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Ooni of Ife Hails Fani-Kayode’s Ambassadorial Clearance as Honour to Ife, Osun State

Published

1 month ago

December 14, 2025

Ooni of Ife Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi and Chief Femi Fani-Kayode

Ooni of Ife Hails Fani-Kayode’s Ambassadorial Clearance as Honour to Ife, Osun State

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, has described the nomination and successful screening of Chief Femi Fani-Kayode as an ambassador as a major honour for Ile-Ife and Osun State, saying the development has filled the people with collective pride.

Speaking through Sooko Omoniyi, Kemade Elugbaju, after the former Minister of Aviation was cleared for his new diplomatic role, the monarch said the screening marked recognition for a family with a long history of national service.

“The Ooni, the good people of Ifeland and the generality of Osun State indigenes are delighted by this honour done to one of our sons,” Elugbaju said.

The Ooni traced Fani-Kayode’s lineage to the Gbúede family, highlighting the public service records of his father, Chief Remi Fani-Kayode, his grandfather, Justice Adedapo Kayode, and his great-grandfather, Rev. Emmanuel Kayode, noting their contributions to law, governance and Christian missionary work in Ile-Ife.

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According to the monarch, the family has played a defining role in shaping the historical and civic foundations of the ancient city.

Commending Fani-Kayode’s tenure as Minister of Aviation, the Ooni noted that he provided opportunities for many professionals from Osun State, describing him as someone who has consistently shown commitment to his people.

“His Imperial Majesty is proud of you. The people of Ifeland and Osun State say well done and more grace,” the message read.

The Ooni also expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for the appointment, describing it as a significant honour to the state and its people.

Meanwhile, the Obalufe of Ile-Ife, Oba Idowu Adediwura, also congratulated the ambassador-designate, offering prayers for wisdom, strength and success in his diplomatic assignment.

The monarch said the nomination reflected experience, visibility and sustained engagement in national and international affairs, adding that diplomacy demands honour, cultural understanding and loyalty to the nation.

He prayed that Fani-Kayode’s ambassadorial role would promote peace, enhance Nigeria’s global image, and bring honour to Ile-Ife and the country at large.

Ooni of Ife Hails Fani-Kayode’s Ambassadorial Clearance as Honour to Ife, Osun State

Related Topics:Ambassadorial Clearance Ife Ooni Osun

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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

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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

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Presidency Accuses IPOB of Spreading False Christian Genocide Claims in Nigeria

Published

3 hours ago

January 21, 2026

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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.