Tension in Osogbo as Protesters Demand Respect for Court Judgments in LG Dispute

Tension erupted on Wednesday in Osogbo as protesters stormed the Osun State High Court over the ongoing dispute involving Osun State local government funds and alleged non-compliance with court rulings on the release and control of allocations.

The demonstrators, who marched from the Government House axis to the court premises at Lameco, demanded strict adherence to judicial pronouncements amid rising concerns over governance and legal authority in the Osun LG funds crisis.

The protest is linked to an ongoing legal battle involving allegations that a commercial bank released funds allegedly used in the reinstatement of All Progressives Congress (APC) local government chairmen. The Osun State Government had initiated proceedings at the Magistrate Court over the matter.

However, the Osun State High Court in Osogbo, presided over by Justice Matthias Agboola, had earlier issued an ex parte order quashing the criminal proceedings against United Bank for Africa (UBA) and its officials at the Magistrate Court level.

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Despite the High Court ruling, proceedings were reportedly allowed to continue at the Magistrate Court, a development that triggered fresh protests by reinstated local government officials and their supporters.

Carrying placards with inscriptions calling for respect for court judgments, adherence to the rule of law, and protection of judicial integrity, the protesters accused relevant actors of disregarding valid court decisions.

Security operatives were deployed across the court premises to maintain order and prevent any breakdown of law and order as the demonstration unfolded.

Speaking on behalf of the protesters, Hon. Maaroof Ogundipe, representing reinstated council executives, warned that continued legal actions against bank officials despite higher court rulings could escalate into a broader constitutional crisis.

He also disclosed that the group may petition the National Judicial Council (NJC), arguing that the situation raises serious concerns about judicial compliance and institutional integrity.

“It is worrisome when court decisions appear to be undermined,” he said.

Chairman of Ejigbo Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Olayanju Kolapo, also weighed in, stating that aspects of the dispute had already been addressed by earlier rulings, including a Supreme Court judgment delivered in December 2025.

He cautioned that continued disregard for court decisions could heighten political tensions and destabilise local government administration in Osun State.

The dispute over Osun local government allocations has continued to generate legal confrontations, competing interpretations of court orders, and political tension across council areas in the state.

Authorities are yet to issue an official response to Wednesday’s protest, but security presence around the High Court remained heavy throughout the demonstration.

Tension in Osogbo as Protesters Demand Respect for Court Judgments in LG Dispute

Video: Fayose Insists Makinde Plotting to Remove Olubadan of Ibadan

Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has renewed his allegation that the Oyo State Government led by Seyi Makinde is planning to remove the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja.

The controversy began on Sunday when Fayose claimed that moves to dethrone the Olubadan of Ibadan would commence this week. However, both the Oyo State Government and the monarch dismissed the allegation, describing it as false, baseless, and unfounded.

Despite the official denials, Fayose has doubled down on his position.

In a post on his X (formerly Twitter) account on Tuesday, the former governor insisted that unfolding events would validate his claim, urging sceptics to remain observant.

“Those who are still in doubt about Governor Seyi Makinde’s plot to remove the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, should just keep their fingers crossed and follow unfolding events,” he stated.

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Fayose further alleged that after denying the plot, the state government had shifted narrative by accusing the Olubadan of planning to impeach Governor Makinde, as well as portraying the monarch as partisan—claims he said were meant to justify possible action against the traditional ruler.

The Oyo State Government has, however, maintained that there is no plan to remove the Olubadan, reiterating its respect for traditional institutions and the established chieftaincy system in Ibadan.

Similarly, the Olubadan, Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has dismissed the allegation, noting that there is no crisis between the palace and the government that could warrant such action.

The development has sparked wider conversations around the relationship between political authorities and traditional institutions in Oyo State. The Olubadan stool, known for its stability and structured succession process, remains one of the most respected traditional systems in Nigeria.

Political observers warn that such allegations—whether proven or not—could heighten tensions, especially as early political alignments ahead of the 2027 elections in Nigeria begin to emerge.

For now, the situation remains a war of words, with no concrete evidence to support the claim, even as Fayose continues to insist that the public should “keep their fingers crossed.”

Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has renewed his allegation that the Oyo State Government led by Seyi Makinde is planning to remove the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja

Raphinha | Seyi Vodi | Temi | Aregbesola | Remontada | Neymar pic.twitter.com/sQOOvcbuMY

— Newstrends.Ng (@Newstrends_ng) April 15, 2026

Video: Fayose Insists Makinde Plotting to Remove Olubadan of Ibadan

Police Arrest 33 Suspects Over Kwara Church Attack

The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed the arrest of 33 suspects linked to the deadly attack on the Christ Apostolic Church, Oke Isegun, Eruku, in Kwara State, an incident earlier described as part of a wider network of terrorism, kidnapping, and armed robbery operations.

According to the Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Placid, the suspects are part of a larger group of 50 individuals being investigated for their alleged involvement in violent crimes across the country. He said the arrests were made during coordinated, intelligence-led operations carried out since January under a broader security crackdown on criminal syndicates.

The police said the suspects are linked to the November 18 attack on the Eruku church, during which armed men stormed the worship centre, killing three worshippers and abducting 38 others in a violent raid that shocked the nation.

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A livestream video of the incident, later circulated online, showed congregants in the middle of a church service before gunshots erupted around the premises, sending worshippers into panic as the attackers invaded the building.

The incident drew national attention, prompting swift security responses and public assurances from the Federal Government. President Bola Tinubu later announced that all abducted worshippers had been rescued following coordinated security operations.

Police spokesperson Placid said several key suspects have already been prepared for prosecution, while investigations are ongoing to track down additional accomplices and recover illegal weapons believed to have been used in the attack.

He added that the operation reflects ongoing efforts by the police to dismantle organised criminal networks operating across Kwara State and neighbouring regions, particularly groups involved in kidnappings and attacks on soft targets such as religious centres.

Authorities have not yet disclosed full identities of the suspects but confirmed that they are undergoing profiling and interrogation as part of the ongoing investigation.

Security agencies say the crackdown is part of a wider national strategy to restore public confidence and prevent further attacks on churches, schools, and rural communities.

Further updates are expected as prosecutions begin and investigations continue.

Police Arrest 33 Suspects Over Kwara Church Attack