Oluwasegun Adesuyi, Author at SocietyGazette.com

Igangan Attack: A Reprisal From Seriki’s Boys – LG Boss Reveals

But for the timely intervention of men of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria, VGN, in Igangan, more casualties would have been recorded in a midnight invasion carried out by bandits suspected to be fulani herdsmen, Lateef Akorede, chairman of Ibarapa North local government has revealed.

He also said the police also supported the vigilante and local militias who resorted to self-help to salvage their town from the invaders.

It was understood that the council area consists of three major towns – Ayete, Igangan and Tapa.

This newspaper had, early Sunday morning, broke the news of how the bandits invaded the community, killing more than 20 people and burning the palace of the Asigangan, Adolak filling station, several cars, shops and houses in the process.

Akorede, who was recently inaugurated alongside others as council chairmen across the state, spoke on Crossfire, a weekly political programme on Fresh 105.9 FM anchored by Mayor Isaac Brown.

According to him, the attack was a reprisal On then community and his people.

OYOINSIGHT.COM had reported how last December’s murder of Dr. Fatai Aborode, led to the eviction order issued by Sunday Igboho. The situation drew applause and counter-applause as the people were helpless. Seyi Makinde, governor of the state, had to sleep over in the town to douse tension. But before that, Seriki, who was accused of being behind kidnapping in the area, had fled the town.

Speaking further, the council boss confirmed that the perpetrators came with motorcycles. He revealed that one of the those killed was an aide of the Seriki’s son.

He revealed that the speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin, who hails from neighbouring Ibarapa town of Eruwa town and Makinde’s special adviser on security, Fatai Owoseni and other stakeholders are in town.

This was just as he revealed that locals, together with security agents, are combing the bushes.

“It’s unfortunate that it happened. We knew there would be reprisal and we were prepared. Where they entered, we still don’t know. Our vigilante men just returned from an operation last night and had barely settled down,” he states, assuring that the monarch, whose palace was razed is in good condition.

”The Palace was targeted because of the burnt palace of the Seriki. That was why everything beside it was also razed,” he added.

President Buhari Celebrates Alhaji Erogbogbo At 95

The true fortunes of human life are less than a handful: freedom, long life and prosperity. To have all three in almost equal measure is the blessing of multiple lifetimes. This is the defining quality in the life of AlhajiAshafaAjibolaErogbogbo. At 95 years of age, the man has built the kind of legacy that even presidents do not dare to ignore.

President Muhammadu Buhari was one of the first federal-level characters to send warm felicitations and goodwill messages to AlhajiAshafaAjibolaErogbogbo on his 95th birthday. While the message was filled with praises and prayers, it also demonstrated that there are a few Nigerians out there whose services to humanity continue to be felt even though they themselves have retired from the public scene.

AlhajiErogbogbo has indeed made laudable contributions to Nigeria and the part of Lagos State most renowned for enjoying the Erogbogbo legacy—Ikorodu. It could be said that the city enjoys the visitation of outsiders and the accolades of informed Nigerians due to AlhajiErogbogbo, his late wife, AlhajaSadiatAbekeErogbogbo, and their nest of influential children.

AbikeDabiri-Erewa is the most notable of the Erogbogbo children, and her determined personality reflects the celebrated unshakeable character of both her parents. But the Nigeria Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) Chairman is not the only one that inherited this strong personality. The others include KofoKassim, YomiErogbogbo, RotimiErogbogbo, AjokeGbeleyi, Moji Williams, Sola Erogbogbo, Yetunde and FolakeErogbogbo, not to mention the ones that are Erogbogbo by blood. The achievements of these great people have added to the reputation of AlhajiErogbogbo.

Nevertheless, AlhajiErogbogbo has rocked the social and corporate scene on his own merits with a career spanning the oil industry, aviation, customs and several other notable sectors. Moreover, his welcoming and noble personality is responsible for his being a strong member of Ansar-ud-Deen society, an accomplished statesman, and the sharpest, happiest, friendliest and funniest 95-year-old grandpa to all and sundry.

Thus, on AlhajiErogbogbo’s 95th birthday, folks did not hold back in truly celebrating him. However, everything was in moderation, considering that his wife of 70+ years, AlhajaSadiatAbekeErogbogbo, passed away only a few months ago. Consequently, he marked the day with family prayers and his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren at his feet.

It is truly remarkable to have a long life and a legacy that is the most radiant in a generation. No wonder President Buhari spared no words in hailing the half-step centenarian.

PHOTOS: Tears flow as members of Synagogue Church mourn TB Joshua

Members of the Synagogue, Church of All Nations (SCOAN) are mourning the death of TB Joshua.

The pastor died on Saturday according to a statement released by the church management.

He had stroke two months ago and was flown by air ambulance to Turkey for treatment, TheCable understands.

The pastor returned to the country after treatment.

When TheCable visited the church located in Ikotun area of Lagos, members were seen crying, screaming his name and sharing testimonies of the good deeds of the late pastor.

Trouble Looms In ibarapa As Gunmen Kill 20, Burn Palace, Petrol Station In fresh Attack

No fewer than 20 people have been allegedly killed in Igangan, one of the towns in Ibarapa North local government, as unknown gunmen opened fire on Saturday night.

The Palace of the Asigangan as well as a popular petroleum station were not spared as they were razed by the suspected bandits numbering 50, who were said to have invaded the town around 11 pm in more than 20 motorcycles.

This is coming few days after the chairman Oyo State Security Network codenamed Amotekun Corps, General Kunle Togun (rtd) alleged that foreign Fulanis have encamped the entire Southwest region and may strike if nothing is done urgently.

A former caretaker chairman of the council, Tunji Omolewu, who confirmed the attack to journalists said he had to rush down around 5 am this morning (Sunday).

According to him, ”People had barely retired to bed when they said they sighted motorcycles entering the town. Before our people could know what was going on, they had started killing people. I got the call around 11 pm. We were on our way from Ekiti where we had gone to do the Yoruba nation rally.

“I got to Ibadan around 12 am and when the calls did not stop coming, I decided to come home. I have counted more than 20 dead bodies. The palace of our monarch was torched. Adolak filling station too was burnt. We are assembled here” he said, almost breaking down in tears.

A former caretaker chairman of neighbouring Ibarapa Central, Yemi Akinlabi, who is holidaying in the United States, said his phone was bombarded with calls.

”It is so sad. Only few days ago, our people got intelligence report and forwarded it to the appropriate quarters for actions but here we are today. Are we going to continue to live in fear in our land? I have spoken to General Toogun about last night’s incident and we would want him and his team to do something. Our people must not be allowed to resort to self-help,” he added.

It could be recalled that last Wednesday, during the tour of project to mark his two years in office, Governor Seyi Makinde had disclosed that insecurity in Ibarapaland has been the most challenging and that his government has put in place several measures, including the creation of a Base for Operation Burst in the area and deployment of more Amotekun corps, among others.

He said that these measures have yielded positive results in the last few months.

See How Nnamdi Kanu Threatened Prophet T.B Joshua Before His Death

The leader of the Indigenous People Of Biafra, IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has said that God is about to disgrace Prophet TB Joshua over his statement that Nigeria will never break up.

Society gazette had reported that TB Joshua said Nigeria would be covered by a cloud of “crisis, murder, killings, destruction”, but would not break up.

“Nothing will happen to Nigeria. Nigeria will remain one,” Joshua assured the congregation during a service at SCOAN.

Reacting over the statement, Nnamdi Kanu during a live broadcast monitored by 9NEWS NIGERIA said God is about to disgrace TB Joshua because he is spewing out prophecy year after year and non is coming to fulfillment.

He said : “TB Joshua you’ve been releasing these prophesies every blessed year. The more you release the more Yoruba people you have in IDP camps, the more you release the more Fulani takes over your land!.”

“If you’re arguing that Nigeria should be one, then you are questioning the reason the Israelite left Egypt.”

‘Cry to God, Nigeria’s Problem Is Beyond What Any Leader Can Solve’ – Obasanjo tells Nigerians

Former Nigerian President, Olusegun Obasanjo, has urged Nigerians to take the current security and economic challenges besetting the country to God.

According to Obasanjo, the situation is now beyond what an ordinary man can solve, adding that everyone is overwhelmed.

Obasanjo, a two term President and also a former military Head of State, noted that leaders at all levels were overwhelmed by the current challenges in the land.

Obasanjo spoke in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital on Saturday during the 16th edition of Prayer Breakfast held virtually and organised in his honour by the Christians Association of Nigeria, Ogun State chapter.

Obasanjo emphasised the need for prayers to battle difficult situations in the country.

“We seem to have been overwhelmed with the crises in our land, that is why we are here,” Obasanjo said.

“We have some challenges. These are beyond what we can handle we have to cry to God.

“Our land needs to be healed. We have been overwhelmed, those in government, executive, legislators, public servant, civil servant, private sector, we are overwhelmed.

“God cannot be overwhelmed. He is omnipotent, Omnipresent, I believe God will heal our land. That is the reason we are here.”

Frontline Nigerian Preacher, Prophet T.B. Joshua is dead

Temitope Balogun Joshua, frontline Nigerian preacher, televangelist, and founder of The Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN) has been reported dead. The clergyman, popularly known as Prophet T.B. Joshua, who was famous for his miracles, philanthropy and prophecies, died in Lagos on Saturday evening, shortly after concluding a programme at his church. He was 57.

Though the cause of death was not known at the time of filing this report, family sources told The Gazette his body had been deposited at the morgue and was awaiting autopsy.

Joshua, born and raised in Arigidi Akoko in Ondo State, Nigeria, was known across the globe as a miracle worker and fiery preacher on television who used his platform to attract many in search of healing from across the globe. Many prominent individuals, including presidents, celebrities and politicians visited his church headquarters in Lagos for prayers and, also, to seek the face of God.

Known for his humanitarian works, he also provided charity and scholarships to many from far and near. Emmanuel TV, an organ of SCOAN, is one of Nigeria’s largest Christian broadcast stations with global reach via digital and terrestrial switches.

Joshua was steeped in controversy as many doubted not only the genuineness of his faith but also the source of his healing powers, which he attributed to Jesus Christ. In 2014, his church was at the centre of a controversy and multi-national investigation following the collapse of a section of his church headquarters in Lagos, which left at least 115 people dead, 84 of them South Africans and many more injured. However, the highly respected man of God denied allegations of negligence. A trial was still underway prior to his death.

Still, many also believed he was a genuine man of God, what with his miracles, prophecies and humanitarian works. Aside from the healing powers of his prayers, they claim to have been healed through ‘anointing water’ that he had prayed over and given to those who are unable to physically attend his church in Lagos. Others claim they were protected from deadly incidents because they had the water with them.

In 2013, four people died in a stampede in a Ghanaian branch of SCOAN when an unadvertised service where the water was being distributed drew huge crowds far beyond the churches capacity, bringing Ghana’s capital city Accra almost to a standstill.

Joshua also stirred another controversy when he claimed his anointing water could cure the deadly disease Ebola. He subsequently sent 4,000 bottles of the water alongside a cash gift of $50,000 to Ebola victims in Sierra Leone.

Joshua was not only controversial as a miracle worker, but also his birth and childhood was tinged with unusual circumstances. He said in his biography that he spent 15 months in his mother’s womb and narrowly escaped death after a quarry explosion near his house sent rocks through its roof, just seven days after his birth. It is also alleged that his birth was prophesied 100 years before it occurred.

Aregbesola Talks Rough, Labels Akintoye, other Yoruba nation agitators As ‘Foolish’

Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola has been reported as describing Yoruba nation agitators as ‘foolish’.

This sweeping description will encompass Professor Banji Akintoye, who leads the Yoruba World Congress, Sunday Igboho and other canvassers for an independent Yoruba nation.

Aregbesola said the agitators are foolish because they have not considered the consequences of war, based on his reasoning that the breakup campaign would lead to war.

Aregbesola spoke on Saturday at the Zenabab Hotel, in his hometown of , Ilesha, Osun State during his 64th birthday celebration.

He urged agitators to consider the women, children, old people and those living with disabilities who would be mostly affected by the consequences of war.

He said Nigeria must be more united or else African countries will be enslaved once again.

He noted that Nigeria is the country that will liberate Africa from all oppressions therefore Nigerians must not give nod to secessionists.

“Anything that threatens and creates a problem for Nigeria may cause backwardness for our country for 50 years,” he added.

Just In: US Frowns At ban on Twitter by Buhari govt, Says it is a poor message to investors

The United State Government has kicked against President Muhammadu Buhari government’s decision to ban Twitter in the country.

The US condemned the ban and described it as a poor message to citizens and investors.

The US Mission in Nigeria in a statement on Saturday said the Nigerian constitution provides for freedom of information.

Recall that the Nigerian Government, through the Ministry of Information and Culture had on Friday banned the social media platform indefinitely in the country.

This happened a few days after Nigerians on Twitter had pleaded with the operators of the platform to suspend President Muhammadu Buhari over his war threat on people of the SouthEast Region.

Twitter had in response, deleted the controversial tweet. The decision was said to have angered the government which in return banned Twitter.

In a statement, the US Mission said, “Nigeria’s Constitution provides for freedom of Information. The Government’s recent #Twitterban undermines Nigerians’ ability to express this fundamental freedom and sends a poor message to its citizens, investors and businesses.

“Banning social media and curbing every citizen’s ability to seek, receive, and impart information undermines fundamental freedom.

“As President Biden has stated, our need for individual expression, open public conversation, and accountability has never been greater. The path to a more secure Nigeria lies in more, not less communication, alongside concerted efforts toward unity, peace, and prosperity.”

My comments on corps members as reserve soldiers misconstrued: NYSC DG

The Director-General, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Shuaibu Ibrahim, has expressed dismay over the news making the rounds on social media of his purported call for corps members to be mobilised for war, saying that his comments were misconstrued.

He said this on Saturday during the commemoration of the 48th anniversary of NYSC held at the Magaji Dan Yamusa Permanent Orientation camp, in Keffi Local Government Area of Nasarawa state.

Mr Ibrahim, a brigadier general, explained that he was interviewed on a national television station where he said that corps members are important when it comes to a national emergency.

“It was misconstrued by mischief makers, especially on social media who reported that I was mobilising corps members for war.

“The March for Unity exercise earlier conducted by corps members in orientation camps across the country is a deliberate reminder to Nigerians that their diversity is their strength.

“There is no country which does not have problems but we have to sit, evaluate such problems critically and sort them out amicably,” he said.

He then charged corps members to use social media for promoting peace and unity rather than fake news.

The NYSC DG said that using social media to promote peace and unity has become imperative due to its huge influence on the youths.

“Social media has become a powerful tool for communication and corps members need to be enlightened on the opportunity it offers towards peace and unity.

“This powerful communication tool should not be used to propagate fake news as the NYSC was established to promote unity and integration in the country.

“Corps members should therefore be sure of the sources of information transmitted in the social media,” he said.

The NYSC coordinator in Nasarawa Stephen Dewan appreciated the DG for the visit, noting that it has motivated the corps members.

The NYSC DG presented empowerment ‘starter packs’ to two corps members, Paschal Chiemeka and Kaladede Tommy.

The duo distinguished themselves in the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) training in cosmetology and fashion designing.

(NAN)