Crisis looms as Osogbo, Ede renew claims of ownership of state secretariat complex  - Newstrends
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Crisis looms as Osogbo, Ede renew claims of ownership of state secretariat complex 

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There is an internecine war gradually brewing in Osun as the age long boundary dispute between the people of Osogbo the state capital and neighbouring Ede town has been reopened.
NPO Reports gathered that since the swearing in of Governor Ademola Adeleke, some people in Ede especially those at the boundary areas have been squaring up and bracing for a battle to reclaim the entire areas of the land occupied by the state secretariat complex.
It was also gathered (but could not be confirmed as at press time) that some officials of the government have been surreptitiously indicating the need to change government official communication channels such as the letter headed papers of their ministries by changing “Abere Osogbo” to “Abere Ede.”

In 2017, a group called Osogbo Descendants Association protested claims that Abere belongs Ede

The petition by Coordinators of the ODAG, Ghasali Daud and Secretary, Badru Asimiyu, protested in the petition that the land belonged to Osogbo Local Government.

The petition read in part, “The area now refer to as Abere is part of Oke-Osun Osogbo Farm Settlement and up to the late 1990s, the junction directly opposite the Osun State Secretariat was known as ” Iyana Abere” meaning junction leading to Abere.

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” We have to state categorically that the location reported as Ede North Local Government falls under Osogbo Local Government and should be corrected immediately.

“The 2010 judgment of Census Tribunal ordered that the 2006 census result of that area should be added to Osogbo Local Government population figure. Till date, Ede North Local Government has never gone to appeal the judgment.
” If the place is part of Ede North Local Government, the Census Tribunal would not give a judgment that the population of that area, the Osun State Secretariat up to Police Zone XI Headquarters and its environs should be counted as part of Osogbo Local Government population.”
While Government communications had referred Abere as Osogbo.
The traditional ruler of Abere, the Alabere of Abere Oba Karimu Sanusi, had insisted Abere is part of Ede, saying it had never been part of Osogbo.
The complications are further entrenched by the fact that the consenting authority for the stool of Alabere is not the Ataoja of Osogbo but the Timi of Ede.

Shortly before the election that brought in Governor Adeleke last year, was quoted to have made a statement which many Osogbo indigenes considered an indication of his position on the Ede-Osogbo land dispute.
The Osogbo Development Action Group had accused Adeleke of saying that if elected, he would not reclaim the “Ede land” allegedly “usurped” by Osogbo.
The comment was said to have gingered Osogbo groups to hold an emergency meeting to challenge the then gubernatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party.
ODAG warned that Osogbo would not trade any of her territorial heritages or any of her neighbouring communities under whatever guise.

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There have been many years of acrimony some of these leading to loss of lives on both sides. About August 2013, some youths suspected to be from Ede had beaten up a commissioner under the administration of then Governor Rauf Aregbesola at the venue of the launch of the Omoluabi Garment Factory. The factory, located about one kilometre from the main gate of the Osun State secretariat, was said to be on a land belonging to Ede. But the angry youths who had accused the Commissioner of making reference to the location as Osogbo, got the beating of his life before he was rescued by security agents. NPO Reports gathered that residents of areas around the state secretariat are living in fears of possible return of hostilities which might result to loss of lives. In the past, indigenes of both Osogbo and Ede had engaged in war of sign posts by demolishing signs that each believed made claims over ownership of the disputed areas.

Hon. Taofeek Latona, who is the Chairman, Osogbo Solidarity Assembly, said in a statement that Osun Secretariat, Abere Falls Under Osogbo Local Government and not Ede North Local Government Area of the state.
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As concerned and legitimate sons and daughters of Osogbo, we are not unawares of subtle moves of the people of Ede, in recent time, to take over ownership of Abere from Osogbo, the genuine owners of the area.

The provocative move began some weeks ago when a number of correspondences of the state government of Osun left out Osogbo in the official letterheads.

Until the inauguration of Governor Ademola Adeleke, the state secretariat was and formally addressed as Abere, Osogbo. But today, it is Abere, without Osogbo.

When this mischief was first enlivened, we looked away, trusting that the new Government under the leadership of Senator Ademola Adeleke, would allow the sleeping dog lie despite the rumour that the emerging confrontation was part of his campaign messages and promises to his people in Ede.

However, the current video in circulation, of a purported Iyalode of Abere, Mrs Mujidat Olaniyi, where she was captured “transferring” ownership of the land where the state secretariat is situated to the people of Ede, has confirmed our fear. Our fear that the ploy to steal our ancestral land has the imprimatur of the state government.

Recall, the area now referred to as Abere was part of Oke-Osun Osogbo Farm Settlement and up to the late 1990s, the junction directly opposite the Osun State Secretariat was known as “Iyana Abere”-meaning a junction leading to Abere.

We insist: the land over which the Osun State Government Secretariat lies belongs to the people of Osogbo. The land was acquired from us by the government of the defunct Western Region, for the purpose of farming, after due compensation was paid.

The 2010 judgement of the Census Tribunal corroborates our claim. The Tribunal ordered then that the 2006 census result of the disputed area be added to Osogbo Local Government population figure. And as we speak, there is no available record to prove that Ede North Local Government appealed the judgement.

The implication of the foregoing is that if the place is part of Ede North Local Government, the Census Tribunal would not have given a judgement that the population of that area (the Osun State Secretariat up to Police Zone XI Headquarters and its environments) be counted as part of Osogbo Local Government population.

It’s interesting to tell members of the public that the people of Osogbo are in possession of court judgements and administrative pronouncements, dated back to colonial period, to support our claims of the land.

For this reason, we would not fold our arms while what belongs to us is taken away. We will fight it, even if it costs us our blood.

The resolve of some people in the Government of Governor Adeleke to use instrument of authority to claim ownership of Abere for Ede, after several court judgements had pronounced otherwise, is a flagrant disregard to the rule of law and an attempt to cause communal crisis, the consequences of which may be to heavy to bear for all parties involved

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Customs Intercept Explosives from Ghana, Expired Noodles in N365m Seme Border Crackdown

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5 hours ago

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August 12, 2026

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Customs Intercept Explosives from Ghana, Expired Noodles in N365m Seme Border Crackdown

Customs Intercept Explosives from Ghana, Expired Noodles in N365m Seme Border Crackdown

The Seme Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted 3,300 cartridges of explosive materials smuggled from Ghana, alongside 1,306 sacks of expired noodles, narcotics, foreign rice and other contraband. The seizures, with a combined Duty Paid Value of N365.16 million, were unveiled at a press briefing where the Command also announced it had generated N19.84 billion in revenue within the first seven months of 2026.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Seme Area Command, has dealt a major blow to smuggling and cross-border criminal activities along the Nigeria-Ghana border with the interception of explosive materials, expired noodles, narcotics, foreign rice, cigarettes, and other prohibited items. The seizures, with a combined Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N365.16 million, were unveiled at a press briefing by the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Abdullahi Shuaibu Kaila, at the Seme Border in Badagry, Lagos State.

In what has been described as a significant national security intervention, Customs officers intercepted 3,300 cartridges of explosive materials being illegally conveyed through the Seme border corridor from Ghana. Kaila emphasised the grave danger these materials posed, stating that explosives of this nature could facilitate terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other violent crimes capable of threatening national peace and security. “Explosives of this nature have devastating consequences when they fall into the hands of criminal elements,” he warned. Due to the sensitive nature of the seizure, the explosive materials, alongside one suspect, have been handed over to the Nigeria Police Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit for safe custody and further investigation.

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The Command also intercepted a truck deceptively declared as carrying food items, which was found to contain 1,306 sacks of expired and waste noodles, each weighing 50 kilogrammes. Kaila revealed that many of the products had already deteriorated and were visibly decomposing, with intelligence indicating that smugglers intended to repackage and relabel them for sale to unsuspecting Nigerians. “Had this shipment succeeded, countless families would have been exposed to serious health hazards ranging from food poisoning and gastrointestinal diseases to other life-threatening medical complications,” he said. The Customs boss described border security as a form of public health protection, stating that every Nigerian had been shielded from what could have become a silent public health disaster.

In the fight against illicit drugs, the Command seized 373 parcels of Cannabis Sativa, 90 packs of Tramaking 250mg, 69 packs of Royal Tapentadol 250mg, and 310,000 sticks of Time/Yes cigarettes. Kaila described these as dangerous products capable of destroying lives, fuelling criminality, encouraging substance abuse, and undermining the future of young people. The illicit drugs and unregistered pharmaceutical products will be formally handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) for further investigation and necessary action.

The Command also intercepted 1,268 bags of foreign parboiled rice, each weighing 50 kilogrammes, smuggled through illegal routes. According to Kaila, this illegal importation not only denied the government legitimate revenue but also undermined local rice production and threatened the livelihoods of Nigerian farmers. Other seized items included a used speedboat, a used water bike, a 2017 Toyota Land Cruiser, a 2016 Toyota RAV4, and a 2010 Nissan Versa.

The Command recorded significant revenue growth, generating N19.84 billion between January and July 2026, surpassing the N15.94 billion collected throughout the entire 2025 fiscal year. This represents a 24.45 per cent increase of N3.899 billion. Kaila attributed the improved revenue performance to enhanced compliance, stronger stakeholder engagement, improved operational efficiency, and intensified enforcement against smuggling. “This achievement demonstrates that effective enforcement and efficient trade facilitation are complementary responsibilities,” he stated.

Kaila issued a stern warning to smugglers and economic saboteurs, declaring that Seme is no longer a safe corridor for illicit trade. He reiterated that the Command had intensified intelligence-driven operations and would continue collaborating with sister security agencies to frustrate criminal activities along the border. He commended sister security and regulatory agencies for their cooperation and intelligence sharing, while also appreciating the media for its role in informing the public and promoting transparency and accountability in Customs operations.

Customs Intercept Explosives from Ghana, Expired Noodles in N365m Seme Border Crackdown

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Osun guber: Adeyanju petitions US, UK, Canada to sanction Fadahunsi over ‘kill accord’ comment

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5 hours ago

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August 12, 2026

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Osun guber: Adeyanju petitions US, UK, Canada to sanction Fadahunsi over ‘kill accord’ comment
Human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju

Osun guber: Adeyanju petitions US, UK, Canada to sanction Fadahunsi over ‘kill accord’ comment

Human rights lawyer calls for visa restrictions and other punitive measures against the Osun East senator, describing his alleged remarks as a dangerous incitement to violence ahead of Saturday’s governorship election.

Human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju has formally petitioned the governments of the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada, urging them to impose sanctions on Senator Francis Fadahunsi over his controversial “kill Accord” comment. Adeyanju made this known while appearing as a guest on Arise TV’s Prime Time programme on Tuesday, where he called on the three Western nations to consider visa restrictions and other appropriate measures against the Osun East senator.

The controversy stems from a viral video in which Senator Fadahunsi, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) , was heard speaking in Yoruba and allegedly urging his supporters to attack members of the rival Accord Party ahead of the August 15 Osun State governorship election. The video, which surfaced on social media, has sparked widespread outrage and heightened political tension in the state.

Adeyanju described the senator’s alleged remarks as “unfortunate” and “regrettably threatening,” arguing that they amounted to an attempt to encourage violence against members of the Accord Party. “Again, that takes me to the unfortunate remarks that we’ve just heard of Senator Fadahunsi, very regrettably threatening that members of the Accord Party be killed,” Adeyanju said on the programme. He maintained that it was “very clear” to him that the senator was allegedly engineering attacks against members of the party.

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The human rights lawyer said his petition was intended to draw the attention of the three countries, particularly the United States, which has consistently expressed interest in promoting democracy in Nigeria and has warned against political violence. He argued that international pressure could help discourage politicians from making inflammatory statements capable of provoking violence during elections. Adeyanju also called on all leading candidates in the Osun governorship race to publicly condemn threats and violence against political opponents.

Adeyanju expressed concern over the political tension surrounding the Osun governorship election, saying the level of violence and tension preceding the poll was alarming. “For a very long time, we’ve not witnessed this level of violence preceding an election,” he said. His concerns are echoed by a pre-election security assessment by the Kimpact Development Initiative, which recorded 73 election-related violent incidents and 29 fatalities within its assessment period, with 78 per cent of incidents occurring between May and July 2026 as political campaigns intensified.

Senator Fadahunsi, however, has clarified his remarks, insisting that his comment was purely political and metaphorical. In a statement issued by his media office on Tuesday and titled “Kill Osun Accord with Votes, Not Violence, Senator Fadahunsi Tells APC,” the senator explained that he was calling on APC supporters to overwhelmingly reject the Accord Party at the ballot box through lawful, peaceful, and democratic means. “For the avoidance of doubt, the Senator’s statement was purely political and metaphorical,” the statement read.

The senator’s media office maintained that the remark did not portray Fadahunsi as an advocate of violence against members of the Accord Party or any other political organisation. “At no point did Senator Fadahunsi advocate violence, intimidation or any form of physical attack against members or supporters of the Accord Party or any other political party. His consistent position has always been that elections should be decided by the votes of the people and not by force,” the statement added. Fadahunsi also urged APC supporters and other political actors in the state to maintain peace and respect the law throughout the electoral process.

The development comes amid mounting tension in Osun State as political parties intensify their campaigns ahead of Saturday’s governorship poll. Governor Ademola Adeleke, who is seeking re-election under the banner of the Accord Party, has already called for the arrest and prosecution of Senator Fadahunsi over the alleged incitement to violence. The police have since summoned the senator for questioning over the viral comments, with the invitation letter dated August 11, 2026, ordering Fadahunsi to report to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Osogbo on Wednesday, August 12, at 11:00 am.

Osun guber: Adeyanju petitions US, UK, Canada to sanction Fadahunsi over ‘kill accord’ comment

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Troops Neutralize Suspected Armed Herder, Recover AK-47 in Benue Community Attack

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August 12, 2026

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Troops Neutralize Suspected Armed Herder, Recover AK-47 in Benue Community Attack

Troops Neutralize Suspected Armed Herder, Recover AK-47 in Benue Community Attack

Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Stroke, working with the Nigeria Police Force, successfully repelled an attack by suspected armed herders in Benue State, killing one assailant and recovering a weapon along with ammunition.

Troops of Sector 1, Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), in collaboration with personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, have foiled an attack by suspected armed herders on Azege Village, Tombo Council Ward, in Logo Local Government Area of Benue State. The operation, which took place on Monday, August 10, 2026, successfully repelled the assault on the community.

According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Acting Media Information Officer of the JTF, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, the troops responded to a distress call reporting an ongoing attack on Azege Community. Upon receiving the alert, the security forces swiftly mobilised to the area to confront the threat and restore security. On arrival, the troops made contact with the armed criminals and engaged them in a fierce gun battle.

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The statement explained that the assailants were overwhelmed by the troops’ superior firepower and subsequently fled in disarray. The troops immediately pursued the fleeing attackers and later discovered that one suspected armed herder had been neutralised during the encounter. Recovered from the scene were one AK-47 rifle, one magazine loaded with 16 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, and one Nokia mobile phone.

Lieutenant Zubairu confirmed that the recovered items have been secured, while the remains of the neutralised suspect were evacuated by the police. He added that efforts are ongoing to track and apprehend other members of the group who managed to escape from the scene. The Joint Task Force commended the troops for their tactical resilience and praised the Nigerian Police Force for its effective cooperation during the operation.

This operation occurred amid heightened security concerns across the state, with other reports confirming that suspected armed herders targeted a police checkpoint in Ayilamo, also within Logo Local Government Area, killing a police inspector before security forces intervened. The OPWS has advised residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements and activities within their communities to security agencies. The military has also reiterated its commitment to restoring peace in Benue State, as part of ongoing efforts to curb banditry and other criminal activities across its areas of operation.

Troops Neutralize Suspected Armed Herder, Recover AK-47 in Benue Community Attack

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