SOUTH-WEST NGR NEWS

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, has debunked the news making the rounds claiming that a new Chief Imam has been appointed in Oyo. A statement by the Director of Media and Publicity to the Alaafin, Bode Durojaiye, described the reports as unfounded, baseless, and wicked, urging the public to disregard them. The statement emphasised that no candidate has been selected for the town’s highest Islamic position, noting that the process of choosing a new Chief Imam is still ongoing and involves thorough consultations. Sponsored Ads The palace called on residents to remain calm and patient, assuring that the rightful appointment will be made in due course. It also reiterated that the exclusive authority to appoint the Chief Imam rests solely with the Alaafin.

Niger State Governor Umar Bago has said that preachers in the state must submit their sermons for approval before preaching. The governor appeared on TVC’s Politics on Sunday to clarify some aspects of the law seeking to regulate preaching in the state. He said: “I didn’t ban evangelism… For everyone going to sermon on Friday, he should bring his scriptures for review, and it’s normal. Even in Saudi Arabia, this is done. We cannot say because you have been given the opportunity to be a cleric, you will go out and preach the gospel that is anti-people, anti-government and you think it’s normal.” Asked if it was out of fear of indoctrination, the governor said, “It’s in that direction. We want to be able to see what they are preaching, hear what they are saying. We are working together with security agencies; the Department of State Services (DSS), the Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the military.” Recall that the new directive first became public...

...... REASSURES RESIDENTS OF PEACE The Commander, 22 Armoured Brigade, Brigadier General Ezra Barkins, in company of the Kwara State Commissioner of Police, CP Adekimi Ojo, and the Director, Department of State Services (DSS), Kwara State Command, Mr Michael Oganwu, on Saturday 13 September 2025, visited Omu-Aran in Ifelodun and Isin Local Government Areas of Kwara State. The visit followed a distress call by the Executive Governor of Kwara State, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, over violent protests by youths against rising incidents of kidnapping for ransom within their communities. The aggrieved youths blocked sections of the Omu-Aran–Eleyin–Ajase road in Isin LGA, thereby halting the movement of commuters and creating tension in the area. Troops of 22 Armoured Brigade, led by Brigadier General Barkins, in collaboration with the Police and DSS, swiftly mobilized to the scene. The joint team dispersed the protesters, restored order, and cleared th...

Troops of the 12 Brigade Nigerian Army, operating under Operation ACCORD III in collaboration with Other Hybrid Forces (OHF), have successfully eliminated a notorious bandit leader, Babangida Kachala, during a targeted operation in Kogi State. The Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations for the 12 Brigade, Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, confirmed the development in a statement released on Saturday. According to Abdullahi, the operation was carried out on September 11, 2025, following credible intelligence on the movement of bandits around Ofere Forest and Ayetoro Gbede. The coordinated offensive led to the neutralization of Kachala, who had long been on the security watchlist for his role in violent attacks and kidnappings in the region. Sponsored Ads  Military authorities described the operation as a major breakthrough in ongoing efforts to restore peace and security in Kogi State and surrounding areas.

By KAZEEM AWOJOODU, IBADAN  Today marks 18 years since the tragic and politically motivated assassination of Dr. Hon. Chief Olusegun Ishola Moses Akintola Oladimeji, fondly and famously known as Segelu — a respected statesman, lawmaker, and beloved father. His gruesome killing sent shockwaves across the nation and left a deep void in the heart of Oyo State. Segelu was more than a public servant; he was a symbol of integrity, vision, and selfless leadership. But on that dark day, his life was cut short by the hands of wicked men, whose actions were driven by fear, envy, and political desperation. As the biological and political son of the late Segelu, Aare Olayinka Segelu Akintola Oladimeji has used this painful anniversary to speak boldly and directly. In a statement issued by his media aide, Kazeem Awojoodu, Aare Olayinka Segelu said, "I declare with the authority of truth that the killers of my father, their sponsors, and supporters – whether within or ou...

The Asipa Olubadan of Ibadanland-designate, Oba Hamidu Ajibade, has declared that the Olubadan of Ibadanland is the head of all traditional rulers in Oyo State. In a now-viral interview video, Oba Ajibade dismissed arguments suggesting that the Alaafin of Oyo should hold the position of permanent chairman of the state’s Council of Obas. He emphasised Ibadan’s historical role in warfare and its longstanding influence in the state, stressing that Ibadan stands above other traditional stools. He maintained that Ibadan would always take precedence in the hierarchy of Oyo traditional rulers. According to him, leadership in Ibadan prioritises the welfare and progress of its people, noting that the focus of the Olubadan-designate, Oba Rasidi Ladoja, remains ensuring youth employment and preventing social decline in the city. He said, “Oyo used to come and seek the assistance of Ibadan during wars. Ijaiye palm tree should be asked about the war of Ogunmola, as Ogunmola in Beere wen...

Hon. Seye Gbaroye, a prominent Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain and leading aspirant in Egbeda/Ona-Ara Federal Constituency, Oyo State, popularly known as Omo Wa, recently returned to Nigeria and visited his constituents. Ahead of the PDP ward congresses scheduled for Saturday, September 13, 2025, Hon Gbaroye met with party leaders, stakeholders, and members to strengthen unity. Gbaroye called for peaceful conduct, cautioning against actions that could harm the party’s reputation. He emphasized the need for members to uphold the PDP’s values of love, peace, and tolerance. He encouraged unity in electing new ward executives to lead the party for the next four years and urged continued loyalty and support from leaders and members as the party prepares for the upcoming election cycle.

The Ogun State Government has officially barred extravagant graduation ceremonies across all schools in the state, limiting official celebrations to only three key academic transition levels. The government declared that the decision was aimed at curbing the rising culture of excesses often associated with graduation parties at other levels. The Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, disclosed this new policy while briefing journalists on the state’s preparedness for the 2024/2025 academic session. He explained that the directive became necessary to promote moderation and reduce the financial burden on parents. According to him, “graduation ceremonies should be modest and reflect true academic milestones, rather than turning into lavish social events." He expressed concern that elaborate celebrations for nursery, kindergarten, or other non-transition classes had placed undue pressure on parents while diverting attention from the cor...

In modern politics, particularly in Osun State, the measure of a political aspirant’s strength is often confused with social media trends and momentary hype. Yet the true test of viability has little to do with fleeting popularity. It rests instead on the depth of networking, the robustness of political structures, the availability of resources, public appeal, and the intellectual competence of the candidate. In Osun APC, virtually every aspirant has had their time in the digital spotlight.  Senator Ajibola Bashiru, the party’s National Secretary, once commanded online attention. The momentum later shifted to Honourable Bola Oyebamiji, widely touted as the anointed choice of former Governor Gboyega Oyetola.  Soon after, Omooba Dotun Babayemi enjoyed his wave of acclaim, a period marked by narratives of refinement and political freshness.  At present, the spotlight appears shared between Otunba Iyiola Omisore and Barrister Kunle Adegoke (SAN), popularly known a...

The Kaduna Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, arraigned one Esther Ashivelli Dawaki and Shehu Aliyu Fatange before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, sitting in Abuja for financial crimes. They are facing prosecution on a five-count charge, bordering on accepting and making cash payments in excess of the amount authorised by law, conspiracy and money laundering to the tune of N26 million (Twenty Six million Naira). Count one of the charge reads: “That you, Esther Ashivilli Dawaki (F) and other, now at large on or about 16th of August, 2025 at Kaduna within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did procure one Shehu Aliyu Fatange (M) to commit an offence to wit: accepting cash payment of the sum of N26,000,000.00 (Twenty-six Million Naira, only), without going through a financial institution, which sum exceeded the amount authorised by the law and you thereby committed an off...

......for planning installation ceremony in Lagos community  The Lagos State Police Command on Wednesday arrested a 65-year-old man, Engr. Chibuike Azubike, for allegedly parading himself as the “Obi of Lagos” and attempting to stage an unlawful installation ceremony. Azubike, an indigene of Obodoukwu Ancient Kingdom in Ideato North Local Government Area of Imo State, was arrested alongside three alleged accomplices: Chief Chibuzor Ani, 57; Chief Martins Nwaodika, 65; and Mr. Ikechukwu Franklin Nnadi, 41. The suspects are currently in custody at the Command Headquarters in Ikeja. According to police authorities, intelligence revealed that the group had concluded plans to unveil a prototype of a proposed ₦1.5 billion “Palace of Obi of Lagos State” on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at Apple Hall in Amuwo Odofin. Acting on the information, police operatives sealed off the venue to prevent a breach of peace and protect unsuspecting members of the public from being deceived. ...

A journalist based in Ibadan, Oyo State, Ojo Peter, has been shot dead by suspected armed robbers. The incident happened on August 18, 2025, along the Molete–Oke Ado axis of Ibadan. His death was initially thought to be health-related until his younger brother, Enahoro Peter, confirmed that he was attacked because of the cross bag he carried. Enahoro said eyewitnesses revealed that despite Ojo shouting that the bag contained no money, the robbers still shot him in the back before dispossessing him. The late Ojo, a former reporter with Parrot Extra who later worked with Daily Monitor, was mourned by colleagues after the Oyo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) announced his passing on September 7. Enahoro added that the police at Orita Challenge Division contacted the family through his brother’s damaged phone which was recovered at the scene. Sponsored Ads  The Oyo State Police Command has confirmed the incident. Its spokesperson, CSP Adew...

According to a report by The Vanguard on Sunday, September 7, 2025, President Bola Tinubu has reportedly ordered the end of the six-month emergency rule in Rivers State, paving the way for the return of suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the 32-member House of Assembly on September 18, 2025. This decision follows a closed-door meeting between the President and the state's Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok Ibas (retd.). According to sources, Tinubu instructed Ibas to submit a comprehensive handover note detailing all financial transactions during his tenure. This report is expected to account for all funds inherited, revenues accrued, and expenditures, with specific details on how money was channeled into various projects. The President's directive effectively scuttles a last-minute attempt by certain National Assembly factions to extend the emergency rule until December. Those in favour of an extension argued it was necessary for Ibas to compl...

By Pelumi Olajengbesi Esq. Imagine waking up one morning to see your name trending on social media with the headline: “Declared Wanted by EFCC.” For most people, this would feel like a nightmare; frightening and confusing. Declaring a person wanted is a grave measure, invoked only as a final resort when an individual has wholly failed to honour lawful invitation. Yet very few understand the legal processes that lead to such a declaration, or what steps can be taken afterward. As a lawyer, I believe it is important to clarify these issues, not only to enlighten the public but also to empower individuals with the knowledge of what the law provides before, during, and after such a declaration. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is Nigeria’s foremost anti-graft agency, with a statutory mandate to investigate and prosecute financial crimes, money laundering, cybercrimes, advance fee fraud (419), contract scams, public sector corruption, and other related offense...

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved son, Sola Ayomikun Omobolanle (son of Sunday & Peju Ogunmola Omobolanle), a jewel, a precious child, and a rising star whose light shone brightly and touched many lives. His departure is a profound loss to our family and to all who knew and loved him. We wish to clearly state that Sola did not pass away as a result of any bathroom accident, contrary to false reports being circulated online. He was briefly unwell and, during this period, received first-class medical care. Despite the best efforts of the medical team, he peacefully answered the call of his Creator. He passed away at a hospital in Ibadan, Nigeria and has since been laid to rest at Eternal Rest Home. Sponsored Ads  We strongly urge the public to disregard the unfounded claims being spread by some bloggers. These misleading stories, suggesting that Sola died from a fall in the bathroom without help, are entirely false. They no...

A lot of people delay building because they think they must first gather ₦20m or more before starting. The truth is, you don’t need to wait until you have all the money. With ₦2M, you can already set your dream home in motion. But remember: it all depends on your design. Whether it’s a 2-bedroom, 3-bedroom, 4-bedroom bungalow, or even a duplex, the cost will vary. Still, the principle is the same, start with what you have now. You can start with this   1. Land Clearance & Setting Out – Get the site cleared and properly set out by professionals.   2. Foundation Stage – Excavation, blinding, foundation blockwork, concrete works, and oversite concrete can all be covered.   3. DPC Level – You can raise block walls to DPC (Damp Proof Course) and even do partial backfilling, depending on soil conditions.   4. Progressive Plan – After this stage, pause if needed, save up again, then continue to walls, lintel, roofing, and finishing step by step. Your dream h...

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared Olasijibomi Ogundele, Chief Executive Officer of Sujimoto Luxury Construction Limited, wanted over allegations of diversion of funds and money laundering. The anti-graft agency made the declaration in a notice by its spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, on Friday. Ogundele, a Lagos-based businessman, heads Sujimoto, a real estate company known for high-end luxury developments. The EFCC urged members of the public with useful information on his whereabouts to contact any of its offices nationwide or the nearest police station. The statement reads: “Ogundele is a 44-year-old indigene of Ori-Ade Local Government of Osun State and his last known address is: G 29, Banana Island, Ikoyi, Lagos State,” the statement reads. “Anybody with useful information as to his whereabouts should please contact the Commission in its offices.” EFCC declares Sujimoto CEO wanted over money laundering By Deborah Musa The Economic and Financia...

Police operatives in Ogun State have arrested a man, Emmanuel Odeh, for allegedly posing as a lawyer for almost a decade. Odeh, who practised in Lagos and Abuja under the name A.O. Emmanuel, Legal Practitioner and Public Consultant, was nabbed by the X-Squad Section led by ACP Akinloye Oyegade while representing a client at an Abeokuta court on August 28. According to Zonal Police PRO Ade Ogunyemi, Odeh had deceived unsuspecting clients for years before his cover was blown. The Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone XI, Emuobo Ekokotu, warned Nigerians to verify the authenticity of lawyers to avoid financial loss, poor representation, or reputational damage.  Sponsored Ads  He stressed that the law will always catch up with impostors. Police confirmed Odeh will face charges once investigations are concluded.

Troops of 22 Armoured Brigade deployed at the Forward Operating Base Patigi, has killed an unidentified bandit at Edu Local Government Area of Kwara. The troop were on fighting patrol within Gbugbu general area and continued to sustain pressure on criminal elements, until they recorded a major success. This is contained in a statement signed by Captain Stephen Nwankwo, Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 22 Armoured Brigade, Ilorin. “At about 12:10 a.m, the vigilant troops following a credible intelligence on movement of armed bandits along Daban-Lema Road, Edu LGA, conducted ambush and subsequently attack the miscreants. “During exchange of fire, the soldiers overpowered the criminals with superior firepower, forcing them to withdraw in disarray. “Also, subsequent exploitation along the bandits’ withdrawal route, the troops neutralised one bandit,” Nwankwo said. He said that items recovered from the operation includes; AK-47 rifle, AK-47 magazine ...