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Ogun Govt Halts Awujale Succession, Orders Fresh Selection Process

Published

1 month ago

December 18, 2025

Ogun Govt Halts Awujale Succession, Orders Fresh Selection Process

The Ogun State Government has cancelled the ongoing selection process for the vacant Awujale stool, ordering the Fusengbuwa Ruling House to restart the exercise in line with extant chieftaincy laws.

The Awujale throne became vacant following the death of Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona in July.

The revered monarch passed away at the age of 91 after a historic 65-year reign as the Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland.

The Vice Chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, Prof. Fassy Yusuf, confirmed the development on Wednesday, saying the decision followed a meeting between representatives of the ruling house, the Awujale Interregnum Administration Committee and officials of the state government.

Recall that in a letter dated December 2, 2025, and signed by the Secretary to the Ijebu Ode Local Government, Oke Adebanjo, the Fusengbuwa Ruling House was directed to produce a successor to the late monarch within 14 days.

Acting on the directive, the ruling house commenced the process, with about 60 princes reportedly indicating interest, and fixed December 15 for the screening of aspirants.

However, the exercise was suspended after the state government summoned stakeholders to a meeting presided over by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Ganiyu Hamzat.

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Prof. Yusuf said the government directed that the entire process be halted and restarted due to procedural lapses capable of triggering legal disputes over the eventual installation of a new Awujale.

He stressed that the intervention was necessary to ensure strict compliance with the 2021 Obas and Chiefs Law of Ogun State and the 1957 chieftaincy declaration guiding succession to the Awujale stool.

According to him, the earlier letter from the local government initiating the process has been withdrawn, and a fresh directive would be issued to formally recommence the exercise.

“The government wants us to follow the laid-down procedures to the letter,” Yusuf said.

“There were procedural errors in how the process was initiated, and to avoid unnecessary litigation, we agreed to start afresh. No list of candidates has been submitted to the kingmakers, so there is no cause for concern.”

A senior state government official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, also confirmed the suspension, dismissing claims of government interference.

The official explained that the local government failed to follow due process under the law, noting that the ruling house must first formally notify the local government of its readiness before the ministry authorises the commencement of the selection process.

The source added that the corrective steps were taken to ensure transparency, legality and consensus, especially given that the Awujale stool has not witnessed a succession process in over six decades.

Ogun Govt Halts Awujale Succession, Orders Fresh Selection Process

Source: The PUNCH

metro

EFCC Arraigns Mompha’s Associate Over Alleged ₦206m Fraud

Published

2 hours ago

January 21, 2026

Trends Admin

EFCC Arraigns Mompha’s Associate Over Alleged ₦206m Fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned Sarumi Samusudeen Babafemi, an associate of social media personality Ismaila Mustapha (Mompha), alongside three corporate entities, over an alleged ₦206 million fraud before the Lagos State Special Offences Court, Ikeja.

Babafemi — Managing Director and CEO of 606 Autos Limited, 606 Music Limited, and Splash Off Entertainment Limited — faces five counts of conspiracy, concealment, and transfer of proceeds of crime, allegedly committed between 2013 and 2018. The EFCC claims the offences involved large sums, including ₦37.6 million and ₦93 million transferred to third parties, with knowledge that the funds were proceeds of unlawful acts.

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When the charges were read, Babafemi pleaded not guilty. His defence lawyer, SAN Kunle Adegoke, filed a bail application, which the court granted, ordering that Babafemi be released to his counsel upon signing an affidavit of undertaking to appear in court. The trial is now scheduled to commence on March 24, 2026.

The EFCC said Babafemi acted in concert with Mompha and other co-accused — Ridwan Momodu Allison (Osama) and Richard Ugbah, who are currently at large — to facilitate the alleged money laundering scheme. This latest prosecution comes as part of broader EFCC efforts to tackle financial crimes and fraud networks linked to high-profile figures in Nigeria.

EFCC Arraigns Mompha’s Associate Over Alleged ₦206m Fraud

metro

Police U-Turn: Worshippers Abducted in Kaduna, Security Forces Deployed

Published

2 hours ago

January 21, 2026

Trends Admin

Police U-Turn: Worshippers Abducted in Kaduna, Security Forces Deployed

The Nigeria Police Force has officially confirmed that worshippers were abducted during attacks on churches in Kurmin Wali, Kajuru Local Government Area, Kaduna State, after initially denying the reports. The reversal comes as security agencies deploy tactical units to rescue the victims and secure the area.

Eyewitnesses and local sources say armed gunmen stormed multiple churches, including ECWA and Cherubim and Seraphim, during Sunday services, seizing dozens of worshippers. Community leaders report that over 170 people may have been abducted, with some survivors managing to escape.

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The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and other local bodies have condemned the attacks and called for an urgent and thorough rescue operation. Authorities say they are intensifying efforts to locate and safely recover the victims, amid growing national concern over mass kidnappings in northern Nigeria.

The incident highlights ongoing security challenges in Kaduna State and other northern and central regions, where armed gangs and kidnappers frequently target vulnerable communities, often for ransom or political leverage. Families of the abducted worshippers continue to appeal for swift action as the rescue operations proceed.

Police U-Turn: Worshippers Abducted in Kaduna, Security Forces Deployed

metro

Presidency Accuses IPOB of Spreading False Christian Genocide Claims in Nigeria

Published

2 hours ago

January 21, 2026

Trends Admin

Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser on Policy Communication to President Bola Tinubu

Presidency Accuses IPOB of Spreading False Christian Genocide Claims in Nigeria

The Presidency of Nigeria has accused the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) of deliberately spreading false claims of a Christian genocide, saying the narrative is being amplified to mislead international opinion and influence foreign policy. Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser on Policy Communication to President Bola Tinubu, described the reports as propaganda lacking verification and stressed that they do not reflect the reality of Nigeria’s security situation.

Bwala’s remarks follow widespread reports linking the so-called genocide narrative to statements from IPOB and affiliated actors, which have circulated on social media and attracted attention from international media and some foreign lawmakers. According to the Presidency, these claims oversimplify Nigeria’s complex security challenges, which include terrorism, banditry, and communal violence, rather than targeted religious persecution.

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The controversy has drawn U.S. congressional attention, with some lawmakers reportedly considering diplomatic responses. In response, the Nigerian Government has engaged U.S.-based lobbyists to highlight its efforts in protecting all citizens, regardless of faith, and to correct misleading narratives surrounding violence in the country.

Religious and civic leaders in Nigeria remain divided. While some dismiss the genocide claims as exaggerated and potentially divisive, others acknowledge violence against Christians but caution that framing it as genocide misrepresents the broader security context. Analysts warn that the debate over religious persecution and misinformation has significant implications for national unity, international perception, and Nigeria’s foreign relations.