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Lagos 2027: Rhodes-Vivour Reopens Hamzat’s US Allegiance Controversy

By
Shehu Danladi
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The African Democratic Congress governorship candidate in Lagos State, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, has revived questions over the eligibility of Lagos Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat, to contest the 2027 governorship election, alleging that he previously swore an oath of allegiance to the United States.

Rhodes-Vivour raised the issue on Tuesday during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, recalling that the same matter formed part of his challenge to Hamzat’s eligibility during the 2023 Lagos governorship election petition.

According to him, his legal team had relied on the alleged US oath in arguing that a Nigerian public office holder should not simultaneously owe allegiance to another country.

“We focused on the fact that this current person that wants to contest for governor, deputy governor, swore an oath of allegiance to another country,” Rhodes-Vivour said.

“Constitutionally, that is one of the number one reasons to dismiss a candidate or dismiss somebody that emerges as the governor.”

The controversy dates back to the 2023 election petition proceedings, when US-based immigration lawyer Olubusayo Fasidi testified before the Lagos State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal that Hamzat had applied for US naturalisation and taken an oath of allegiance.

Fasidi, however, told the tribunal that her role was to explain US immigration law and that she was not familiar with Nigeria’s constitutional provisions on dual citizenship.

Rhodes-Vivour had challenged Hamzat’s qualification during the 2023 election litigation on the grounds that he allegedly renounced his Nigerian citizenship and swore allegiance to the United States.

The Court of Appeal subsequently held that the allegation had not been established with sufficient evidence, stating that no evidence of an oath of allegiance to the US or renunciation of Nigerian citizenship had been placed before the tribunal to prove the claim.

The Lagos State Governorship Election Tribunal had earlier upheld the eligibility of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Hamzat to contest the 2023 election, dismissing the petitions challenging their return.

Despite the previous court findings, Rhodes-Vivour has returned to the issue ahead of the 2027 election.

He also criticised the conduct of the 2023 election, alleging incidents of violence and intimidation across Lagos.

The ADC candidate argued that Nigerians should elect public officials whose loyalty is exclusively to the country.

Rhodes-Vivour further contended that Hamzat could have publicly renounced any alleged US allegiance before seeking elective office, citing former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson as an example.

Hamzat, meanwhile, has emerged as the All Progressives Congress candidate for the 2027 Lagos governorship election after winning the party’s governorship primary in May.

The APC declared him the winner after the primary, with the party reporting 657,917 votes out of 657,974 accredited votes.

President Bola Tinubu and other APC stakeholders in Lagos have previously endorsed Hamzat’s candidacy ahead of the 2027 poll.

The renewed controversy is therefore likely to keep the question of Hamzat’s eligibility in public discussion as political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 Lagos governorship election.

 

Lagos-Ibadan Expressway: 14-Hour Gridlock, Fare Hike As Crash Triggers Traffic Nightmare

By
Mosali Edunosa
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Motorists and commuters travelling along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway were stranded for more than 14 hours on Tuesday following a multiple-vehicle crash at the Kara Bridge, worsened by ongoing repair works on the major highway.

The crash, which occurred in the early hours of the day, involved seven vehicles and initially disrupted traffic towards Ogun State. The resulting congestion later spread beyond the Long Bridge towards Magboro and extended into Lagos.

The situation became worse when some frustrated motorists resorted to driving against traffic in an attempt to escape the gridlock, creating another major obstruction for vehicles heading towards Lagos.

The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) said its LRT Tiger Squad stationed at C3 was dispatched to the scene at 6:05am following a distress call and arrived within the expected response time.

According to LASEMA Permanent Secretary, Dr Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu, the vehicles involved included a 40-foot container truck without a registration number, Toyota Hilux, interstate bus, Hyundai Odyssey, Sienna, Toyota Highlander and Mitsubishi Hilux.

Oke-Osanyintolu said preliminary findings indicated that the container truck developed a mechanical fault while in motion, causing its driver to lose control and ram into the other six vehicles.

He said LASEMA activated its incident management protocol and worked with the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority and the Nigeria Police Force to manage the situation and prevent further crashes.

“Private towing trucks were deployed to support the recovery operation, while all the affected vehicles were eventually removed from the carriageway to the roadside. Fortunately, no loss of life or injury was recorded in the incident,” he said.

The recovered vehicles were handed over to the police for documentation and further necessary action, while LASTMA officials remained at the scene to facilitate the restoration of traffic.

However, before the vehicles were cleared, the gridlock had already worsened as some motorists began driving against traffic.

A motorist identified as Jude said vehicles taking the one-way route eventually occupied three lanes, leaving only one lane for motorists travelling towards Lagos.

Another motorist said he spent more than five hours trapped in the traffic and missed an appointment.

“I ran into the traffic around 11am, and I am still here. I was scheduled for an appointment but could no longer meet up,” he said.

Although the removal of the crashed vehicles later eased traffic around Kara Bridge, motorists who had driven against traffic created another bottleneck around the OPIC end of the road while attempting to reconnect with the proper lane.

A traffic official, who spoke anonymously, blamed the fresh obstruction on motorists who had taken the one-way route.

“The influx of vehicles taking one-way when the crash happened had blocked vehicles coming into Lagos in the process of connecting back to their lane at OPIC. That is what has caused the serious traffic you see now,” the official said.

By 5pm, the gridlock had stretched beyond the Long Bridge towards Magboro, leaving commuters stranded for several hours. By 7pm, checks showed that the congestion had extended towards Iyana-Oworo in Lagos, with slow movement also recorded on the Third Mainland Bridge.

LASTMA spokesperson, Adebayo Taofiq, said another accident at the Kara axis in the evening further compounded the situation.

“The traffic was because another accident happened this evening in the same area. LASTMA officers were there till this night,” he said.

The prolonged traffic also triggered a sharp increase in transport fares along affected routes.

Commuters travelling from Iyana-Oworo to Berger reportedly paid as much as N2,000, compared with the usual N500 to N700 fare, while fares from Iyana-Oworo to Mowe reportedly rose to N3,000 from about N1,200.

The traffic crisis occurred amid ongoing repairs on the Kara Bridge, where damaged expansion joints are being fixed.

The repair works have reduced available road space around the bridge, making the corridor more vulnerable to severe congestion whenever accidents, broken-down vehicles or other obstructions occur.

Motorists have raised concerns that the combination of construction activities and roadside obstructions could further increase safety risks and prolong travel time on the busy interstate route.

The spokesperson for the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency, Babatunde Akinbiyi, confirmed that the crash had compounded the traffic situation.

“Our men, with other traffic officials, are managing the situation. Aside from the impatience on the part of drivers, which had resulted in the gridlock…” he said.

Enugu Political Tension: PDP Chieftain Warns Tinubu Could Lose Support

By
Nnenna Nwankwo
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A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, Chief Basil Ani, has warned that growing political tension and alleged attacks on opposition gatherings in Enugu State could affect President Bola Tinubu’s support in the state ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Ani, in a statement, said anger over alleged attacks on PDP members and supporters was increasingly being directed at the Federal Government and, by extension, the President.

He claimed that if the Federal Government was perceived as failing to address the alleged political violence, the situation could influence voters’ attitudes towards the 2027 election.

According to him, what initially centred largely on opposition to the administration of Governor Peter Mbah had gradually assumed a wider dimension, with opposition politicians, traditional rulers and other citizens questioning the Federal Government’s response to developments in the state.

Ani cited alleged attacks on PDP activities, including a ward meeting at Akpugo Ward 3 on August 16 and another meeting at Obe Ward, Nkanu West Local Government Area, on August 29.

He also referred to alleged attacks on two political gatherings on September 12, during which more than eight people were reportedly injured and property destroyed.

“The allegations are grave and raise a much larger question: Can citizens freely participate in political activities in Enugu State without fear of violence or intimidation?” he asked.

The PDP chieftain called on security and law-enforcement agencies to investigate the incidents and prosecute anyone found culpable, regardless of political affiliation.

Ani said the Federal Government should treat the matter as an issue of democratic stability rather than merely as a dispute between the PDP and the All Progressives Congress.

“If PDP members are attacked, investigate it. If APC members are attacked, investigate it. If supporters of any other political party are attacked, investigate it,” he said.

He further said traditional rulers and religious leaders could become involved in the political calculations of their communities if they believed the Federal Government was indifferent to alleged attacks on their people.

Ani said the emergence of Chief Uche Nnaji as a major opposition figure and PDP governorship candidate had further heightened political competition in the state.

“The President does not need to take sides in the Enugu political contest. He needs to take the side of democracy,” he said.

Police Order Probe

Meanwhile, the Enugu State Police Command has directed an investigation into two separate incidents involving alleged disruption of political gatherings in Nkanu West Local Government Area on September 12.

The Commissioner of Police, Mamman Bitrus Giwa, directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department to investigate the incidents and ensure that anyone found responsible is brought to justice.

Police spokesman, Daniel Ndukwe, said one incident occurred at Ndiuno-Obuoffia, where armed hoodlums allegedly disrupted a political meeting with sporadic shooting, injuring two attendees.

He said another incident occurred at St. Joseph Primary School, Agbani, where hoodlums allegedly destroyed canopies and chairs prepared for a PDP rally.

According to the police, operatives were deployed to the locations after receiving reports of the incidents, while efforts were launched to identify and apprehend fleeing suspects.

The command also noted that the gatherings had not previously been reported to the police for security coverage.

The Commissioner urged political parties and other stakeholders to notify the police ahead of campaigns, rallies and meetings to enable appropriate security arrangements.

The command warned political parties, candidates and supporters against violence, intimidation, destruction of property and other acts capable of disrupting public peace and the electoral process.

 

Olu Jacobs: The Curtain Falls On Nollywood’s Icon At 84

By
Gladys Phillip
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Nigeria’s entertainment industry has been thrown into mourning following the death of veteran actor and elder statesman, Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, at the age of 84.

His death was announced by his son, Olusoji Jacobs, on Instagram on Wednesday, September 16, 2026.

For more than five decades, Olu Jacobs carved a remarkable path across theatre, television and film, becoming one of Nigeria’s most respected and recognisable actors.

Born on July 11, 1942, in Kano, Jacobs had his roots in the Egba Alake community of Abeokuta, Ogun State. He grew up in Kano, where his interest in acting developed through school drama, debating and church activities.

His passion for the stage deepened after watching a performance by renowned Nigerian theatre practitioner Hubert Ogunde, an experience that encouraged him to pursue acting professionally.

From London Stage To Nollywood

Jacobs travelled to Britain and trained at the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London.

After completing his training, he worked with several repertory theatre companies in Britain and appeared in a number of television productions.

His British television credits included The Goodies, Till Death Us Do Part, The Professionals, The Tomorrow People and Barlow at Large.

He also featured in international films including The Dogs of War in 1980, Baby: Secret of the Lost Legend in 1985 and Roman Polanski’s Pirates in 1986.

After returning to Nigeria in the 1980s, Jacobs became a major force in the country’s emerging film and television industry.

He featured in hundreds of productions and became particularly associated with roles as kings, chiefs, traditional rulers, fathers and other authoritative figures.

His distinctive baritone voice, commanding screen presence and strong theatre background made him one of the most recognisable faces of Nigerian cinema.

Guardian records that Jacobs built an extensive body of work, including more than 200 home video productions, about 100 stage productions and numerous television programmes.

Awards And National Honour

Jacobs’ contribution to acting earned him several major honours.

In 2007, he won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role. He was also honoured with the Industry Merit Award for outstanding achievement in acting at the 2013 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards.

In 2011, the Federal Government conferred on him the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR).

The African Movie Academy Awards later honoured him with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016 alongside his wife, Joke Silva, and other distinguished practitioners.

Olu Jacobs And Joke Silva

Beyond the screen, Jacobs shared a celebrated personal and professional partnership with fellow veteran actress Joke Silva.

The couple married after meeting in the theatre community and went on to become one of Nigeria’s best-known entertainment couples.

Together, they founded the Lufodo Group, with interests in film production, distribution and performing arts. They also established the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts, which has contributed to training a new generation of performers.

Later Years

In his later years, Jacobs largely stayed away from the public spotlight as his health declined.

His wife had previously spoken publicly about his battle with dementia with Lewy bodies. His health also led to repeated false reports of his death, which the family had dismissed on previous occasions.

Despite his absence from the screen, colleagues and admirers continued to celebrate his contribution to Nigerian theatre and cinema.

A Legacy That Endures

Olu Jacobs belonged to a generation of actors who helped build the bridge between Nigeria’s traditional theatre, television and the modern film industry.

His career also connected Nigerian entertainment with international theatre and cinema, following his extensive professional experience in Britain.

From the stage to television and Nollywood, Jacobs became renowned for portraying characters marked by authority, wisdom and dignity.

His influence extended beyond acting through production, mentorship and arts education.

With his death, Nigeria has lost one of the most enduring figures of its performing arts history—a man whose career spanned generations and whose work helped shape the identity of Nigerian cinema.

Olu Jacobs is survived by his wife, Joke Silva, his family and generations of actors and filmmakers whose careers were influenced by his work.

 

UNFPA Raises Alarm Over GBV, Urges Inclusion Of Disabled Youths

By
Nnenna Nwankwo
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The United Nations Population Fund Youth Participatory Platform (UNFPA-YPP), Sokoto State, has sensitised adolescents and young people with disabilities on sexual and reproductive health rights, gender-based violence prevention, positive masculinity and menstrual hygiene.

The programme, organised in collaboration with Taimako Inclusive Development Initiative (TIDI) and the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), was held at the Sokoto South Conference Hall on Tuesday.

The sensitisation provided participants with information on their health, rights, safety and wellbeing, while giving them an opportunity to discuss challenges affecting young people living with disabilities.

Speaking at the programme, UNFPA-YPP PWD Desk Officer, Maimunatu Salihu, said the initiative was designed to ensure that disability did not prevent young people from accessing healthcare, reliable information, protection and opportunities.

She said the programme also provided a safe environment where participants could ask questions, share experiences and learn from one another.

Chairperson of UNFPA-YPP Sokoto, Hamidu Almustapha, stressed the need for young people to be actively involved in programmes and decisions affecting their lives.

Almustapha said youths should not be regarded merely as beneficiaries, but should be given opportunities to identify challenges, propose solutions and contribute to development initiatives.

He also called for greater inclusion of persons with disabilities in development programmes, noting that they have equal rights to information, participation, dignity, safety and opportunities.

Reject Violence, Harmful Stereotypes

During a presentation on positive masculinity, Salihu said societal and cultural expectations could discourage boys from expressing their emotions or seeking help when confronted with challenges.

She urged parents and caregivers to give boys adequate care, affection, protection and emotional support to promote healthy emotional and social development.

Salihu also encouraged young men to reject the belief that masculinity should be associated with aggression, dominance or violence.

She advocated respect, empathy, responsibility, self-control, equality and peaceful communication as values capable of promoting healthier relationships and safer communities.

UNFPA-YPP Co-Chair, Aisha Muhammad, linked positive masculinity to the prevention of gender-based violence, urging participants to challenge harmful stereotypes and behaviours that could contribute to violence.

Speaking on GBV, Muhammad explained that violence could take physical, sexual, emotional and psychological forms.

She noted that persons with disabilities could encounter additional barriers when seeking protection or reporting abuse, making disability-inclusive support systems important.

“Everyone, including adolescents and young people with disabilities, has the right to live in an environment free from violence, abuse, exploitation and discrimination,” she said.

Muhammad urged participants not to normalise violence or remain silent when abuse occurs, advising them to seek help from trusted individuals and appropriate service providers.

Menstrual Health

A UNICEF peer educator, Comrade Nafiu Umar Muhammad, described menstruation as a normal biological process that should not be surrounded by shame or stigma.

He stressed the need for access to accurate information, menstrual materials, clean water and sanitation facilities to enable girls and young women to manage menstruation safely and with dignity.

He also called for menstrual health information and facilities to be made accessible to young people with disabilities.

Participants were encouraged to help dispel myths and misconceptions about menstruation and promote open discussions on menstrual health.

The programme featured an interactive session where participants raised questions and discussed challenges surrounding access to healthcare information and services, cultural expectations, violence, discrimination and inclusion.

In his vote of thanks, Secretary of the association, Mukhtar Doki, commended UNFPA-YPP, TIDI, JONAPWD and the facilitators for organising the programme.

He encouraged participants to share the knowledge gained with their peers and communities, saying they could serve as “ambassadors” of the positive messages received.

The organisers called for regular sensitisation programmes on sexual and reproductive health rights, GBV prevention, positive masculinity and menstrual hygiene.

They also advocated increased participation of young people with disabilities in advocacy and decision-making processes.

 

UCH Health Workers Begin Indefinite Strike Over Director’s Reinstatement

By
Toyin Adebayo
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Health workers at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, have commenced an indefinite strike over the alleged refusal of the hospital management to reinstate the Director of Pharmaceutical Services, Dr Adeyinka Ishola.

The industrial action, declared by the University College Hospital chapter of the Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP), began on Wednesday, September 16, 2026.

The union said it took the decision after several attempts to resolve the dispute through dialogue reportedly failed.

At the centre of the disagreement is the sale of a tricycle donated to the hospital’s Pharmacy Department and the disciplinary action subsequently taken against Ishola.

NUAHP Chairman, Oladayo Olabampe, said the union was demanding the implementation of the recommendation of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, which he said called for Ishola to be reprimanded and reinstated.

Olabampe said an initial investigation by UCH had recommended disciplinary action against Ishola, with the matter subsequently forwarded to the ministry.

According to him, the ministry constituted an independent investigative team which reached a different conclusion from the hospital’s earlier investigation.

“The ministry, in its wisdom, sent a team of investigators to UCH to conduct an independent investigation. The panel found Dr Ishola not guilty of any fraudulent act but only guilty of not carrying management along in the sale of the tricycle,” he said.

He added that the ministry subsequently recommended that Ishola be reprimanded and reinstated rather than dismissed.

Olabampe accused the hospital management of refusing to implement the ministry’s recommendation despite its supervisory role.

He said the union also disagreed with the position attributed to the management that the ministry’s decision was not final.

The union chairman further defended Ishola against allegations of fraud, saying the issue amounted to an administrative error rather than theft.

“We hereby declare that Dr Adeyinka Ishola is not a thief, though he might have committed an administrative error by not carrying the management along,” Olabampe said.

He said the union had issued two ultimatums and held several meetings with management without resolving the matter.

“Having dialogued with the management on several occasions to no avail, we have hereby resolved to declare a trade dispute over this matter,” he said.

The union said the strike would continue indefinitely until its demands were met.

Ishola was removed from office more than a year ago following an allegation that he sold the tricycle without the knowledge of UCH management.

The tricycle was reportedly donated by a pharmaceutical company. Ishola was said to have told the hospital’s investigative panel that the item was initially given to him as a personal gift before he handed it over to the Pharmacy Department.

He reportedly explained that the tricycle was later sold after he became concerned about the difficulty of maintaining it because it was a fabricated model whose spare parts might not be readily available.

Ishola reportedly said the N1.3 million proceeds from the sale were used for departmental needs, including replacing trolley tyres and laptop batteries and providing office chairs.

He was also said to have presented documents to the investigative panel to account for how the proceeds were spent.

The dispute has continued over the ownership and disposal of the tricycle, with the hospital management reportedly maintaining that the item became hospital property after it was handed over to the Pharmacy Department.

The latest strike is coming months after another labour dispute at UCH. In March 2026, workers under the Council of UCH Union Leaders embarked on a five-day warning strike over alleged electricity rationing at the hospital.

The indefinite industrial action could affect services at the tertiary health institution, which serves as a major referral and training centre in the region.

 

Four Die In Early-Morning Lagos-Ibadan Expressway Crash

By
Udehi Alambo
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Four persons have been killed in a fatal road crash along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Ogun State.

The accident occurred at about 4:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, around Straight Gate School, Ipara Remo, on the Ibadan-bound section of the expressway.

Eight persons were involved in the crash, according to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC). Four male adults died, one male adult sustained injuries, while three others escaped unhurt.

The crash involved a blue Mitsubishi Canter with registration number FGE 753 XA and an ash-coloured HOWO truck with registration number T-695 KT.

The Ogun State Sector Command spokesperson of the FRSC, Chief Route Commander Afolabi Odunsi, said preliminary investigations indicated that speeding and wrongful overtaking were responsible for the crash, while fatigue was also identified as a contributing factor.

According to Odunsi, the Mitsubishi driver was travelling at high speed when he attempted to overtake and rammed into the moving truck.

He said the FRSC rescue team received the distress call at 4:33 a.m. and arrived at the scene six minutes later, at 4:39 a.m.

The injured victim was evacuated to Victory Hospital, Ogere, for treatment, while the remains of the four deceased victims were deposited at the FOS Mortuary, Ipara.

Odunsi added that the two vehicles had been handed over to the Police Motor Traffic Division, Isara Division, for further investigation.

The Ogun State Sector Commander of the FRSC, Corps Commander Oludare Ogunjobi, urged motorists to avoid excessive speed, fatigue and dangerous overtaking.

He advised motorists embarking on long-distance journeys, particularly during the early hours, to get adequate rest before driving and to overtake only when it is safe and permissible.

 

Wike: Tinubu Knows About My ‘Rainbow Coalition’, I’m Not Answerable to APC Govs

By
Toyin Adebayo
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ABUJA — Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is fully aware of his political activities and the “Rainbow Coalition” he is mobilising across party lines ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Wike, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), made this known on Tuesday night during an interview on Arise News’ Prime Time, insisting that his political activities are not being carried out behind the President’s back.

“There is nothing that I do that I don’t tell Mr. President,” Wike said.

The minister stressed that his support was specifically for Tinubu’s re-election and not for the All Progressives Congress (APC), adding that he remains a PDP member.

He also dismissed criticisms from APC governors, declaring that he was not accountable to them.

“I’m not answerable to APC governors,” Wike stated.

Wike, who served as governor of Rivers State, also defended his performance in the FCT, particularly his decision to embark on an extensive commissioning of completed projects.

“If people fail to learn from other people, they don’t grow. I took 31 days to commission projects in the FCT and they are not happy,” he said.

The minister subsequently took a swipe at Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, over his criticism of the political coalition.

“Hope Uzodimma should be lucky that I’m not in the APC. Hope fears for nothing,” Wike said.

He described some of the APC governors who held a press conference criticising his political activities as “smart but politically lazy,” while questioning their electoral performances during the 2023 presidential election.

Wike particularly challenged Uzodimma over Tinubu’s performance in Imo State, where he said the President polled less than 10 per cent of the votes.

“Hope Uzodimma was the governor of Imo State, yet President Tinubu could not secure 10 per cent of the votes there,” he said.

He also questioned the argument that politicians supporting Tinubu across party lines were acting inconsistently.

“The governors of Osun, Anambra and Abia States are supporting the President’s re-election. Won’t they still support the candidates of their parties in other elections? So where is the confusion?” he asked.

On Rivers State, Wike attributed what he described as improved political stability to his “Rainbow Coalition.”

“Because of our Rainbow Coalition, we no longer have Rivers of blood. There is no litigation on party candidates in Rivers State, unlike Imo State,” he said.

Asked about Tinubu’s prospects in the South-South, Wike expressed confidence that the President could win Bayelsa State, claiming that members of the PDP in the state were working for Tinubu.

“That can happen in Bayelsa State. The whole PDP there is working for the President,” he said.

Wike also dismissed attempts to attribute Bayelsa’s political structure to an individual, saying, “The founder of the NDC is not the founder of Bayelsa.”

The minister further predicted victory for Tinubu in the FCT in the 2027 presidential election.

“As I sit here today, I will tell you that the President will win in the FCT,” Wike declared.

 

Nigeria, Spain Move to Revive Deals and Restore Direct Air Links

By
Akeem Adebayo
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Nigeria is seeking to revive existing bilateral agreements with Spain and restore direct air connectivity between the two countries as newly appointed Ambassador Okezie Victor Ikpeazu begins his diplomatic assignment in Madrid.

Ikpeazu made the case for a stronger and more practical Nigeria-Spain partnership after presenting his Letters of Credence to King Felipe VI of Spain at the Royal Palace in Madrid on Monday, September 14.

The ambassador specifically highlighted the need to review and revitalise existing bilateral agreements, including the Bilateral Air Service Agreement, to make them more responsive to current economic and diplomatic priorities.

He said improved direct air connectivity would help strengthen economic partnerships, boost tourism and increase people-to-people exchanges between Nigeria and Spain.

According to a statement issued by Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesperson Oluwafemi Adeniyi on Tuesday, Ikpeazu also reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to expanding cooperation with Spain in trade and investment, energy, infrastructure, agriculture, education, culture, tourism, security and people-to-people relations.

The presentation of the Letters of Credence formally marked the commencement of Ikpeazu’s diplomatic assignment in Spain. He conveyed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s greetings and best wishes to King Felipe VI, the Spanish government and people.

Ikpeazu expressed Nigeria’s readiness to work with the Spanish government, institutions and private sector to unlock new economic opportunities, increase trade and investment flows and deepen institutional and commercial partnerships.

Speaking at a reception hosted by the Nigerian Embassy in Madrid after the ceremony, the ambassador said Nigeria-Spain relations offered significant opportunities for broader cooperation involving public institutions, businesses, academia, cultural organisations, civil society and communities.

He called for a more robust and sustained bilateral partnership, with greater emphasis on translating existing goodwill between the two countries into concrete outcomes.

The ambassador also highlighted the Nigerian community in Spain as an important link between both countries. He pledged that the embassy would promote and protect the interests of Nigerian nationals while strengthening their engagement with the mission.

The reception was attended by members of the diplomatic corps, Spanish government representatives, business and cultural stakeholders and members of the Nigerian community in Spain.

Ikpeazu said he was committed to advancing Nigeria’s interests while consolidating the longstanding relationship between Nigeria and Spain.

The embassy said it would work with the Spanish government, private sector, development partners, diplomatic community and Nigerian nationals to deepen bilateral cooperation and promote shared prosperity.

Court Blocks Oyo Govt From Installing Parallel Aresaadu

By
Olajumoke Sanusi
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The Oyo State High Court sitting in Ibadan has restrained the state government, ruling house and kingmakers from nominating or installing a parallel Aresaadu of Iresaadu in Surulere Local Government Area.

Justice K.A. Adedokun issued the interim injunction following an application by Oba Abraham Olafimihan Adeyeye, the Aresaadu of Iresaadu, who alleged that moves were being made to install another monarch despite his continued occupation of the throne.

The order, contained in Suit No. HOI/6/2026, specifically restrained the Oyo State Government, Emiolu Ruling House and kingmakers from “nominating, appointing or approving any candidate for the Aresaadu of Iresaadu Chieftaincy nor taking any step in that regard pending the hearing and final determination of the Motion on Notice.”

Justice Adedokun said the applicant had established that his rights were under threat and required protection by the court.

“Having read through the application and the two affidavits in support of same as well as Exhibits A, A1, B, C & D attached to same, it was established that the right of the Applicant is under threat and same needed to be protected by this Honourable Court,” the judge held.

The court consequently granted the application.

The fresh order followed what Oba Adeyeye described as the alleged failure of the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters to respond to his letters and previous court orders, while allegedly proceeding with the process of nominating another candidate for the stool.

The Certified True Copy of the latest order was made available by the monarch on Monday, September 14, alongside other documents relating to the long-running dispute over the traditional stool.

Adeyeye had earlier appealed to Acting Governor Adebayo Lawal and Governor Seyi Makinde to stop the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Ademola Ojo, from allegedly facilitating the appointment of a parallel Aresaadu.

The monarch claimed that the ministry had issued letters in September 2025 and September 2026 directing the Chairman of Surulere Local Government to commence the process of nominating another candidate.

According to him, the directive was allegedly based on the claim that a court judgment had nullified his appointment.

Adeyeye, however, maintained that no court had declared the Aresaadu stool vacant.

He also cited an earlier Court of Appeal judgment, Appeal No. CA/I/291/2002, which he said established that it was not the turn of the Emiolu Ruling House to produce a candidate for the stool.

The monarch further stated that a suit filed by the Emiolu Ruling House challenging his appointment, Suit No. HOI/4/2019, was dismissed by the High Court, Orile-Igbon, on March 24, 2023, while the appeal was subsequently withdrawn.

Adeyeye said he was nominated by the Osunbiyi Ruling House after the stool became vacant following the death of Prince Jimoh Oloyede in December 2018.

He said his nomination was approved by the kingmakers appointed by the government, while the governor subsequently approved his appointment and issued him an instrument of office dated May 24, 2019.

He further disclosed that he instituted Suit No. HOI/19/2020 against the state government over what he described as refusal to recognise him as the substantive Aresaadu.

According to him, the court ruled in his favour on February 2, 2021, directing the government to recognise him and release his entitlements.

He alleged that the government failed to comply with the judgment despite there being no appeal against it.

Adeyeye also disclosed that several other suits connected to the chieftaincy dispute remain pending before the courts, including cases filed by the Emiolu Ruling House, kingmakers and some members of the Osunbiyi Ruling House.

He said contempt proceedings had also been filed against government officials allegedly involved in or aiding the disobedience of the subsisting court judgment.

The monarch alleged that the Ministry of Justice had issued legal advice to the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters urging compliance with the court judgments and recognition of his position as Aresaadu.

He, however, claimed that the commissioner failed to act on the legal advice.

Adeyeye therefore urged the state government to immediately withdraw the letters directing the fresh nomination process and stop any meeting involving the Surulere Local Government chairman and the Emiolu Ruling House over the stool.

He also asked the government to nullify any process already commenced towards appointing another Aresaadu and sanction any official found to have violated subsisting court orders.

The monarch maintained that installing another Aresaadu while he remains on the throne would amount to creating a non-existent vacancy and undermine the authority of the courts.

 

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