Ojudu Reveals How Tinubu, He Narrowly Escaped Death In Third Mainland Bridge Crash

Former presidential aide and journalist Babafemi Ojudu has recounted how he and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu narrowly escaped death in a late-night accident on the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos.

Ojudu disclosed the incident in an open letter to Tinubu, recalling events surrounding the 1999 Lagos State governorship election and his long relationship with the President.

According to him, the incident happened at about 1:30am, shortly before Tinubu was elected governor of Lagos State.

Ojudu said he had accompanied Tinubu to the Ikoyi residence of a senior security official, Ibrahim Solomon, because they were concerned about the possibility of the governorship election being manipulated against him.

He said Solomon assured them that the security apparatus would ensure a level playing field and that the assurance was eventually fulfilled.

However, while returning from the meeting through the Third Mainland Bridge, tragedy nearly struck.

Ojudu said Tinubu’s driver, the late Mustapha, apparently fell asleep while driving, causing the vehicle to crash into the bridge railing.

Both men survived the accident.

Ojudu recalled that after the crash, Tinubu asked him to take control of the vehicle and drive them to Alausa. He said he had never driven an automatic vehicle before but somehow managed to get them safely to their destination.

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The former presidential aide said the incident was one of several defining moments in his relationship with Tinubu, which began during their involvement in the struggle against military rule and continued through Tinubu’s political career in Lagos.

Following Tinubu’s victory in the 1999 election, Ojudu said he helped coordinate transition committees and preparations for the new administration but chose not to seek an appointment.

He explained that he preferred to remain outside government so he could continue to offer independent advice without being influenced by the expectation of political appointments or other benefits.

Ojudu said he maintained that role during Tinubu’s eight years as Lagos State governor, often challenging or questioning decisions when he believed they required reconsideration.

He said he was adopting the same approach in his latest message to Tinubu, despite acknowledging that their relationship had become strained.

Ojudu disclosed that he and Tinubu had not met since 2022 and that he had publicly stated that he neither worked for Tinubu’s 2023 presidential campaign nor voted for him.

He nevertheless said he considered it necessary to speak out because of concerns about the economic difficulties facing Nigerians.

A major part of his appeal focused on the rising cost of living, including the impact of fuel prices, transportation costs and food prices on households.

Ojudu urged Tinubu to assess the success of government policies not only through economic statistics but also through the daily experiences of ordinary Nigerians who are struggling to meet basic needs.

He also called for stronger action against insecurity, arguing that economic reforms would have limited meaning for citizens who remain afraid to travel, farm, trade or conduct other legitimate activities.

On the political front, Ojudu urged Tinubu to ensure that government institutions remain neutral as the country approaches the 2027 general elections.

He called for security agencies to protect voters, candidates and electoral officials without intimidation or political bias, while urging the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to be adequately supported to conduct credible elections.

Ojudu also appealed to Tinubu to respect the independence of the judiciary and allow electoral disputes to be resolved according to the law.

Reflecting on their past, he recalled the sacrifices made during the struggle against military rule and said the right of Nigerians to freely choose their leaders was one of the principles for which they had fought.

Ojudu acknowledged Tinubu’s constitutional right to seek another term but stressed that Nigerians also have the right to assess the administration and make their choice at the ballot box.

He urged the President to respect the outcome of a free and credible election, regardless of its result.

Ojudu concluded his appeal by urging Tinubu to “finish well” and use the remaining years of his administration to ease the difficulties facing Nigerians, strengthen democratic institutions and leave the country safer, more united and more prosperous.

Ojudu Reveals How Tinubu, He Narrowly Escaped Death In Third Mainland Bridge Crash

‘We Can’t Raise N1bn’ — Parents of Abducted Corps Members Beg Olubadan

Parents of prospective NYSC members abducted in Imo State have appealed to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, for urgent help after their children were reportedly held for ransom.

The parents visited the Olubadan at his private residence in Bodija, Ibadan, on Saturday, seeking intervention following a reported N1 billion ransom demand.

According to the families, the abductors have been contacting them through the victims’ phones and demanding N50 million per victim. They reportedly gave the families 24 hours to raise the money, threatening that the victims could be harmed if the demand was not met.

The parents said they could not afford the ransom and appealed to Ladoja and the authorities to intervene.

“There is no way we can raise such an amount at this period. Baba, kindly assist us. Don’t let them kill our children,” they pleaded.

The NYSC-bound graduates were travelling from Ibadan to their orientation camps when gunmen attacked two buses along the Owerri-Onitsha Road around Umunoha in Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State on Thursday, October 1.

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There has been a discrepancy over the number of victims and the corresponding ransom figure. An earlier account put the number of abducted prospective corps members at 19, which would amount to N950 million at N50 million per person. However, the affected families later told the Olubadan that 20 graduates remained in captivity, putting the ransom demand at N1 billion.

The families were accompanied to the Olubadan’s residence by Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Abimbola, and the Aseyin of Iseyinland, Oba Sefiu Adeyeri.

Some of the parents also raised concerns about the transport company involved in the journey, accusing it of withholding information about the victims’ next of kin. They called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the abduction.

The Nigeria Police Force has intensified efforts to secure the victims’ release, with IGP Olatunji Disu deploying the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations, Shehu Nadada, to coordinate the operation in Imo State.

Security agencies have also located the suspected kidnappers’ hideout through drone surveillance but reportedly delayed an immediate assault after intelligence indicated that the camp could be protected with improvised explosive devices.

Ladoja assured the distressed families that efforts were being made to secure the safe return of their children, while the Oyo Police Command said it remained in contact with its Imo counterpart.

The incident has renewed concerns over the safety of graduates travelling to NYSC orientation camps, particularly along highways connecting different parts of the country.

‘We Can’t Raise N1bn’ — Parents of Abducted Corps Members Beg Olubadan

Osun Iyaloja-General Row: Ataoja Explains Asindemade’s Reinstatement

The Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun, has explained his decision to reinstate Chief Awawu Asindemade as the Iyaloja-General of Osun State, amid a fresh disagreement with Governor Ademola Adeleke over who has the authority to occupy the position.

The controversy erupted after the traditional ruler announced Asindemade’s return to the position and restored her royal beads as Iyaloja-General.

In a video that circulated on Saturday, the Ataoja said he had previously instructed Asindemade to remain calm and support Governor Adeleke’s re-election bid during the August 15 governorship election.

According to the monarch, Asindemade complied with the request, prompting him to restore her to the position.

The Ataoja said he was the person with the authority to appoint the Iyaloja-General, adding that his decision was intended to promote peace between Asindemade and the governor.

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The development, however, was immediately rejected by the Osun State Government, which maintained that Mrs Mary Oyebode remains the recognised Iyaloja-General of the state.

Governor Adeleke, through his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, said the authority to appoint the Iyaloja-General rests with the state government.

The governor said any appointment announced by another authority, including the Osogbo Royal Palace, had no legal effect and urged market associations and women across the state to disregard any announcement recognising another occupant.

The government maintained that Oyebode continues to enjoy its full recognition and support as the duly appointed Iyaloja-General of Osun State.

Asindemade previously occupied the position during the administrations of former governors Rauf Aregbesola and Adegboyega Oyetola before Adeleke replaced her with Oyebode in 2023.

The latest dispute has therefore revived the controversy over the Iyaloja-General appointment in Osun, with the Ataoja and the state government presenting different positions on who has the authority to determine the occupant of the office.

The Ataoja’s intervention has also highlighted the political dimension of the dispute, as his explanation linked Asindemade’s reinstatement to her reported support for Adeleke during the recent governorship election.

Governor Adeleke, meanwhile, has urged institutions and individuals to operate within their legally assigned mandates and avoid actions capable of disturbing peace in the state.

For now, Mrs Mary Oyebode remains the Iyaloja-General recognised by the Osun State Government, while Chief Awawu Asindemade has the backing of the Ataoja of Osogbo following the monarch’s declaration of her reinstatement.

Osun Iyaloja-General Row: Ataoja Explains Asindemade’s Reinstatement