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I’m in the race for Awujale throne, says KWAM 1

Published

13 hours ago

December 6, 2025

I’m in the race for Awujale throne, says KWAM 1

Ruling House gets 14-day ultimatum

Fuji maestro, Otunba Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as K1 De Ultimate, has officially thrown his hat into the ring for the vacant throne of the Awujale of Ijebuland, setting the stage for what may become the most closely watched traditional succession contest in recent years.

K1, a prominent son of Ijebuland and one of Nigeria’s most influential musicians, declared his interest in a letter dated December 3, 2025, addressed to the Chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, the family currently empowered to produce the next Awujale following the passing of Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, GCON.

In the letter, the Fuji icon emphasized that his aspiration was in strict compliance with Ijebu customs and the Ogun State Chieftaincy Laws.
He traced his lineage to the Oba Jadiara branch of the Fusengbuwa dynasty, stressing that his pedigree and age—born on March 3, 1957—firmly qualify him for the revered stool.
Ayinde also highlighted decades of cultural advocacy, philanthropy, and promotion of Ijebuland through his music and public engagements.
He noted that the late Awujale honoured him in 2023 with the titles Olori Omo-Oba and Otunba Afidipotemole of Akile Ijebu, describing the gesture as a seal of his commitment to the kingdom.

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Ruling House Gets 14-Day Ultimatum

His declaration comes as the Fusengbuwa Ruling House begins formal preparations to present candidates for the succession.

In a separate letter issued by the Awujale Interregnum Administration Council through the Secretary to the Local Government, Hon. Oke Abiodun Adebanjo, the ruling house was directed to commence the nomination process immediately.
The council reaffirmed that it is the turn of the Fusengbuwa lineage to produce the next Awujale in keeping with rotational and customary arrangements.
The leaders of the ruling house—including Chairman Otunba Abdul-Lateef Adebayo Owoyemi, Deputy Chairman Otunba Adedokun Ajidagba, and Vice Chairman Prof. Fassy Adetokunbo Yusuf—were given 14 days to submit a shortlist of qualified princes to the Executive Chairman.
The council also announced that the Ogbeni Odi will formally carry the Awujale’s Staff of Office on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, marking a crucial step in the transition rites.

Tension as race opens

The stool of the Awujale—one of Nigeria’s most influential traditional positions—became vacant following the death of Oba Adetona, who ruled for 64 years and was revered nationwide for his courage, intellect, and moral authority.

K1’s entry into the race is expected to galvanize public attention, given his national prominence. However, insiders say several princes from the Fusengbuwa lineage are also preparing to file their declarations, raising the prospects of intense internal lobbying.

Traditional selectors, including kingmakers and the ruling house leadership, will ultimately determine the next monarch.

With the nomination window already ticking, all eyes are now on the Fusengbuwa Ruling House as Ijebuland begins one of its most consequential succession processes in decades.

I’m in the race for Awujale throne, says KWAM 1

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Ex-CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele Denies Allegations of Financing Terrorism

Published

55 minutes ago

December 6, 2025

Trends Admin

Godwin Emefiele

Ex-CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele Denies Allegations of Financing Terrorism

Former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, has strongly denied allegations linking him to terrorism financing in Nigeria, describing the claims as “mischievous and malicious.”

In a statement released on Saturday, December 6, 2025, Emefiele said the reports were “entirely fabricated, baseless, and a deliberate attempt to malign my name, mislead the public, and sow confusion for motives best known only to the publishers and their sponsors.”

He emphasized that the fight against terrorism is too important to be trivialized by irresponsible reporting, warning that Nigerians deserve accurate information rather than “reckless misinformation.”

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“Throughout my service to the nation and in my private life, at no time have I been involved in any activity remotely connected to terrorism, terrorist financing, or any action that threatens the peace and security of our nation,” Emefiele stated. He added that he has never been invited, questioned, or investigated regarding such allegations and has no connection to the individual cited in the media reports.

“There is no scintilla of truth in the allegation,” he said, urging the public to disregard the claims entirely and calling on media organizations to verify facts before publishing sensational stories.

Emefiele’s statement seeks to reaffirm his reputation and distances him from any activities undermining national security.

Ex-CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele Denies Allegations of Financing Terrorism

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Shettima Inaugurates Multi-Million Naira Juma’at Mosque in Gumel

Published

1 hour ago

December 6, 2025

Trends Admin

Shettima Inaugurates Multi-Million Naira Juma’at Mosque in Gumel

Vice President Kashim Shettima on Friday inaugurated the newly constructed multi-million-naira Juma’at Mosque located within the Emir of Gumel’s Palace in Jigawa State.

According to a statement by Zainab Rabo, Senior Special Assistant on Media Affairs to Governor Umar Namadi, the event drew high-level dignitaries, including top politicians, first-class emirs, captains of industry, and prominent Islamic scholars from across the country.

Rabo disclosed that the mosque was built by the Kashim Shettima Foundation, adding that Governor Umar A. Namadi and the Sultan of Sokoto graced the ceremony.

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During the occasion, the Vice President congratulated the Emir of Gumel, Alhaji Ahmed Mohammed Sani, on marking 45 years on the throne, describing the milestone as a blessing and testament to exemplary leadership.

Shettima also reaffirmed his commitment—through his foundation—to initiatives that would improve the lives of Nigerians.

The Vice President further commended Governor Namadi for his notable strides in modern agriculture, noting that Jigawa’s progress under his leadership had positioned the state competitively within Nigeria and beyond.

“Governor Namadi is equal to the task, looking at his two-year achievements and the way he transformed Jigawa in modern agriculture,” Shettima stated.

Shettima Inaugurates Multi-Million Naira Juma’at Mosque in Gumel

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Police Launch Special Enforcement Team to Enforce Tinubu’s Ban on VIP Escorts

Published

2 hours ago

December 6, 2025

Trends Admin

Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun

Police Launch Special Enforcement Team to Enforce Tinubu’s Ban on VIP Escorts

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has deployed a Special Enforcement Team in Lagos to enforce President Bola Tinubu’s directive ending the use of police officers as escorts and guards for Very Important Persons (VIPs).

The operation, according to a statement posted on the Force’s official X account on Saturday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, commenced at about 10:00 a.m. on December 6, 2025, across key locations in Lagos State.

Hundeyin confirmed that the team carried out compliance checks at major points, including the Lekki–Ikoyi Link Bridge, the Murtala Muhammed International Airport domestic terminal, and other strategic hotspots within the state.

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He disclosed that officers found “satisfactory and commendable” compliance with the presidential directive, with no incidents of unauthorised police escort and no arrests recorded.

“The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, reiterates the Force’s commitment to the full implementation of the presidential directive,” the statement said. “The Nigeria Police Force remains resolute in redeploying its personnel to core policing duties aimed at enhancing general security, crime prevention, and the protection of lives and property nationwide.”

Hundeyin added that enforcement would continue across the country “without fear or favour,” urging Nigerians to support the push for a more professional and citizen-focused policing system.

President Tinubu had, on November 23, ordered the immediate withdrawal of police officers from VIP protection, directing that they be reassigned to frontline policing roles. According to the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, VIP protection will now be handled by armed operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

The policy aims to free up police manpower for critical security operations, particularly in underserved communities, and enhance overall national security efficiency.