The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has commended President Bola Tinubu’s newly proposed forest guard security structure.
Ogunwusi gave the commendation when he paid a courtesy visit to the President at his Ikoyi residence in Lagos on Sunday.
While speaking with journalists after the visit, the Ooni expressed optimism about the Tinubu administration’s efforts to improve security.
He hailed the President’s push for grassroots security reinforcement amid ongoing national challenges.
He said the proposal on restructuring of the Forest Guard system is a critical step toward lasting peace and investor confidence.
“We’re very happy with the Forest Guard structure and the new platform to bring in more police force to continue to comb the entire forest, both in the north and in the south.
“Once security is addressed, there will be a solid platform for investment to flow into Nigeria,” he said.
The Ooni also said he visited the President to appreciate the great things he was doing for the country.
“I went to Kazakhstan and came back with feedback. The good things he’s doing are opening Nigeria up to so many nations that now want to work with us,” he said.
Ogunwusi highlighted how Nigeria’s international standing is improving under Tinubu’s leadership, especially in terms of foreign investment and macroeconomic policy stability.
“In history, there is no arbitrage again. You bring dollars to Nigeria to do business, and you take it out, no dual exchange between the central bank and the parallel market.
“The world is watching us as a nation, and we don’t need to leave everything to the government,” he said.
The traditional ruler also emphasised the evolving and increasingly important role of traditional rulers toward nation-building.
“Traditional rulers should lead by example, work in tandem with the government, and give hope to our youth. This is another testimony of hope for Nigerian youths,” he said.
The Minister of Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hanatu Musawa, on Sunday said that President Bola Tinubu is committed to making Nigeria the greatest black nation on earth with the export of the country’s rich cultural heritage to the outside world.
Musawa equally said that the Federal Government is ready to collaborate with the state government to develop its tourism sector to boost job creation, economic expansion, and accelerate national prosperity.
The minister stated this while speaking at this year’s Ojude Oba festival held at the Awujale pavilion, Ijebu Ode.
The annual cultural celebration, which is held three days after the celebration of Eid-el-Kabir, provides an opportunity for the people of Ijebu land, who usually dress in various beautiful attires to pay homage to the Awujale and paramount ruler of Ijebu land, Oba Sikiru Adetona.
Musawa said, “President Bola Tinubu is strongly committed to making us the greatest black nation on earth, to making us one of the strongest economies. One of the ways he wants to do it is for us to leverage and tap into the opportunities that abound in the cultural and creative landscape.
“Recently, President Bola Tinubu announced a collaboration between the federal and subnational governments whereby we will do a collaboration and partnership so that… we will also work with the private sector to tap into the unique peculiarities of every single state.
She hailed the people of Ijebu land for putting together such a beautiful cultural festival, lauding the Awujale, Oba Adetona, for doing so much to preserve the cultural heritage even for the generation yet unborn.
The minister noted that Ojude Oba is a huge economic expansion, applauding the collaboration between the FG and Ogun State.
She said, “We can increase our visibility, we can bring job creation by looking at what the culture and tradition have to offer. This culture is your ideal, it’s your tradition, it’s who we are as a people, and we are extremely proud.
“This is a beautiful culture. This is a culture that we must continue to export and use as a form of economic expansion.
“For me, as a Nigerian, I’m proud to be part of this community. I feel honoured to be here and I am looking forward to enacting that important vision that President Bola Tinubu has by tapping into the rich resource of Ogun State.”
Also speaking, Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, said that Ojude Oba has grown beyond just a festival but a living heritage, a catalyst for economic growth, and a platform that helps to promote national unity despite the country’s diversity.
Abiodun said, ‘Ojude Oba is more than a festival; it is a living heritage, it connects us to our roots, and offers direction for a rapidly changing world. In an era marked by social fragmentation, this festival stands as a flagship symbol of communal harmony where religion, tradition, and modernity coexist beautifully under a shared identity.
“From the beautiful parade of the Regberegbe to the majestic display of the horse riders, Ojude Oba festival is a vibrant display of our beautiful culture, our pride, values, and our continuity.
The governor stated that his government will continue to promote the cultural heritage not only for the benefit of the Ijebu people but for the enrichment of humanity at large.
He added that festivals like Ojude Oba are crucial to his administration’s vision to develop the tourism sector to create more economic opportunities and attract global visibility.
The governor said that the global festival, as a veritable platform to promote national cohesion, has equally become a dynamic engine of tourism, youth empowerment, and entrepreneurship, and therefore, his government will leave no stone unturned to ensure that the growth and development of the festival is not hindered.
Meanwhile, the Director of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability, Rite Foods, Mr Ekuma Eze, said that the food company and one of the sponsors of this year’s celebration fed over 21000 of the guests and tourists who came to savour the rich cultural celebration.
Ekuma said that the magnanimity of the company stems from its commitment to helping in preserving the rich cultural heritage of the Nigerian people while also fulfilling its core mandate of giving back to the people.
He said, “We are passionate about enhancing the socio-economic well-being of our communities and preservation of the beautiful culture of our dear nation.
“So our sponsorship and support for the Ojude Oba festival comes from all of these, and by my record, we have fed over 21000 with our various brands of drinks and sausage. So, we are here to thrill the Ijebu people and all who have come from all over the world to be part of this celebration of global ranking.”
The highly revered 91-year-old monarch, who was conspicuously absent at this year’s celebration, was, however, represented by his wife, Olori Kemi Adetona.
The absence of the traditional ruler, according to an impeccable source who preferred to remain anonymous, was due to old age.
Dignitaries at this year’s celebration included the governor of Ondo State, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, represented by his deputy, Dr Olayide Adelami; Former governor of Ogun State and Senator representing Ogun East, Gbenga Daniel; Senator representing Ogun Central, Shuaib Salisu; and the deputy governor, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele.,
Others were the wife of the state governor, Mrs Bamidele Abiodun, former governor of the state, Chief Olusegun Osoba, the Asiwaju of Ijebu land and Chairman of Rite Foods, Alhaji Sulaiman Adegunwa, Ogbeni Oja of Ijebu land, Dr Sunny Kuku, Speaker of the state assembly, Daisi Elemide, among others.
The Ondo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party has accused the state governor, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, of deliberately abandoning all the uncompleted projects left by his immediate predecessor, late Rotimi Akeredolu.
The PDP accused the governor in a statement issued by its Director of Media and Publicity, Mr Leye Igbabo, on Sunday.
According to the statement, the opposition party said it had a strong conviction that the governor was attempting to destroy all of Akeredolu’s legacies in the state.
However, the state Director of Media and Publicity of the All Progressives Congress, Mr Steve Otaloro, in a statement, reacted that the allegation was untrue, stating that Aiyedatiwa was making efforts to complete the projects.
He described the PDP as an attention seeker.
The PDP in its statement said, “We are worried about the unwillingness and inability of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to complete all the ongoing projects left behind by his benefactor and predecessor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.
“The available facts showed that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa was not ready to go on with the projects because of his clear intention to destroy his predecessor’s legacy on the altar of political vendetta, against the late governor and his camp who allegedly did all within their power to strive to deny him ascension to the office of the governor when the late governor was clearly incapacitated by ill-health and even after the ultimate death of the immediate past governor.
“Aiyedatiwa was said to have boasted of his powers as the executive governor to stop any projects that do not catch his fancy, and that those who had benefited from the projects by way of monetary or material rewards should also go ahead to look for means of financing the said projects to completion.
“Our party has sufficient reasons to suspect very strongly that these allegations of an attempt to abandon and destroy his predecessor’s legacy could be very true. We have to come to this conclusion because one has to know why a governor who has huge resources at his disposal would be going back and forth to simply complete projects left behind by his predecessor when the government is regarded as a continuum.”
On the other hand, the APC media director, who denied the allegation of the PDP, said, “It is apparent that the PDP is resorting to a desperate attempt to regain relevance by fabricating claims that lack any basis in fact. “Since the victorious governorship election won by our party, the PDP has emerged as a vocal antagonist, seemingly more interested in creating discord than offering constructive criticism.”
He further stated, “While we typically refrain from engaging in the blame games of opposition parties, it has become necessary to clarify the truth for the public, who deserve to be informed about the PDP’s misleading narratives.
We would like to emphasise that all projects initiated under the previous administration of Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu are receiving the attention they deserve. Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa views the past administration as an extension of his own, as he served as deputy governor during that time.
It is, therefore, nonsensical for the PDP to suggest that Governor Aiyedatiwa would undermine the legacy he helped build by neglecting ongoing projects.
“In fact, Governor Aiyedatiwa has recently commissioned several road projects and infrastructure developments, including the Oda Road ( in Akure) and its extensions, which were foundationally laid by the late Governor Akeredolu. These actions reflect our commitment to continuity and progress, rather than the abandonment of vital projects.
“It is ironic that the PDP, a party that sought to overturn the people’s mandate granted to Governor Aiyedatiwa during the November 16, 2024, governorship election but dismissed at the tribunal, now resorts to a campaign of disinformation. Their attempts to discredit the governor through baseless propaganda are not only misguided but also reflect their internal struggles and declining relevance.”
The APC advised the opposition party leaders to focus on addressing the challenges within their party, “which has seen significant defections, including that of sitting governors, rather than concocting lies to mislead the public. It is time for them to engage in meaningful dialogue and contribute positively to the development of Ondo State.”
President Bola Tinubu would on June 12 confer national honours on selected legislators in commemoration of Democracy Day.
This is contained in a statement by the House Spokesman, Akin Rotimi Jr., in Abuja on Sunday.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the leadership and members of the House of Representatives will participate in a Special Joint Sitting of the National Assembly on Thursday, June 12.
The President who is expected to be the special guest of honour will address the joint sitting of the legislators.
“The programme will also feature goodwill messages from former presiding officers of the National Assembly and the conferment of national honours on select legislators by Mr President,” Rotimi said.
The House spokesman said that the theme for this year’s celebration is “26 Years of Democracy: Renewing Our Commitment to National Development.”
Rotimi explained that the joint sitting represents a significant moment in Nigeria’s democratic journey.
He said that it underscores the pivotal role of the National Assembly in safeguarding democratic values, fostering accountability, and advancing national development over the past 26 years of uninterrupted civil rule.
Rotimi urged Nigerians to embrace the spirit of Democracy Day as a time for reflection, renewed patriotism, and commitment to building a more inclusive, prosperous, and united nation.
Ukraine said on Sunday that a planned exchange of captured soldiers would start “next week”, after both sides accused each other of trying to thwart and delay the swap.
“The start of repatriation activities based on the results of the negotiations in Istanbul is scheduled for next week,” the head of Ukraine’s defence intelligence Kyrylo Budanov said on social media.
Ukraine and Russia on June 2 agreed to a fresh exchange of POWs. They also agreed to take back the bodies of killed soldiers.
The Peoples Democratic Party is set to overhaul its South-South zonal and state structures in a sweeping move aimed at flushing out disloyal members and forestalling further defections.
A member of the PDP’s National Working Committee, who spoke to Sunday PUNCH on condition of anonymity, said the planned restructuring was part of renewed efforts to reposition the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to the source, the party is “clearly displeased” with the spate of defections in recent weeks and is ready to take firm action.
“This will not be business as usual. When the Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, and former governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, left, the NWC met and resolved to challenge their defection in court. That process is ongoing. As for Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, who defected on Saturday, the party will act after the Sallah break,” the source said.
“These defections damage the party’s internal structure because most of these leaders have their loyalists occupying key positions at state and zonal levels. The party must now clean the house. We will overhaul the South-South leadership to ensure only committed members remain in charge. No more space for political opportunists who will jump ship at the slightest discomfort.”
The PDP has faced internal turbulence since the 2023 general elections.
With no clear resolution in sight, the party has continued to lose high-profile members to the ruling All Progressives Congress.
On April 23, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, his predecessor, Ifeanyi Okowa, and other key party leaders dumped the party.
After months of behind-the-scenes talks with APC leaders, Governor Eno and several officials also formally defected last weekend.
The wave of defections has dealt a major blow to the party’s image and weakened its electoral base ahead of the 2027 polls.
Reacting to Eno’s defection, the PDP Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, urged disloyal members planning to jump ship to do so quickly, so loyalists could focus on rebuilding the party.
“No political party, whether big or small, will be happy to lose assets, especially priced assets like a sitting governor from a critical state such as Akwa Ibom. So yes, the PDP received the news with mixed feelings,” Osadolor said.
“But at this stage in our national life, what Nigeria needs are sincere patriots committed to nation-building, not political merchants chasing personal gains. It is sad that the men we once looked up to as beacons of integrity have turned out to be nothing but overhyped figures, big men in oversized shoes and garments who cannot meet the basic standards of integrity.”
Osadolor criticised Eno, a cleric, for prioritising political survival over public welfare.
“The truth is, given his background, many had hoped his worldview on governance would be shaped by compassion, service, and truth. But it appears the welfare of Nigerians is not his concern. His focus, clearly, is securing a second term,” he said.
The PDP deputy national youth leader, however, expressed optimism that the defections would make it easier for Nigerians to reject the APC in 2027.
“In an interview earlier this year, I said those looking for transport fare to leave should hurry up. And if they need help, they can come to Wadata Plaza, we’ll be glad to escort them out. Let them go quickly so the party can heal and rebuild.
“It’s better they leave now than linger as saboteurs. Those of us who truly believe in this party are ready to reposition it. All hope is not lost.”
President Bola Tinubu will address a joint session of the Senate and the House of Representatives on Thursday, June 12, at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja.
Democracy Day is observed in Nigeria on June 12 in honour of the June 12,1993 presidential election seen by many as the most credible poll ever conducted in the history of post independent Nigeria.
The election was won by the late Moshood Abiola but was annulled by the military regime of Gen Ibrahim Babangida (retd).
In a statement issued on Sunday by the House of Representatives Spokesman, Akin Rotimi, noted that the event was formally conveyed to members via an internal memorandum issued by the House Clerk, Yahaya Danzaria.
“The Special joint sitting is scheduled to hold at the House of Representatives Chamber, National Assembly Complex, commencing at 11:00 AM, with preliminary proceedings ahead of the arrival of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, at 12:00 noon.
“The theme for this year’s celebration is: ’26 years of democracy: Renewing our commitment to national development.” President Tinubu is expected to attend the occasion as Special Guest of Honour and will deliver a presidential address to the joint sitting,” the statement read in part.
It also noted that the programme will feature goodwill messages from former presiding officers of the National Assembly and the conferment of National Honours on select legislators by the President.
It further stated that,”This joint sitting represents a significant moment in Nigeria’s democratic journey.
“It underscores the pivotal role of the National Assembly in safeguarding democratic values, fostering accountability, and advancing national development over the past 26 years of uninterrupted civil rule.”
The House of Representatives in the statement urges all Nigerians to embrace the spirit of Democracy Day as a time for “reflection, renewed patriotism, and commitment to building a more inclusive, prosperous, and united nation.”
Some members of the All Progressives Congress in Yaba Local Council Development Area of Lagos State have kicked against the alleged imposition of a chairmanship candidate for the upcoming July 12 local government elections.
They accused a member of the Governor’s Advisory Council, Senator Anthony Adefuye, of imposing his son, Bayo Adefuye, on them as the flagbearer of the APC in the LCDA.
In separate petitions addressed to President Bola Tinubu and the Chairman of GAC, Tajudeen Olusi, the aggrieved members lamented what they called an “undemocratic” and “unacceptable” attempt to sideline grassroots aspirants.
The petitions were signed by Domingo Babajide from Ward A, Kemi Aboyarin (Ward B), Adediran Olorunnimbe (Ward C), Taoreed Abiona (Ward D), and Alani Ifatokun (Ward E).
They claimed that Adefuye hailed from Somolu LCDA and had no prior political affiliation with Yaba LCDA until his brief appointment as Sole Administrator, which lasted less than a year.
The aggrieved APC members insisted that there was no primary election in the LCDA, just as no consensus meeting was held among all aspirants.
This, according to them, directly contradicts both the letter and spirit of APC’s internal democratic principles.
“The attitude of Senator Adefuye to impose his son on us in Yaba at all costs is not only worrisome but also amounts to selfishness. While we have more than 12 aspirants jostling for the seat of Yaba LCDA, Senator Adefuye suddenly encouraged his son to come and indicate his interest to contest the seat.
“We embrace APC, we love our President, but we will not accept Adebayo Adefuye in this local government (Yaba LCDA),” the petitioners said.
They appealed to Tinubu and the GAC chairman to intervene in the matter before it degenerates into a crisis that might cost the party victory in the election.
Reacting, Adefuye dismissed the allegations, describing the petitioners as “losers” with no political relevance.
In an interview with Sunday PUNCH, Adefuye insisted that his son hailed from Yaba LCDA and had been politically active in the area, saying, “This is not the first time he (Bayo) will be contesting in that local government area, and the leaders in Yaba are all behind him.
“I don’t want to be involved in the issue. Anybody is free to write a petition; they have written petitions in nearly all the local government areas. Until will go back to doing it the way it should be done, there won’t be petitions again, but as long as we continue to do it this way, there will always be petitions.
“What we did was to try and choose the best candidate by whatever method, without fighting. They said if we conduct a primary election, there will be a fight, but that fight will only last for a day because everybody will know who won.
“All these people writing petitions, can they win in that local government, can they defeat him (Bayo)? He defeated them during the House of Assembly primaries, but it was Asiwaju (Tinubu) who appealed to him to forgo the ticket, and he was compensated with the position he is today.”
Former military Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (retd.), has said the Biafra civil war was never his choice.
Gowon was presiding over the affairs of Nigeria during the civil war from July 6, 1967 to January 15, 1970.
He described the civil war as the most difficult period of his life.
The former ruler spoke after he was honoured with a Life Time Integrity and Achievement Award at the fifth convention of the Christian Men’s Fellowship, Abuja Anglican Diocese on Saturday in Abuja.
He also disclosed that his decision to prosecute the Biafra civil war was never born out of hatred.
Gowon explained that he prosecuted the civil war due to the urgency to preserve national unity.
The former Nigerian ruler called for forgiveness, reconciliation and unity across faiths and ethnicities.
He said, “I always remember the civil war. It was the most difficult period of my life.
“It was not my choice, but I had to be there, and had to do what I did in order to keep this country together.
“It was never a hatred against any people, I can assure you.”
Reflecting on life after that period, the former Head of State stressed that his decisions had often been guided by prayers and a desire to act with integrity and compassion.
“As far as this heart is concerned, everything that I do, it is through prayers.
“I ask God to help me to do the right thing the way He thinks it should be done, with love and respect for all the people.
“That is why at the end, what do we have to say? As they say: no victor, no vanquished,” he added
The Kano State Government has expressed sympathy to traders affected by the fire that gutted parts of the Farm Centre GSM Market on Sallah day, pledging its commitment to support them in recovering their losses.
The state Deputy Governor, Aminu Gwarzo, said this in a a statement issued by his spokesperson, Ibrahim Shuaibu, on Saturday.
He described the incident as devastating, not only to the affected traders but also to the wider economic fabric of the state.
The inferno, which occurred at Dan Sulaika Plaza—one of the busiest sections of the market—destroyed several shops and merchandise worth millions of naira, affecting traders who deal in mobile phones, accessories, and computer gadgets.
“This is a deeply saddening event.
“Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf is extremely concerned, and we stand in solidarity with those who have lost their means of livelihood.
“The state government is committed and shall explore ways to support the victims to mitigate their loss,” the deputy governor said.
Gwarzo noted that the incident struck at the heart of Kano’s commercial life, particularly as it happened during the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations when business activities typically peak.
He assured the victims that the government would not abandon them in their time of need.
“The government will provide the necessary support to ensure our traders bounce back.
“We share in their pain and understand the critical role this market plays in the economy of Kano State,” he added.
He further disclosed that the Yusuf-led administration is working on sustainable strategies to prevent similar disasters in the future, particularly in markets across the state.
“The government is actively reviewing fire safety measures, building standards, and emergency preparedness protocols to enhance resilience in our commercial centres.
“We will continue to engage stakeholders to ensure a safer trading environment,” Gwarzo said.
He also urged market unions, traders’ associations, and other stakeholders to partner with the government in implementing safety guidelines and enhancing awareness on fire prevention.
The Farm Centre GSM Market, situated in Tarauni Local Government Area, is a major hub for technology and communication gadgets in Kano, serving buyers from within and outside the state.
