Alaafin Owoade I Steps In, Resolves Oyo Muslim Community Feud

OYO – What began as a worrying rift within the Muslim community of Oyo Land has now been laid to rest, thanks to the decisive and fatherly intervention of His Imperial Majesty, Kabiyesi Abdul Hakeem Abimbola Owoade I, the Alaafin of Oyo. The resolution, announced on Thursday, has brought a swift end to the internal disagreements that threatened to fracture the unity of one of the oldest Muslim populations in Yoruba land, reaffirming the ancient town’s reputation as a beacon of religious coexistence.

In an official statement released by the Office of the Director of Media and Publicity to the Grand Chief Imam of Oyo Land, Mallam Ibrahim Agunbiade, the palace confirmed that the Alaafin’s timely involvement was instrumental in steering the warring factions back to the table of brotherhood. Describing the monarch’s role as guided by wisdom, fairness, and a deep commitment to peace, the office noted that the intervention helped restore understanding and harmony among all parties involved, effectively cooling tempers and reopening channels for constructive dialogue.

The spiritual leader of the Oyo Muslim community, Sheikh Al-Imam Barrister Bilal Husayn Akinola Akeugberu, the Grand Chief Imam of Oyo Land, expressed profound appreciation for the royal father’s efforts. In his remarks, the Imam also acknowledged the collective contributions of respected elders, Islamic scholars, and community stakeholders who worked behind the scenes to ensure the reconciliation did not fail. Special gratitude was extended to Baba Mainasara (Ameerul Mu’mineen), whose counsel, prayers, and fatherly guidance were singled out as invaluable pillars that added immense value to the entire peace process.

Alaafin Owoade I Steps In, Resolves Oyo Muslim Community Feud

While the press release did not delve into the specific triggers of the disagreement, sources within the community suggest that the issues bordered on administrative and doctrinal nuances that had escalated over recent weeks. However, the swift resolution has been widely celebrated as a victory for Islamic principles of brotherhood, patience, and the timeless value of dialogue over discord. The Grand Chief Imam has since reiterated his unwavering commitment to promoting harmony, mutual respect, and cooperation not only among the Muslim Ummah but also across the entire populace of Oyo Land.

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This peace deal comes at a critical time when the Oyo Muslim community has remained vocal and active on pressing national issues. Just weeks before this internal rift, Muslim leaders across the state had converged for a special prayer session seeking divine intervention for the release of kidnapped teachers and pupils in Oriire Local Government Area. Additionally, the community had earlier rejected demands by abductors for the implementation of Sharia law, categorically describing the perpetrators as criminals who do not represent true Islamic values. The latest resolution, therefore, reinforces the community’s capacity to resolve internal matters without compromising their collective voice on broader national concerns.

Since ascending the throne in 2025, the Alaafin, Oba Abdul Hakeem Abimbola Owoade I, has consistently positioned himself as a unifier and a custodian of Yoruba heritage. His recent pledge to promote Yoruba culture globally and maintain neutrality among traditional institutions has earned him widespread respect. This latest intervention further cements his reputation as a royal father who places the stability of his domain above all else, proving that traditional institutions remain relevant and powerful tools for conflict resolution in modern Nigeria.

Citing the Holy Qur’an, the Office of the Grand Chief Imam reminded the faithful of the divine injunction in Surah Al-Hujurat, Verse 10: “The believers are but brothers, so make peace between your brothers and be mindful of Allah that you may receive mercy.” The statement concluded with prayers for Almighty Allah to continue blessing the Imperial Majesty, strengthening the Muslim Ummah, and granting lasting peace and prosperity to Oyo Land and the entire nation.

Alaafin Owoade I Steps In, Resolves Oyo Muslim Community Feud

Libya Arrests Two Nigerians Over “Inciting” Social Media Posts

Security forces in Tripoli, Libya, have arrested two Nigerian nationals in the coastal town of Qarabouli over allegations of spreading inciting content on social media. The suspects were detained for allegedly circulating videos and other online materials described by authorities as having an “inciting nature” that promoted violence and criminal activity. Libyan authorities said the content violated the country’s laws and posed a risk to public security and social stability, leading to the swift intervention of security forces in the coastal town.

According to security officials, both suspects have been formally charged and all preliminary legal procedures have been completed. They have since been referred to the Public Prosecution Office for further investigation and possible prosecution in accordance with Libyan criminal laws. The identities of the two Nigerians have not been disclosed by authorities at this time, and it remains unclear whether they have legal representation or have been in contact with the Nigerian embassy in Tripoli.

The arrests come amid increased scrutiny of social media activities in Libya, where security agencies have stepped up surveillance of digital platforms in recent years, citing concerns over content that could fuel unrest, promote violence, or undermine public order. In July 2024, the GNU-affiliated Presidential Council established the Public Morality Protection Agency, granting it broad, vaguely defined powers to police social media for content deemed immoral or harmful to Libyan values. According to human rights groups, the move threatens to infringe on Libyans’ freedom of expression online while also hindering online privacy and encouraging self-censorship, creating an environment where citizens are increasingly fearful of expressing their opinions online.

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Libya’s internet freedom environment has been described as repressive, with citizens practicing self-censorship or risking arrest and harassment for online posts on sensitive topics. Restrictive laws, arbitrary detentions targeting peaceful expression, and physical violence against online activists have been documented. In January 2025, Faisal Rajab al-Shikhi was arbitrarily detained in Benghazi by armed men from the Libyan Arab Armed Forces and forcibly disappeared because of a video he had posted years earlier critical of LAAF commander Khalifa Haftar, highlighting the severe consequences that can arise from online expression in the country.

The country ranks 138th out of 180 nations in the 2026 World Press Freedom Index, with Reporters Without Borders describing Libya as a “veritable information black hole.” Most traditional media outlets have fled the country or aligned with warring factions, leaving Libyans to turn to social media for dialogue—a platform that remains conducive to radicalization and the dissemination of hate speech, but also subject to government crackdown. The Anti-Cybercrime Law No.5-2022 has further extended restrictions to the digital sphere, forcing journalists and citizens to severely self-censor or risk prosecution or arrest, creating a chilling effect on free expression across the country.

This latest case adds to a pattern of legal issues involving Nigerian nationals in Libya. In March 2026, authorities arrested six Nigerians—one male and five females—in Tripoli for alleged drug trafficking, with authorities seizing large quantities of cocaine intended for distribution. The Nigerian government has not yet issued an official statement regarding the latest social media arrests, though the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is expected to engage with Libyan authorities to ensure that the suspects receive fair legal representation and that their rights are protected throughout the judicial process.

Libya Arrests Two Nigerians Over “Inciting” Social Media Posts

Court Declares PENGASSAN Strike Against Dangote Refinery Illegal, Labels Crude Supply Disruption ‘Economic Sabotage’

An industrial court sitting in Garki, Abuja, has declared the nationwide strike embarked upon by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) against Dangote Petroleum Refinery illegal, ruling that the union failed to follow due process before commencing the industrial action.

In a landmark judgment delivered on Wednesday, the presiding judge, Justice E.D. Subilim, held that the strike, which disrupted operations at Africa’s largest refinery project, was null and void.

The court also ruled that PENGASSAN had no legal authority to prevent crude oil and gas suppliers from carrying out their contractual obligations to the refinery, describing the union’s actions in cutting off supplies as capable of causing significant economic damage.

Justice Subilim stated that the disruption of crude and gas supply amounted to an act of economic sabotage because it could force suppliers to breach legally binding agreements with the Dangote Refinery.

The suit was instituted by the refinery through its counsel, George Ibrahim (SAN), following the industrial dispute that erupted late last year.

The conflict was triggered by the dismissal of more than 800 Nigerian workers by the refinery. PENGASSAN had alleged that the affected employees were targeted because of their decision to join the union, a claim that sparked nationwide protests and threats to the refinery’s operations.

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As tensions escalated, the union declared a nationwide strike and moved to pressure suppliers by disrupting crude and gas deliveries to the multi-billion-dollar facility located in the Lekki Free Trade Zone, Lagos.

The dispute quickly drew national attention due to the strategic importance of the refinery to Nigeria’s energy security, fuel supply and foreign exchange earnings.

At the height of the crisis, the Federal Government intervened through a series of marathon negotiations involving the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment.

The intervention eventually led to the suspension of the strike on October 1, 2025, paving the way for further discussions while the matter remained before the court.

In his judgment, Justice Subilim emphasized that labour unions must operate within the confines of the law when pursuing industrial disputes, stressing that actions capable of disrupting critical national infrastructure and commercial contracts could not be justified outside established legal procedures.

However, the court declined Dangote Refinery’s claim for N50 billion in damages against PENGASSAN. The judge ruled that the company failed to provide sufficient justification for the amount sought, and consequently refused to award the compensation.

Other defendants in the suit included the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd), the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).

The ruling is expected to have far-reaching implications for labour relations in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, particularly regarding the limits of union actions in disputes involving strategic national assets and critical energy infrastructure.

Court Declares PENGASSAN Strike Against Dangote Refinery Illegal, Labels Crude Supply Disruption ‘Economic Sabotage’