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Ooni, Alaafin reconcile after public feud, launch Yoruba unity council
Ooni, Alaafin reconcile after public feud, launch Yoruba unity council
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, have officially ended their rift, marking a significant moment in Yoruba history with the formation of a Joint Council for Yoruba Unity.
The reconciliation took place on Friday at the 90th birthday celebration of billionaire businessman and philanthropist, Sir Kessington Adebutu, popularly known as ‘Baba Ijebu’, at Eko Hotel, Lagos.
The two foremost Yoruba monarchs had been locked in a public spat over the conferment of the title “Okanlomo of Yorubaland” on Chief Dotun Sanusi, the Bada of Ibadan designate, by the Ooni. The Alaafin had issued a 48-hour ultimatum demanding a reversal of the title, accusing the Ooni of exceeding his jurisdiction and acting in contempt of the Supreme Court.
The Ooni, through his media team, dismissed the ultimatum as an “empty threat,” reigniting a long-standing rivalry between the thrones of Ife and Oyo—two of the most revered institutions in Yorubaland.
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However, in a dramatic turn of events, both monarchs shared the stage at Adebutu’s birthday celebration, where they signed a joint communiqué pledging to put aside their differences and work together for the greater good of the Yoruba people.
“Today marks a turning point. We reaffirm our dedication to harmony, respect, and brotherhood among all Yoruba sons and daughters,” the statement read.
The monarchs also announced the creation of the Joint Council for Yoruba Unity, aimed at fostering peace, cultural preservation, and socioeconomic development across the region.
A mild drama played out during the event when the Ooni handed the microphone to the Alaafin after his speech. The Alaafin’s aides were seen covering the microphone with a handkerchief before he spoke, drawing murmurs from the audience.
Despite the tension, the event ended on a high note, with both monarchs offering prayers for peace and prosperity in Yorubaland, Nigeria, and the African continent.
Dignitaries, traditional rulers, and cultural leaders from across the region witnessed the historic reconciliation. Sir Adebutu hailed the moment as “a milestone that will consolidate unity and development among the Yoruba people.”
Ooni, Alaafin reconcile after public feud, launch Yoruba unity council
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Ex-CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele Denies Allegations of Financing Terrorism
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
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
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.
Police Launch Special Enforcement Team to Enforce Tinubu’s Ban on VIP Escorts
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