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The Eselu of Eselu Kingdom in Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State, Oba Akintunde Akinyemi, has said that it may be impossible for traditional rulers in Nigeria to completely stay out of politics, explaining that doing so would be tantamount to “taking salt out of soup.”

 

This is just as the traditional ruler lamented the continuous border closure, particularly about fuel restrictions around the border communities, saying that this Federal Government policy is subjecting the people to untold hardship.

 

Oba Akinyemi disclosed this at an event organised to mark his birthday in Abeokuta on Monday.

 

Oba Akinyemi questioned the rationale for maintaining the closure, especially after the government claimed to have removed fuel subsidies.

He said several efforts had been made to engage authorities on the issue, but with little result.

 

Akinyemi disclosed that “They believe that petrol is being smuggled to Benin, Niger Republic and the rest, and that is affecting the economy. But that was initially, when there was subsidized fuel. Now, if the government says it has taken away subsidy, and we’re buying at a high rate, why is the border still closed?”

 

“Up till now the border is still closed—you can’t even take five litres outside Nigeria, even the border communities within 20 to 25 kilometres. It’s a common question, but nobody has given a clear answer.”

 

“To me, we’ve been making a lot of calls, write-ups, media chats to the authorities, but when you look at the reason why they closed the border and why they’ll not open it, it’s like having a crack between the economic policy of Mr. President and the people living in that area.

 

“When you come to the palace, you’ll see the number of people coming for help daily. But we don’t have that money. Even my salary cannot take care of my workers, not to talk of the security in the office. It is a serious problem,” he said.

He insisted that politics is interwoven with the traditional institution, especially in a democratic system where the delivery of development often relies on political office holders.

 

The royal father said “The truth of it is that it’s like taking salt out of the soup if any Kabiyesi says he’s not engaging in politics,” Oba Akinyemi told journalists.

 

He continued, “Ask him who is his local government chairman, state governor—are they not politicians? Who are the ministers of the state—are they not politicians? If you get one or two things in the community, are they not through them? You cannot take salt from the soup.”

 

Oba Akinyemi explained that while traditional rulers should not engage in “dirty politics,” their involvement in governance and the political process is sometimes unavoidable.

 

“At times, you cannot be an Oba without playing politics. Even the issue of paramountcy—first class, second class and the rest—is it not politics? And some who are paramount rulers, who gave them the paramountcy? It’s politics,” he said.

Oba Akinyemi added that the political system also dictates the influence of traditional rulers, saying, “If it’s not politics, the governor can do and undo—he has the veto power.”

 

The royal father, however, said that notwithstanding the tough economic situation, the Senator representing Ogun West, Senator Solomon Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, has been very consistent with a series of intervention projects in the Senatorial district, describing him as a true representative of the people.

 

“Yayi is doing extremely well. We’ve never had it this good in terms of giving the constituency this level of priority. Particularly, if you go anywhere in Ogun West now, you’ll see his work,” the royal father added.

 

He called for more responsive governance at the federal level to address the suffering of Nigerians, especially in border communities that are bearing the brunt of harsh economic policies

 

The senator representing Borno South, Ali Ndume, has criticised President Bola Tinubu over what he described as non-compliance with the federal character principle in political appointments.

 

Speaking on Arise TV’s Prime Time on Monday, the lawmaker accused the President of violating the constitutional requirement for balanced representation in government appointments.

 

Ndume pointed to Section 14(3) of the 1999 Constitution, which mandates that political appointments reflect the country’s diversity.

 

“The figures are there. You can look at the figures. I sent you one. I sent you figures. It’s not that I’m just making accusations. And it’s not that I’m saying, well, the president has no right to do that kind of thing.

 

“But it’s a constitutional provision. Section 13, I mean, Section 14 (3) of the constitution is very, very clear,” he said.

 

The senator added that the current appointments fail to align with the federal character principle as outlined by law.

 

“When you look at it vis-a-vis the appointments made so far, and there are political appointments, the constitution is very clear.

 

“It is because of avoiding such infractions that the constitution clearly states that appointments, especially political appointments, should reflect the federal character, and that is not the case here.

And all I am saying is to call the attention of Mr President to such infractions so that it can be corrected; otherwise, you know, these things can boomerang at a certain period of time”, Ndume stated.

 

Ndume, a senior member of the National Assembly, clarified that his comments were not meant as a personal attack on the President but rather a duty tied to his role as a lawmaker.

 

“I know, as you rightly say, people look at me as somebody that is critical of the government. I have the right to do that in the first place. And in fact, that’s why I’m in the National Assembly in the first place.

 

“Collectively, we are supposed to oversight the acts of Mr President and point out some of these irregularities. That is what we swore to do. It’s not personal”, he added.

 

Addressing potential backlash for his remarks, Ndume remained resolute.

 

“Each one of us will stand before God, and God will ask him to account for what he is responsible for. Besides, we are all in this government. What will we tell our people? When you have these figures out, it is already viral, it is already in circulation.

“But you know what, after this interview, those attack dogs or maga-dogs will start attacking Ndume, not the message.

 

“It is not about Ndume or me being a senator. As a Nigerian, I have the right to voice out all these things. Not only that, I have the right to even protest. I have the right. That is guaranteed by the constitution. But from tomorrow, those so-called Tinubu boys or people will start attacking Ndume. These are the facts”, the lawmaker said.

An 18-seater Toyota Hiace Bus with registration number KTG 283 XA has rammed into the busy Damagum market in Yobe State, killing a pregnant woman, four others and injuring 19 persons.

 

Confirming the number of casualties, the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps in the state, Livinus Yilzoom, told Channels TV on Tuesday that the incident happened Sunday evening when the pedestrian victims were closing from the market.

 

“Note that five persons who died were not occupants of the vehicle, rather, they were pedestrians who were by the roadside waiting to cross.

 

“The driver, in trying to avoid the pedestrian ran into five persons who were killed as he lost control due to the speed he was travelling. So, far 19 persons were injured and five killed,” he said.

The Commander further revealed that on receiving the information, the Unit Command at Dogon Kuka dispatched the crash investigation team to the scene and evacuated the victims to Damagum General Hospital for medical attention.

 

He said that the investigation revealed that speed limit violation and control loss were the immediate causes of the crash.

 

Other eyewitnesses who spoke to Channels Television complained that the location of markets along the highway in most communities is increasing, especially on market days.

The Anambra State Police Command has arrested two suspects over the murder of an 80-year-old woman in Ihiala, Anambra State.

 

The suspects were said to have tied the victim’s legs and mouth before murdering her, after which they stole her black CG motorcycle.

 

This was disclosed in a statement by the Anambra State Police spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, on Tuesday.

 

Ikenga said the investigation of the incident has been ongoing since the receipt of the complaint on April 2, 2025.

 

He said, “Today, April 8, 2025, the Ihiala Divisional Police Station has in custody one Chidiebere Igboanugo and Emmanuel Ibeabuchi, all males from Umunwaji Ogboro, Ihiala, over the murder of an 80-year-old woman.

 

“The victim, late Mrs Theresa Igbojonu of the same village, was tied on both legs and mouth before her murder. Meanwhile, a black CG motorcycle allegedly stolen from the deceased has been recovered.

“Investigation of the incident has been ongoing since the receipt of the complaint on 2nd April 2025 by 11.30 pm.”

 

Ikenga also added that a joint security team during a patrol in Ihiala had earlier arrested Igboanugo on April 5, 2025, when the deceased’s son sighted the stolen motorcycle being driven by the suspect along Ezego junction in Ihiala.

 

“Upon interrogation of Chidiebere, the security operatives acted swiftly on Monday, April 7, 2025 and arrested Emmanuel Ibeabuchi, whom Chidiebere mentioned as part of the gang that committed the crime.

 

“Further information revealed that two other suspects known as Alla and Emeka, currently at large, are part of their gang.

 

“The Commissioner of Police has directed the immediate transfer of the Case to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Awka, for discreet investigation and urges the operatives to intensify efforts in arresting the mentioned suspects that are currently on the run,” he added.

 

He said the suspects would be charged to court at the conclusion of the investigations.

The Federal Government has acknowledged the adverse impact of the newly imposed tariffs by US President Donald Trump on Nigeria’s oil and non-oil exports, which could potentially disrupt trade relations and affect the competitiveness of Nigerian products in the US market.

 

In a statement issued on Sunday, Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, responded to the tariff decision, admitting that the policy would undermine the competitiveness of Nigerian goods, especially in sectors reliant on market access and price competitiveness.

 

According to the minister, Nigeria’s exports to the United States have averaged $5–6 billion annually in the last two years.

 

Oduwole said, “A significant portion (of Nigeria’s exports) — over 90 per cent — comprises crude petroleum, mineral fuels, oils, and gas products. The second-largest export category, accounting for approximately 2–3 per cent, includes fertilizers and urea, followed by lead, representing around 1 per cent of total exports (valued at approx $82 million).

Nigeria also exports smaller quantities of agricultural products such as live plants, flour, and nuts, which account for less than 2 per cent of our total exports to the U.S.

 

“While oil has long dominated Nigeria’s exports to the US, non-oil products—many previously exempt under AGOA—now face potential disruption.

“A new 10 per cent tariff on key categories may impact the competitiveness of Nigerian goods in the U.S. For businesses in the non-oil sector, these measures present destabilising challenges to price competitiveness and market access, especially in emerging and value-added sectors vital to our diversification agenda.”

 

The minister also noted that smaller businesses, particularly SMEs, that rely on the African Growth and Opportunity Act exemptions would feel the brunt of the new tariff, with rising costs and uncertain buyer commitments likely to make market access even more difficult.

 

She added, “This development strengthens Nigeria’s resolve to boost its non-oil exports by strengthening quality assurance, control, and traceability in Nigerian exports to meet global standards and improve market acceptance into more economies across the globe.”

 

Trump’s decision, which has been heavily criticized by global trade experts, will impose tariffs of up to 50 percent on several foreign exports, including Nigerian goods.

 

This policy shift marks a sharp departure from the global free-trade approach that has been in place for decades.

 

Economic experts, in separate interviews with The PUNCH, explained that the policy would raise the prices of goods and services for consumers, weaken the standard of living, slow down manufacturing activities, hinder international trade and consequently weaken demand for Nigerian oil in the US, one of its key markets.

 

Pope Francis made a surprise Sunday public appearance as he mingled with crowds at the Vatican just two weeks after leaving the hospital for a serious case of pneumonia.

 

“A good Sunday to all. Thank you very much,” the 88-year-old pope said as he was wheeled through Saint Peter’s Square in his wheelchair after a mass dedicated to the sick.

 

Surrounded by a mass of smartphones and cameras, and attached to nasal breathing tubes, his voice was fragile but more audible than when he left the Gemelli hospital on March 23. The Argentine’s last public appearance was on February 14.

 

Francis is, in theory, undergoing two months of convalescence following his life-threatening health scare, with strict rest, no public activity and no contact with crowds.

 

Yet the Jesuit spent Sunday morning blessing the masses gathered on the sunny square, in an encouraging signal for his health two weeks before Christians the world over celebrate Easter.

 

His eagerness to reach out to the flock however comes against the advice of his doctors, who have urged him to avoid meeting groups of people to limit the risk of infection.

Pope Francis, seen wearing an oxygen breathing apparatus, looks on during a surprise appearance at the end of a mass for the sick and healthcare workers on St. Peter’s square in The Vatican, on April 6, 2025. (Photo by Alberto PIZZOLI / AFP)

“He’s doing better, that’s clear, and he wants that to be seen,” a Vatican source told AFP on condition of anonymity.

 

“He’s not yet well enough to deliver a message, but well enough to make a gesture… and show up,” the source added.

 

– Blessed be the doctors –

 

According to his doctors Francis almost died twice suring his time in hospital, the longest and most fraught of his 12 years as head of the Church.

 

His physical state has sparked speculation the pontiff might hang up his papal crook after the example of his predecessor Benedict XVI, who quit in 2013 citing his declining mental and physical health.

 

A few minutes before his surprise appearance the leader of the globe’s 1.4 billion Catholics received the sacrament in St Peter’s Cathedral, the Vatican said in a statement on Telegram.

 

As in previous weeks Francis did not read out the customary Angelus prayer, which was published in written form instead.

“I pray for the doctors, the nurses and the healthcare workers, who are not always helped to work in adequate conditions and who are even, sometimes, victims of attacks,” the pontiff wrote.

“Their mission is not easy and must be supported and respected.”

 

His message went on to offer a prayer for an end to the world’s conflicts, mentioning in turn Ukraine, Sudan, neighbouring South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, quake-hit Myanmar and Haiti.

 

– Pray for Gaza –

 

Francis likewise prayed for the Middle East and especially Gaza, where Israel last week again launched a ground offensive against Palestinian militant group Hamas.

 

In the Palestinian territory “people are forced to live in unimaginable conditions, without shelter, without food, without drinkable water,” the pope said.

 

“Let the weapons fall silent and dialogue begin again”, he added, calling for the freeing of the hostages held by Hamas since its October 7, 2023 attack that began the war.

 

Francis, who had part of his lung removed as a young man, has suffered a series of health woes in recent years.

 

While being assisted his recovery by healthcare workers night and day at his Vatican residence, Francis has not seen any visitors beyond his closest colleagues since his release from the Gemelli Hospital.

 

Yet he has taken up his papal duties again, notably in editing and putting his signature to documents, according to the Holy See.

 

He has, however, been forced to reduce his usual frenetic schedule, and the scale of his involvement in the religious events leading up to Easter — the holiest period in the Christian calendar — is so far unclear.

The Nigerian Army has accused the Taraba State Police Command of misleading the public over the circumstances surrounding the rescue of an Israeli national, Mr Gil Itamar, who was abducted in Takum Local Government Area on April 3, 2025.

 

Itamar, a staff member of SCC Company, was reportedly kidnapped at the Atim community along the Takum–Chanchangi Road.

 

The police, in an earlier statement, claimed the foreign national was abducted while under military escort and was rescued through efforts coordinated by the command.

 

But the Army, in a statement issued by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 6 Brigade, Captain Olubodunde Oni, on Saturday, described the police version as inaccurate and misleading.

 

“Contrary to the claim that Mr. Gil Itamar was being escorted by the military at the time of his abduction, we wish to categorically state that he was alone in his vehicle, without any military escort or driver, when the unfortunate incident occurred,” the statement read.

 

Oni noted that the search and rescue operation was initiated and led by the Commanding Officer of 93 Battalion, Nigerian Army, Takum, in collaboration with local stakeholders.

“The operation was intelligence-driven and executed without firing a single shot. The release of the victim was achieved through intense pressure mounted on local village heads and youth leaders in communities such as Kofai Ahmadu, Abako, and Chanchanji,” he added.

 

According to the Army, credible information provided by locals led to the location where Itamar was eventually found abandoned by his captors.

 

While reaffirming the Army’s commitment to inter-agency collaboration, the Brigade cautioned the police against releasing unverified information on joint security efforts.

 

“We urge our sister agency, the Taraba State Police Command, to exercise due diligence in gathering accurate information before making public statements, especially on sensitive matters concerning inter-agency operations. Misinformation not only misleads the public but may also undermine the credibility of security efforts in the state,” the Army stated.

 

The 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke reaffirmed its commitment to working with all security stakeholders to ensure the safety of residents and visitors across Taraba State.

 

The new Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, has announced plans to renovate the ancient Alaafin’s palace in Oyo town, describing it as long overdue for reconstruction while assuring all that the project will retain its traditional and cultural heritage.

 

Speaking in an interview published by Nigerian Tribune on Saturday, Oba Owoade noted that the palace, originally built almost 200 years ago by Atiba ‘Latunbosun—the first Alaafin in the present-day Oyo—has never undergone major reconstruction.

 

“If you have been to the Aafin, you will agree with me that it needs some repairs. Some new buildings need to be constructed, and some need to be renovated.

 

“We are looking at reconstructing the palace without compromising the standard, culture and tradition,” he said.

 

Oba Owoade also paid tribute to his predecessor, the late Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, praising him for his efforts in promoting Yoruba culture and tradition.

 

“I commend Alaafin Lamidi Adeyemi, my immediate predecessor. He really did very well in properly projecting Yoruba culture and tradition. I want to take it from where he left it and take our culture and tradition to the next level,” he said.

 

Reflecting on his journey to the throne, the monarch revealed that he initially turned down the offer to contest for the Alaafin title.

“I was in Canada when my family—the Mogajis—called and asked if I wanted to participate in the contest for the next Alaafin. I said I was not interested,” he said. “But after some persuasion, I gave in. Thank God I am here today as the Alaafin and I am in Oyo to stay.”

 

Oba Owoade, who lived abroad for over 20 years, nine of which were in England and another 12 in Canada, disclosed that he received news of his selection while asleep in Canada.

 

“Around 5 o’clock Canadian time, I woke up and checked my phone. I saw a message from my younger brother with a link. The headline read: ‘Governor Makinde approves Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade as Alaafin-elect’. I thought it was a prank,” he recalled.

 

On his agenda for Oyo and Yorubaland, the new Alaafin emphasised youth empowerment, peace, unity, and cultural preservation.

 

“The people need jobs, they need security and peace of mind. Of immediate concern is the need to get our teeming youths gainfully employed and take them off the streets,” he said. He added that plans are underway to provide vocational training in crafts, trades, and cybersecurity for both the less-privileged and graduates.

 

Oba Owoade also revealed plans to set up a community health centre that will offer free medical services to the people of Oyo, especially the underprivileged, widows and widowers. “I have shipped in some hospital equipment and I think the whole of Oyo is aware of this,” he said.

 

As part of efforts to honour individuals who have contributed to Oyo’s development, the monarch said some streets will be named after notable personalities, both living and departed.

 

The senator representing Edo South, Neda Imasuen, has said that the Supreme Court’s judgment sacking Labour Party National Chairman, Julius Abure, is a welcomed one.

 

Speaking to journalists in Benin on Saturday night, Imasuen, an LP Senator, described what has been happening in the Labour Party after the 2023 general election as unfortunate, noting that the party became a personal item for Abure.

 

He said Abure has been dragging the party in and out of court, and now that the Supreme Court has finally sacked him, the party will now be at peace.

 

He said, “Sincerely, I welcome the Supreme Court judgement that sacked Barrister Julius Abure as the national chairman of the Labour Party.

 

“A lot has gone on in the Labour Party after the 2023 general election, and it is very unfortunate. So, Abure, who was the chairman at the time, in my opinion, really didn’t have the party at heart because it had become a personal thing.

 

“It became something that didn’t really matter to them, and it was like, let’s fight and tear the party into pieces instead of preserving it. That sort of thing was not what I expected from someone who led the party at a time. And so he has been dragging the party in and out of court, and now that the Supreme Court has finally sealed it, so be it. It’s a welcome development.

“But the question for me and for all of us now is, where do we go from here? Someone spoke with me on the matter, and I said, I just hope that it’s not a little too late of what has just come up because the Labour Party is almost decimated. Most of the members have gone. Will this judgement bring them back? I don’t know. Will it energise those who are there now? Again, I don’t know. So, when it’s time, we’ll talk.”

 

On whether he would defect to the All Progressives Congress or stay in LP to seek re-election, he said, “Why do you say APC? It’s a good question, but whatever decision or direction I take, you’ll be the first one.”

 

The Supreme Court had on Friday removed Julius Abure as the National Chairman of the Labour Party.

 

In a unanimous judgment, a five-member panel of the Supreme Court set aside the decision of the Court of Appeal in Abuja, which had recognised Abure as the party’s national chairman.

 

The apex court, in its decision, held that the appellate court lacked the jurisdiction to make such a declaration, given that the substance of the case concerned the internal leadership of the party.

 

The court emphasised that matters relating to party leadership are internal affairs, over which the judiciary has no jurisdiction.

 

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project has urged President Bola Tinubu to reject the recently approved $1.08 billion loan from the World Bank.

 

It said the President should instead direct the Attorney General, Lateef Fagbemi, and anti-corruption agencies to investigate allegations that over N233bn of public funds are missing, diverted, or unaccounted for by various government agencies, including the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc.

 

In a statement released on Sunday, SERAP argued that anyone responsible should face prosecution if there is enough evidence and that any recovered funds should be returned to the public treasury.

 

“Anyone suspected to be responsible should face prosecution as appropriate, if there is sufficient admissible evidence, and any missing public funds should be fully recovered and remitted to the treasury,” SERAP said.

 

The group also proposed using the recovered N233bn to address the 2025 budget deficit and reduce Nigeria’s debt crisis.

 

“The recovered N233 billion should be used to fund the deficit in the 2025 budget and to ease Nigeria’s crippling debt crisis,” SERAP stated.

 

The World Bank loan was approved last week to help improve education, nutrition, and resilience for underserved groups in Nigeria.

 

However, SERAP expressed concerns that borrowing more money is not in the public interest, given the country’s debt burden and the missing funds.

 

In another letter signed by SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said, “The World Bank loan is neither necessary nor in the public interest, especially given the country’s crippling debt burden, and staggering amount of missing public funds from MDAs that your government has failed to probe or recover.”

 

The organisation highlighted reports from the Auditor-General’s office, showing that NBET paid over N96bn for services not performed, failed to account for over N111 billion, and did not recover more than N2bn in outstanding debts.

Other agencies, like the Nigerian Security Printing and Minting Company, the National Pension Commission, and the Federal Road Safety Corps, also faced allegations of financial mismanagement.

 

The letter, read in part, “SERAP is seriously concerned that the Federal Government and Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory continue to face a debt crisis, and vicious debt cycles or in debt distress or at high risk of debt distress.

 

“According to the UN Independent Expert on foreign debt and human rights, Nigeria faces debt service relative to tax revenues that exceed 20 per cent, with escalating social tensions linked to poverty and inequality.

 

“The damning revelations about the missing N233 billion are documented in the 2021 audited report published on Wednesday 13 November 2024 by the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation.

“The allegations suggest a grave violation of the public trust, the Nigerian Constitution 1999 (as amended), the country’s anticorruption legislation and international anticorruption obligations.

 

“There is a legitimate public interest in ensuring justice and accountability for these grave allegations.

 

“We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within 7 days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall consider appropriate legal actions to compel your government to comply with our request in the public interest.”

 

SERAP emphasised that the Nigerian government should prioritise investigating and recovering these missing funds before seeking further loans.

 

The group stressed that investigating and prosecuting those responsible for the missing funds would improve public trust in the government’s anti-corruption efforts.