The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, has passed away.
Olakulehin died at the age of 90.
The PUNCH Online learnt that the monarch died in the early hours of Monday.
Olakulehin died during the ongoing 90th birthday and first anniversary coronation celebrations.
He succeeded the late Oba Lekan Balogun.
A source close to the Olubadan-In-Council confided in our correspondent in Ibadan, the state capital, that “we received the message that the paramount ruler passed away this morning. He has joined his forefathers. Though it has to be officially announced by the state government.”
Another palace source, who confirmed the news, said the Otun Olubadan, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, who is the next in line to become Olubadan, is currently out of the country and he is expected back.
“We are expecting a former Governor of the State and the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, who is currently out of the country, to come back home.
A former Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika (retd.), has called for the introduction of mandatory military training for all Nigerians, beginning with the National Youth Service Corps.
This, he said, is a way of promoting national unity, discipline, and resilience in the face of growing security and social challenges.
Ihejirika made the call on Friday night at the 50th anniversary of the Nigerian Defence Academy Regular Course 18 Alumni Association in Abuja.
He reflected on his early days in military service and the camaraderie built over the years with fellow officers.
The former Army chief said the discipline and patriotism instilled in them during training were instrumental in shaping their careers and national contributions.
“Given the current situation of things in our country, I believe it’s time we start thinking about mandatory military training for our citizens.
“We can start with the National Youth Service. This will help us build a generation of Nigerians who understand sacrifice, responsibility, and patriotism,” he said.
Ihejirika praised the government’s decision to restore the old national anthem, saying it reinforces the spirit of unity.
He emphasised that the line “Though tribe and tongue may differ, in brotherhood we stand” perfectly captures the essence of national service and shared identity.
He also expressed concern over how the national anthem is now reduced to mere fanfare at official events.
“It should be a daily reminder of our oath of allegiance. It must return to schools, communities, and national ceremonies,” he said.
Drawing from his own life experience, Ihejirika recounted his humble beginnings from his village in Abia and how military discipline transformed him.
He credited the support of colleagues and mentors for his successful career, which culminated in his appointment as Nigeria’s 22nd Chief of Army Staff.
Beyond his advocacy, the retired general also commended the current leadership of the Nigerian Armed Forces, describing them as highly experienced and well-trained.
“Many of the officers leading today served in Liberia, Sierra Leone, and other conflict zones.
They have earned their stars through real battle experience and are doing remarkably well,” he added.
He urged Nigerian leaders at all levels to prioritise peace and stability, reminding them that no office or position is sustainable in the absence of national unity.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the dinner had in attendance the Minister of State for Defence, Chief of Defence Staff and representatives of service chiefs amongst other dignitaries.
The Federal Government has negotiated the cost of the Iddo Bridge rehabilitation from an initial N27bn to N17bn.
The Minister of Works, Sen. Dave Umahi, made this known to journalists during an inspection of the bridge on Friday in Lagos.
He said, “Julius Berger quoted, I think, N27 billion or thereabout, but after much negotiation and discussion, we now arrived at N17 billion.”
Umahi commended Julius Berger Nig. Plc. for demonstrating a sense of cooperation under its new leadership.
He described the company as a “born-again Berger”, attributing the breakthrough in negotiation to the understanding and openness of its new managing director.
The minister reiterated the government’s commitment to prudent spending, insisting that all contractors must align with the ministry’s standards and directives.
Umahi noted that the project had been reviewed from mere rehabilitation of the burnt section to a major work.
He expressed concern over the poor condition of the bridge, blaming it on years of neglect and human abuse, including illegal occupation and collisions by heavy-duty trucks.
He said that three spans of the bridge were severely damaged by fire, which he attributed to activities of illegal occupants who had built makeshift homes under the bridge.
“They brought in chemicals, built block walls and set up homes. Then, they set up fire that burnt the bridge and damaged three spans. Now we are going to fix the bridge completely,” Umahi said.
The minister said the Iddo Bridge, now with a headroom of about 4.5 metres, had suffered significant structural damage due to continuous hits from trucks and illegal structures beneath it.
He announced that the ministry would be creating a headroom of at least 5.6 metres.
He said that the Federal Ministry of Works was committed to restoring the bridge for the safety of all Nigerians and ensuring such incidents would not occur again.
On the issue of displaced persons, the minister said that no one would be allowed to return under the bridge.
“Nobody will stay under Iddo Bridge again as long as I remain the Minister of Works.
“The lives of the people are more important,” he said.
He warned that the government would no longer tolerate any abuse of national infrastructure.
It’s often in our greatest moments of pain that God reveals our deepest purpose. For me, it all began on July 7, 1998, in a small apartment in Arlington, Texas, when I received the heartbreaking news of the death of Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (M.K.O.) Abiola—a man I admired and desired to be like.
That moment shook my faith to its foundation and set me on a spiritual journey I never expected.
—
From Devotion to Disillusionment
Before that day, I was a committed Muslim. I had grown up in Yoruba traditional and Islamic practices and was active in the Muslim Students Society at Obafemi Awolowo University, serving on its Jihad Committee from 1983 to 1988.
M.K.O. Abiola was a beacon of hope to many Nigerians. His death in detention felt like the death of a dream.
> “I was devastated and lost hope in the power of love and solidarity in Islam. I said to myself, ‘I will never pray as a Muslim again unless I can receive clarity on this tragic end of a man I desired to be like.’”
I couldn’t understand how fellow Muslims—friends and allies of M.K.O.—could allow him to die alone. That disillusionment opened my heart to seek a deeper, truer encounter with God.
—
A Radical Encounter with Christ
On December 2, 1998, while en route to Lagos after three years in America, I surrendered my life to Jesus.
> “I gave myself only six months to try Jesus—just six months to see if He really had the power and love attributed to Him. Now, 27 years later, I am still walking in that power and love.”
Encouraged by my then-fiancée (now wife), I joined The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) in February 1999. I immersed myself in the Word, served passionately, and was appointed head of the Men’s Fellowship and later the Prayer Department.
I took inspiration from 1 John 3:8, which says:
> “For this purpose, the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.”
I knew in my spirit—I was called to do the same.
—
A Burden for the Homeless in America
Back in America, I was shocked by what I saw: extreme poverty and homelessness in one of the world’s richest nations.
> “I saw people living in America as poor as those living on the train lines of Agege and Oshodi in Lagos. It was beyond what my mind could handle.”
This spiritual burden drove me to act.
—
Ministry Begins on the Streets
On December 25, 2003—my 41st birthday—my family and a few friends gathered on a street corner in Dallas, Texas to hold a service for the homeless. That day, 18 people gave their lives to Jesus.
> “That moment confirmed it: this wasn’t just an outreach—it was a calling.”
We began weekly Tuesday outreach at the Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center. Four weeks later, a Nigerian chicken franchise owner offered to supply fried chicken for free. He has done so faithfully for over 21 years.
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A Funeral Home Becomes a Church
As our ministry grew, we felt led to start a Sunday service. But where could we meet?
One Tuesday, a visiting minister, Mrs. Cynthia Chase, made a suggestion:
> “Why not try a funeral home? They’re usually available on Sundays.”
That divine idea led us to Eternal Rest Funeral Home, where we held our first Sunday service on May 30, 2004.
By August 1, 2004, we moved into a rented space at 1705 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, which became our permanent church building in 2014.
> “We have watched God transform what was once labeled a ghetto into an extension of Downtown Dallas.”
—
From Exodus to Empowerment
This journey has been more than just a ministry. It’s a calling to serve the poor, homeless, and rejected—those society has forgotten.
My story, and the lessons God has taught me through this mission, are captured in my new book:
Moses, David, Jesus: Pastors to the Poor, Homeless, and the Needy
> “Just as God sent Moses to deliver Israel, and David to lead the distressed, and Jesus to set captives free—He sent me to serve the homeless and needy in America.”
It is my hope that this story inspires people in positions of privilege to start asking:
> “What can I do to make a difference in my community?”
Because true ministry begins not on the platform—but in the streets.
Segun Oluwayomi: Pioneering AlujoHymn Fusion, the New Sound of African Worshi
Award-winning gospel saxophonist Segun Oluwayomi is the creative force behind AlujoHymn Fusion—a powerful new genre where the pulse of African rhythms meets the sacred soul of Christian hymns. A native of Ilorin, Nigeria, and an alumnus of Obafemi Awolowo University, Oluwayomi has turned his saxophone into a prophetic tool for worship and healing.
His musical journey spans over two decades, three landmark albums (Arugbo Ojo Series I–III), and multiple international tours across Europe, the UK, the U.S., and East Africa. His recent singles—Bethlehem, Prophetic Declaration on Nigeria, and Praise of the Prophets II—continue to reinforce his position as a spiritual voice in African jazz and Christian music.
Oluwayomi’s ministry is deeply rooted in Colossians 3:16, calling people into deeper worship. Whether through live concerts, social media, or broadcast ministry, testimonies of divine encounters and miraculous healings have followed his music.
Described as “the face of traditional Christian music,” Segun Oluwayomi is a cultural bridge between heritage and holiness, carrying the sound of heaven with Africa’s heartbeat.
House of Adron Lights Up Ojude Oba Festival in Grand Style, Pays Homage to the Awujale of Ijebuland
Adron Homes and Properties Limited, Nigeria’s leading real estate powerhouse, once again demonstrated its deep-rooted commitment to cultural heritage and community celebration by attending the 2025 edition of the iconic Ojude Oba Festival in spectacular fashion, proudly under the banner of the “House of Adron.”
The House of Adron made a resplendent entrance into the Ojude Oba parade ground, capturing hearts and attention with its vibrant cultural regalia, energetic performances, and a regal display of unity, tradition, and luxury. In keeping with the brand’s identity of class and excellence, Adron Homes didn’t just attend the festival, it redefined presence.
Adding a spark of celebrity glamour, Nollywood icons and cultural ambassadors Lateef Adedimeji and Femi Branch joined the House of Adron in paying homage to the revered Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona. Their presence electrified the crowd and brought star power to an already thrilling procession.
The 2025 Ojude Oba Festival was a cultural spectacle that drew top dignitaries, including the Executive Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun CON, MFR, Her Excellency the First Lady, the Deputy Governor, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyelade, the Deputy Governor of Ondo state, His Excellency, Olayide Adelami, representing the Governor, the Minister of Arts, Culture and Tourism, Barr. Hannatu Musa Musawa, revered Yoruba monarchs, and a host of other national and international figures. Amidst colourful attires, horse-riding families, rhythmic drumming, and ancestral pride, the House of Adron stood out as a symbol of innovation meeting tradition.
But beyond its dazzling presence at the festival, Adron Homes is also a proud stakeholder in the land of Ijebu Ode, with some of its prominent, world-class estates strategically located within the city and across its neighbouring environs. These include Chicago Parks and Gardens, Sugarland Estate, Winter Park and Gardens, and Imperial Park and Gardens, all thoughtfully designed to combine modern infrastructure with the cultural essence of their host communities. These estates not only provide affordable luxury but also serve as models of organized living and sustainable development in the region.
Speaking at the festival, the Chairman/CEO of Adron Group, Aare Adetola Emmanuelking, KOF, who dazzled with class and elegance, emphasized the brand’s commitment to preserving Nigerian culture while creating modern, affordable luxury for all.
“Ojude Oba is a movement of identity, pride, and unity. Adron Homes is proud to be part of this movement, championing culture while building dreams,” he stated.
Adron Homes’ participation further cements its reputation not only as a developer of vibrant communities but also as a proud patron of Nigeria’s rich traditions. Through its dynamic presence at Ojude Oba, and its real estate footprint in Ijebu Ode, Adron once again proved that it is a brand deeply woven into the cultural and social fabric of Nigeria.
As the drums fade and the colours settle, the legacy of the House of Adron at Ojude Oba 2025 will remain etched in the minds of attendees, a magnificent reminder that when culture calls, Adron answers in grand style.
Residents of the Munga Dosso community in Karim- Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba have appealed to the state government to ensure strict enforcement of its anti-open grazing law to address herders and farmers’ clashes in the state.
The Youth Leader of the community, Robert Bukar, disclosed this on Monday, while briefing newsmen in Jalingo.
The News Agency of Nigeria recalls that the Munga Dosso community has come under attack recently when scores were killed, and property worth millions of naira was destroyed by suspected herders.
Bukar noted that the bill was signed into law by the former Gov. Darius Ishaku in 2018.
He said that the enforcement of the law would address the lingering farmers/herders conflict.
He also decried the absence of the government’s representatives in the crisis-affected community.
The youth leader also said that the community was left to its faith at the time, when 12 residents of the community, who were given a mass burial, were killed by suspected herders
“Notably, no government representatives from federal, state, or local levels visited the community after this incident.
“We have a senator, a house of representatives member, a state assembly member, yet none deemed it necessary to visit us and to listen to our lamentations.
“As a peace-loving community, we always report all incidents and seek assistance from security agencies.
However, we were disappointed by the lack of government representation at the mass burial, where officials failed to commiserate with our people.
” It is true that the state government sent relief materials to the victims but relief materials are not our problem. We expected their solidarity at the time.
“The aftermath of such violence has tragically resulted in not only fatalities but also a significant number of injuries and displacements.
“It has led to a humanitarian crisis that requires urgent attention. Families are left to mourn their loved ones, while survivors grapple with trauma and insecurity.
“Access to essential resources has become increasingly challenging, complicating efforts for community stability.
“Moreover, in all these, our people are often arrested and from the police station to prison but none of the perpetrators are brought to justice.
“It is only in the recent crisis that the herders were arrested with assault rifles by the police in Karim-Lamido but were released the next day,” Bukar said.
The youth leader also appealed to government to increase security deployment to allow farmers to safely return to their farms.
He also requested Taraba government to ensure that the recently constituted administrative committee of enquiry carry out a thorough investigation to apprehend and punish the perpetrators of the recent attacks.
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 Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, adorned in beautiful cultural attire and headgear, has stepped out for the popular Ojude Oba festival in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State.
In a video shared by an X (formerly Twitter) user, #Theresa Tekenah, on Sunday, the minister, in the company of two other women, marched elegantly side by side.
PUNCH ONLINE reports that the popular Ojude Oba festival is held annually on the third day after Eid-al-Adha.
The festival is a revered celebration in honour of the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona.
The roots of the festival can be traced back to the 19th century when Islam began spreading among the Ijebu people.
The festival is a vibrant showcase of Ijebu culture and Yoruba traditions where thousands gather to witness the elegantly dressed attendees in traditional outfits such as Agbada, Iro, and Buba, made from exquisite fabrics like Aso Oke, Sanyan, and Adire.
Horse riding, musical performances, cultural dances, and intermittent gun salutes are all part of the festivities, reflecting the community’s pride in its heritage.
The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, adorned in beautiful cultural attire and headgear, has… pic.twitter.com/2SEpXjjYuN
The Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, Professor Abdullahi Usman, has urged Nigerian pilgrims to pray for the nation and seek divine guidance for leaders to deliver good governance.
Usman gave the advice during his visit to Nigerian pilgrims from North-West states’ tents in Mina, Saudi Arabia, on Saturday.
According to him, Allah’s divine guidance is essential for effective governance and national progress.
The NAHCON chairman urged Nigerians to borrow a leaf from Saudi Arabia, where clerics consistently pray for their leaders.
He said that such spiritual support played a role in the country’s development.
“The success of our leaders is tied to our nation’s success. We must pray for them, and if you wish them good or bad, it befalls the nation,” he said.
Usman said that the visit was aimed at assessing the welfare of pilgrims, gathering firsthand feedback, and making necessary interventions.
He also urged pilgrims to be good ambassadors of Nigeria by obeying the host country’s laws, adding that they should always be with their identification cards.
He commended the 2025 Hajj operations, attributing the success to collaboration among stakeholders.
Meanwhile, the Amirul Hajj of Katsina State and Deputy Governor, Faruk Lawal, praised NAHCON’s efforts.
Lawal, however, called for a unified visa process to reduce the delay and improve efficiency.
The NAHCON Commissioner for Operations, Inspectorate, and Licensing, Anofiu Elegushi, advised pilgrims to avoid excess luggage.
Elegushi said that each pilgrim would receive five litres of Zamzam water, adding that they had no need to carry it with their luggage.
Speaking on the recent fire incident in a pilgrims’ hotel in Makkah, he confirmed that no casualties were recorded and all affected pilgrims had been relocated to new accommodations.
The Lagos State Commissioner for Home Affairs, Olanrewaju Layode, pledged continued collaboration with NAHCON and encouraged pilgrims to maintain tolerance and unity during and after the pilgrimage.
