s Patrol Base in Babanla advanced with the troops towards Babasango Forest, rescuing two kidnap victims.

The operation followed a bandit attack on traders at Olegbede village, about 12 km from Idofin-Ayekale, where three persons were killed.

During the GOC’s visit, the village head of Ayekale, Oba Pius Oluwole, attributed the attack on his community to its proximity to Babasango Forest. But the GOC assured him that the Army will sustain operations to flush out bandits and other criminal elements from the entire forest.

In Kwara’s northern zone, troops intensified their onslaught, yielding positive results.

According to Captain Stephen Nwankwo, Spokesman of the 22 Armoured Brigade in Ilorin, troops from 2 Division/Sector 3 Operation FANSAN YAMMA rescued two kidnap victims who were abducted from their home in Efagi-Lafiagi, Edu Local Government Area, in the early hours of Friday, October 10.

Nwankwo explained that the troops deployed at the Patrol Base in Lafiagi got a wave of the incident and immediately mobilised to the area in collaboration with a vigilante group.

He said: ‘They pursued the criminals and engaged them in a fire fight, forcing the bandits to flee and abandon the victims.

‘Unfortunately, one soldier and a vigilante member sustained gunshot wounds during the encounter. Both were immediately evacuated for treatment.

‘The rescued victims were reunited with their families while troops continued further exploitation of the area.’

Nwankwo said the Commander of the 22 Armoured Brigade, Brig-Gen Ezra Barkins, had commended the troops for their gallantry and professionalism.

‘He reaffirmed the Brigade’s resolve to sustain operations against criminal elements and urged residents to provide timely, actionable intelligence to support security efforts,’ the Brigade’s spokesman said.

The Awojiya Family Descendants in Epe Local Government Area, Lagos State, have expressed deep concern over the unlawful sales and purchase of their ancestral land in the Abomiti-Nla resettlement area.

The family, in a resolution reached during a meeting held at their ancestral venue on September 27, 2025, declared that no portion of their land is available for sale and that any transaction carried out without the collective consent of the family remains invalid.

Abomiti-Nla, a historic community under the Abomiti zone in the Lagos Free Trade Zone resettlement scheme, is one of 13 villages founded by the family’s forefathers. The community, divided into four quarters ;Abomiti, Aba Awojiya, Aba Iseotan, and Aba Ajegunle has long been known for its cultural heritage, political relevance, and proximity to the lagoon, which made it a thriving fishing settlement in earlier years.

According to the family, attempts by certain individuals to sell portions of the land without proper authorization have created growing tension in the area.

They maintained that only decisions made collectively at the family’s ancestral venue carry legal and moral weight, and any sale conducted outside that framework would be considered null and void.

The Awojiya descendants called on relevant authorities, including the Lagos State House of Assembly member representing Epe Constituency I, Hon. Mustain Abiodun Tobun, to intervene to prevent further conflict.

They also urged the Community Welfare Committee (CWC) in the zone to remain impartial in handling issues related to land ownership.

The Family representative and Acting Secretary, Mr Mustapha Salami noted that Abomiti-Nla has produced prominent individuals who have contributed to the development of Epe and Lagos State at large.

He warned that indiscriminate land sales could lead to the extinction of the community’s identity, including the relocation or renaming of the historic Abomiti Primary School.

‘We are determined to protect the legacy of our ancestors and ensure that our land remains a living inheritance for future generations.

‘We will not hesitate to take legal action against anyone found encroaching on or illegally selling our ancestral property.’

The family reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful coexistence but stressed that it would continue to defend its rights within the bounds of the law to preserve Abomiti-Nla’s historical and cultural identity.

The Board, Management, and Staff of SystemSpecs Holdings Limited mourn the passing of Dr. Christopher Kolade, veteran broadcaster, respected diplomat, business icon, and one of Nigeria’s most distinguished statesmen.

The late Dr. Kolade served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of SystemSpecs for many years, during which he provided visionary leadership, moral guidance, and unwavering commitment to the company’s growth and corporate ethos.

Under his chairmanship, SystemSpecs evolved from a pioneering Nigerian software firm into one of Africa’s most respected technology powerhouses, powering transformative financial and human capital management solutions across the public and private sectors.

Commiserating with the family and the entire nation, Dr. John Obaro, Founder and Group Managing Director of SystemSpecs Holdings, expressed that ‘Dr. Kolade embodied everything noble about leadership.

integrity, service, and excellence. His presence inspired discipline and purpose, and his counsel guided us through defining moments in our history. We are deeply grateful for the honour of having shared in his remarkable life and legacy.’

Even after stepping down as Chairman in 2022, he continued to serve as a trusted adviser and friend to the SystemSpecs family, remaining passionate about the role of indigenous innovation in Nigeria’s transformation.

Beyond his corporate stewardship, Kolade was celebrated nationally and internationally for his contributions to public service, education, and nation-building, including his service as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, and his leadership roles in the Nigerian Institute of Management, Cadbury Nigeria Plc, and numerous civic and faith-based institutions.

As SystemSpecs reflects on his years of service and mentorship, the company extends heartfelt condolences to the Kolade family, friends, and associates, and joins the nation in celebrating a life of purpose, integrity, and distinction.

SystemSpecs is a leading African technology group with over 33 years of industry experience. The company invests in and manages software technology businesses across sectors, delivering leadership, advisory, and strategic services.

A sociocultural organization, Orisun Igbomina has accused Deputy Senate Leader, Oyelola Ashiru of sectional representation.

Ashiru, an architect, is representing Kwara South Senatorial District in the upper legislative chamber.

The group is angry with the Senator for allegedly facilitating projects worth N6 billion in his country home of Offa, Offa Local Government Area, while neglecting other parts of the senatorial district.

In a statement, National President, Orisun Igbomina, Chief Gbenga Awoyale, recently at a meeting in Offa said, ‘Senator Ashiru’s focus seemed solely on Offa, his hometown, where he boastfully claimed to have facilitated over N6 billion worth of projects in 2025 alone to the town.

‘We received the comments by Senator Ashiru with great disappointment. Nevertheless, we find it profoundly insensitive that such open admission to ethnic bigotry and sectional bias comes from the very Senator representing Kwara South – a district whose majority are Igbomina people – especially at a time when our land faces existential threats of insecurity.

‘It is troubling to realize that a senator we elected appears indifferent to our lives and safety.

‘Meanwhile, the existence of the six other local governments he represents is under threat.

‘It is utterly ridiculous that a politician of Ashiru’s stature is blinded not only by his egocentric ambition but now suffers from ‘ambition-craze.’ Every of his statements seems to be a desperate attempt to manipulate ethnic sentiments-trying to sway the people of Offa to support his gubernatorial ambition, while also cajoling them with the possibility of retaining Senate and House of Representatives seats in the same Offa, regardless of the broader interests of the district and plurality of Kwara state at large.

‘The Kwara South traditional rulers and stakeholders cannot be more right to have recently awarded Senator Ashiru a badge of poor performance for the lack or near absence of developmental impacts since assumption of office.

‘It is crucial for political leaders to understand that the Igbomina people will never support divisive sectional politicians like Ashiru-no matter their promises or posturing.

‘His recent actions reveal that he lacks the capacity to lead a secular, multiethnic society like Kwara South, let alone Kwara state or Nigeria.

‘It is both distasteful and alarming that, at a time when Igbomina land is embroiled in insecurity and our communities are crying out for security and peace, Senator Ashiru has preoccupied himself with organizing and promoting sectional political agenda. Instead of prioritizing the protection of our lives and properties, he has chosen to focus solely on divisive politics.’

However, the Senator, of recent, has been at the forefront for the deployment of troops to troubled areas in the state.

Early last month he met with stakeholders from Kwara South where he promised to raise the matter at Senate plenary.

Then, he advocated the establishment and deployment of more robust forward operating bases (FoBs) in Kwara South to stem the tide of rising banditry and kidnappings in the district.

Said the Senator: ‘In seeking lasting peace, we must be deliberate in strengthening both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches. In addition, the government must enhance kinetic operations in the affected areas by improving equipment, mobility, and manpower for our security agencies.

‘We must also explore community-driven solutions. The revival and proper training of Forest Guards will provide the much-needed surveillance of our bushes and farmlands, which have become hideouts for criminal elements.

‘Equally, we must strengthen communal engagement, ensuring that traditional rulers, youth groups, and local vigilantes work hand in hand with security operatives to provide intelligence and maintain vigilance.’

The emergence of Senator Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland on Friday, September 26, at the ancient Mapo Hall in the heart of Ibadan, is uncannily symbolic in many respects. The symbolism lies not just in the rare recurrence of the number 44 in his life’s journey-as seen in his year of birth and his position in the lineage of Olubadans-but also in several other significant ways, which I will explore in this piece.

Ladoja was born on September 25, 1944. He emerged as the 44th Olubadan in September 2025. This is more than mere coincidence; it feels like the affirmation of a future foretold. And, like a man destined and prepared for the high position he now occupies, Ladoja was inaugurated in a blaze of elegance and glory.

He rode to Mapo Hill, the site of the historic Mapo Hall, in a gleaming white Rolls-Royce, resplendent in white traditional Aso Oke, with his wives in tow.

Mapo Hill was a sight to behold that day. The people of Ibadan trooped out en masse, swarming the venue, while many others lined the streets leading to Mapo in a bid to catch a glimpse of the spectacle. Indeed, Ibadan rose up for him.

Oba Ladoja is, indeed, an uncommon Olubadan. To label him another ‘Koseleri’ in the Ibadan landscape would be most fitting. He is in the mould of the late Senator Abiola Ajimobi, who made history as the first governor of Oyo State to break the second-term jinx. However, this is not about political office or term limits-traditional rulers hold their positions for life. It is about the rare peculiarities of Ladoja’s kingship.

The new Olubadan has a solid pedigree and a rich academic and professional background. A true son of the soil, Ladoja hails from Gambari Village in Ibadan. He graduated with a B.Sc. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Liège in Belgium and spent 13 years working at Mobil before venturing into business.

Oba Ladoja is in a class of his own. That said, there have been other well-lettered monarchs in Ibadan’s history, such as the 42nd Olubadan, Senator Lekan Balogun, who held a doctorate.

Oba Ladoja is among the few in this country who have headed a government before ascending the throne. His story is similar to that of Alfred Diete-Spiff, who was the first military governor of Rivers State-created from the old Eastern Region-before becoming the Amayanabo of Twon-Brass in Bayelsa State. Ladoja was elected governor of Oyo State in 2003. Earlier, in 1992, he served as a senator representing the Oyo Central District.

As governor, he ran a people-oriented administration that prioritised education, agriculture, housing, and water projects. However, he faced serious challenges from his political godfather, the late Alhaji Lamidi Adedibu, over control of state resources. The conflict led to Ladoja’s sensational impeachment in January 2006, which was later declared null and void by the court. He successfully challenged his removal in court, returning to office in December 2006 to complete his tenure. His determination to overturn the illegality reveals another facet of the new monarch: his faith in constitutional processes and his confidence in the courts as a means of redress.

Last week, at his residence in Bodija, Ibadan, Oba Ladoja recounted the story of his illegal impeachment to this writer and a few friends who visited to pay homage. He spoke of how those who orchestrated his removal as governor did so without the constitutionally-required number in the state assembly. He also recalled the invaluable support of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu during those challenging times and how he ultimately regained his mandate.

‘(President) Tinubu arranged for me to move quickly to Lagos after the incident. He put me in a place that was comfortable, safe, and hidden. Even before I arrived, he had assembled a team of legal luminaries to handle my case against the removal. It was such a solid team. We eventually won in court, and I regained my office.’

Given their close relationship and the significance of the Olubadan throne in Yorubaland, it was no surprise that President Tinubu graced Ladoja’s inauguration. The President’s presence not only added glamour to the event, but his speech also resonated deeply with the people of Ibadan. Tinubu spoke of his connection with Oba Ladoja, their time together in the Senate, and the impeachment saga. He recounted his campaign visit to Ibadan, during which he canvassed for votes, and the people of the state supported him massively. Part of his speech, delivered mainly in Yoruba, can be translated thus: ‘When I came to Ibadan during the campaign and spoke at this same Mapo Hall, urging that you vote for me-that it was my turn to be president-you voted massively for me. I appreciate your support. I’m most grateful.’

Oba Ladoja boasts a rich network of friends and associates. In attendance at his inauguration, besides President Tinubu, were governors, former governors (some from the Class of 1999 and 2003), past and present National Assembly members, ministers, members of the diplomatic community, captains of industry, and many other dignitaries. His friends in the opposition who were unable to attend the inauguration visited him in the days that followed.

The Oba Ladoja story is an inspirational tale of fortitude, grit, courage, and determination-qualities emblematic of a true Ibadan man. Through it all, Oba Ladoja kept his eyes on the big picture. Becoming Olubadan was his lifelong ambition. When his aspiration seemed threatened and he had to fight, he fought resolutely. When the situation demanded humility, he stooped to conquer. Ladoja initially resisted wearing a beaded crown, but in 2024, he eventually accepted it, embracing the then-evolving Ibadan chieftaincy arrangement.

At this point, I would like to share a humorous encounter I once had with Oba Ladoja. It was in the run-up to the 2003 governorship election, which he eventually won. The Punch newspaper had asked me to interview Ladoja ahead of the election.

The build-up to that election was very tense in Oyo State, especially in Ibadanland. Two sons of the soil-Ladoja and the late Alhaji Yekini Adeojo-were battling for the Peoples Democratic Party ticket to contest against the incumbent, the late Comrade Lamidi Adesina of the old Alliance for Democracy. Given the tension and rivalry between Ladoja and Adeojo, there were talks in some quarters of disqualifying both men, much like the late Prof. Femi Agbalajobi and Chief Dapo Sarumi were disqualified in Lagos by the Babangida regime in the run-up to the 1991 governorship election.

During the interview, I asked Ladoja about the possibility of his disqualification. His reply was both shocking and revealing: ‘What have we done in Ibadan? What has happened here to warrant our disqualification? Only one person’s leg was broken, and another person was blinded. What have we done?’ I was flummoxed.

Though neither candidate was disqualified, in retrospect, that response-cold as it may have seemed-speaks to the nature and politics of Ibadan and the popular aphorism about its people’s pugnacious spirit.

The adage goes: ‘Ija igboro lo’ro Ibadan,’ meaning an Ibadan man is never shy or afraid to pick a street fight.

With Oba Ladoja on the throne, it seems the full glory and power of Ibadan-the city of seven hills and the town Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka describes so glowingly in his memoir, ‘Ibadan: The Penkelemes Years’-are unfolding before our eyes. May the reign of Oba Ladoja be long, peaceful, and prosperous!

Determined to end the prolonged delay on the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano Expressway, Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, has again met with the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, in Abuja to push for the speedy completion of the project’s critical Abuja-Jere-Kaduna section.

The meeting, held at the Federal Ministry of Works, was part of the governor’s sustained engagement with key federal stakeholders to ensure quick delivery of one of Nigeria’s most strategic transport corridors.

Governor Sani described the highway as a ‘national artery’ vital to Nigeria’s economic integration, trade, and mobility. He said the expressway connects millions of Nigerians across states and should no longer suffer avoidable delays.

‘This road is not just a route between two cities; it is an economic corridor linking people, markets, and opportunities across northern Nigeria and beyond,’ he said, reaffirming Kaduna’s readiness to partner with the Federal Government to remove all implementation bottlenecks.

Minister Umahi, in his remarks, commended Governor Sani’s proactive follow-up on federal projects in the state and assured that the Tinubu administration was fully committed to delivering the expressway within record time. He disclosed that contractors had been directed to adopt double shifts to fast-track construction without compromising quality.

Umahi also revealed that the use of reinforced concrete pavement technology would ensure durability, reduce maintenance costs, and guarantee long-term sustainability of the highway.

Governor Sani emphasized that the project’s completion would symbolize renewed hope, unity, and national development, reflecting the joint resolve of federal and state authorities to deliver infrastructure that drives growth and improves citizens’ lives.

Meanwhile, the National Union of Textile, Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria (NUTGTWN) has condemned the recent verbal attack by the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) on former Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, describing it as ‘unnecessary and unwarranted.’

At a press conference addressed its President, Peters Godonu, and General Secretary, Ali Baba, the union expressed deep concern over NUPENG’s remarks against Oshiomhole, following his intervention in the ongoing dispute between Dangote Refinery and PENGASSAN.

The textile union leaders said Oshiomhole’s comments were patriotic and aimed at promoting industrial peace, national productivity, and protection of workers’ rights through dialogue and mutual respect.

Describing Oshiomhole as one of Nigeria’s most respected labour icons, the union said he had earned the moral authority to speak on issues affecting workers and the economy, given his credentials as a former NLC President, ex-Governor, and now a serving Senator.

‘It is unacceptable for any affiliate union to resort to personal attacks on a leader whose decades of selfless service to the Nigerian working class remain exemplary,’ the statement read, urging NUPENG to show restraint and uphold the values of solidarity and consultation that define the labour movement.