President Bola Tinubu on Friday departed Abuja for Ibadan, Oyo State, to attend the coronation of the new Olubadan, Rashidi Ladoja.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the presidential jet took off from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
In Ibadan, Tinubu will join other dignitaries for the official installation ceremony at the historic Mapo Hall.
His presence and other dignitaries underscore the national importance of the occasion, as Ibadan celebrates the continuity of its revered monarchical institution.
Ladoja, a former Oyo state governor and senator, was selected as the 44th Olubadan, following the passing of Oba Owolabi Olakulehin on July 7.
Excitement is already sweeping across Ibadan as the city witnesses Ladoja’s ascension to the revered throne.
Ladoja, 81, is a respected businessman and political figure who rose through the traditional Olubadan chieftaincy ranks to become Olubadan.
The Olubadan of Ibadanland is the paramount traditional ruler of Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, and one of the largest cities in West Africa. The Olubadan throne holds deep cultural, historical, and political significance among the Yoruba people.
Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on Friday hosted dignitaries from across the country as Oba Rashidi Ladoja was formally crowned the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland at Mapo Hall.
The coronation ceremony drew the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III; a former Kano State Governor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso; a former Osun State Governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola; a former Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi; and a former Cross River State Governor, Donald Duke.
Earlier, the Afobaje of Ibadanland, Chief Waheed Popoola, performed the traditional rites by placing Akoko leaves on Oba Ladoja’s head at the Labosinde Compound, Oja’ba, before the monarch proceeded in a grand procession to Mapo Hall for the official ceremony.
The new Olubadan’s entourage included political allies such as Senator Sharafadeen Abiodun (Ibadan South) and former Oyo State governor candidate, Teslim Folarin.
Also in attendance were Senator Yunus Akintunde (Oyo Central), Senator Abdulfatai Buhari (Oyo North), and Olamijuwonlo Alao-Akala, who represents Ogbomoso North in the House of Representatives, alongside other federal and state lawmakers.
President Bola Tinubu and Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, are expected to join the ceremony for the official presentation of the staff of office to the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.
President Bola Tinubu has said terrorists despise Nigeria because it chooses tolerance over tyranny, adding that its bitter experience has shown that violence never ends where it begins.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented President Bola Tinubu at the ongoing 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Wednesday, delivered the national statement on behalf of the country.
Speaking on global security challenges, Shettima said terrorist groups across regions sought to poison humanity with hate and division.
“We are despised by terrorists because we choose tolerance over tyranny.
“Their ambition is to divide us and to poison our humanity with a toxic rhetoric of hate,” Shettima said.
He explained that Nigeria’s stand against violence was not only because of international law but also due to its own experience with insurgency.
“Our difference is the distance between shadow and light, between despair and hope, between the ruin of anarchy and the promise of order.
“We do not only fight wars, we feed and shelter the innocent victims of war,” the statement read in part.
On the Israel-Palestine crisis, the federal government reiterated its support for a two-state solution as the most dignified path to peace.
“We say without stuttering and without doubt, that a two-state solution remains the most dignified path to lasting peace for the people of Palestine.
“The people of Palestine are not collateral damage in a civilisation searching for order.
“They are human beings, equal in worth, entitled to the same freedoms and dignities that the rest of us take for granted,” Shettima declared.
Turning to domestic reforms, the Vice President stressed that peace required tough economic choices.
“The price of peace is eternal vigilance. We in Nigeria are already familiar with such difficult choices: infrastructure renewal or defence platforms? Schools or tanks?
growth and prosperity,” he said.
According to him, FG has taken necessary steps to restructure the economy and remove distortions such as subsidies and currency controls that had favoured a few at the expense of the majority.
The Vice President added that the inaugural West Africa Economic Summit, held earlier this year in Abuja, had exceeded expectations and shown what innovation could deliver.
Tinubu’s statement further urged the United Nations to re-examine the best use of scarce resources, especially in tackling climate change, which he described as a security issue with direct implications for migration and stability.
PUNCH Online had reported that Shettima is in New York to represent President Bola Tinubu at the session, which runs until September 28.
He is scheduled to deliver Nigeria’s national statement, unveil the country’s new Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Agreement, and take part in side events, bilateral meetings, and roundtables.
This year’s 80th session began on September 9, while the high-level General Debate, the main platform for heads of state and government to address the Assembly, started on September 23 and will feature more than 150 leaders.
Princes from three royal families on Iwo, Osun State have appealed to the state government and the Osun Traditional Council to regulate use of social media platforms by monarchs in the state.
The princes, who decried incessant fighting among traditional rulers in Yorubaland on social media, demanded an end to the menace before it causes more disunity within the race.
They disclosed this while reacting to the supremacy battle between Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi, and the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji, over who occupies the fourth position in the hierarchy of monarchs in the state at a press conference held in Iwo.
Addressing journalists in Iwo on Wednesday, the spokesperson for the royal families, Prince Adedoja Osunwo, said the feud between the two monarchs could have been averted if necessary internal mechanisms were in place for conflict resolution among traditional rulers.
Osunwo noted that the use of social media by the two traditional rulers to defend their position was not necessary since a gazette existed that states the status of various stools.
Speaking in the Yoruba language, Osunwo said, “We want to urge the state government, the state traditional council and other relevant stakeholders in the state to put necessary machinery in motion to regulate social media conduct of our traditional rulers.
“Our mission here today is not to condemn or find fault with any of the royal fathers on the ongoing verbal attack between the Oluwo of Iwo and the Ataoja of Osogbo. The records are there. It has been gazetted for quite a long time that Oluwo of Iwo, when it comes to traditional rulers ranking in Osun State, occupies number four.
“The verbal attack we are witnessing today between the two monarchs is unnecessary if necessary internal mechanisms have been put in place for conflict resolution. If what is going on on social media regarding Oluwo and Ataoja is not curtailed, it will have a bad effect on the unity of the Yorubas. Yoruba unity is of greater importance, particularly at this time when a Yoruba is at the helm of affairs.”
He added, “The manner in which some of our traditional rulers go on social media is not something that should be welcomed. The outburst we have been hearing through social media is not something that we should be happy about.
“The idea of using social media for defence by the two royal fathers in this dispute is unnecessary. We want to appreciate the role played so far by the Governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke, in his attempt to douse the tension. We also commend the Iwo Board of Trustees for their effort and urged them to find a truce. The need for an internal mechanism for conflict resolution should be embraced by the Osun State traditional council under the leadership of Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi.”
Commenting further, he blamed the disagreement on distortion of historical facts, adding that Oluwo’s throne emanated from Ile-Ife and Oluwo was never a lesser chief.
“We want to place it on record that the throne of Oluwo emanated from Ile-Ife, and there is no contention about that. It has never been in history that Oluwo was ever a community chief ‘Baale’ and has such recognition, due to the throne of Oluwo, which should be given to whoever is occupying that throne.
“The ongoing issue was occasioned by the distortion of historical facts through logical thinking, which we believe should be discouraged. Relying on folktales to justify the position being taken by any traditional ruler on issues should be discarded,” Osunwo added.
The PUNCH reports that Ataoja, during a recent lecture at Osun State University to mark his 15th coronation anniversary, revisited the long-standing controversy over the who occupies the 4th position between him and Oluwo.
He insisted that his stool historically occupies the fourth position in the Council—a status he alleged was wrongly ceded to the Oluwo during the reign of his predecessor, Oba Iyiola Oyewale.
Oba Oyetunji narrated how the confusion began, stressing that he was not fighting any monarch but merely asserting the historical rights of his stool.
But Oluwo fired back through his Chief Press Secretary, Alli Ibraheem, accusing Oba Oyetunji of attempting to distort history.
He urged Ataoja to seek accurate historical knowledge from respected elders of Osogbo rather than distort the hierarchy of Yoruba traditional stools.
Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, has congratulated the 44th new Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Abdul-Rasheed Adewolu Ladoja, on his formal ascension to the throne of Olubadan of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, in a ceremony slated for Friday.
In a statement released by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, and made available to newsmen on Wednesday, Obasanjo, in Yoruba royalty salutation, prays “Ade a pe lori, bata a pe lese”, even as he observed that the formal coronation ceremony was only a formality.
The former President, who, according to the statement, is presently in New York for the 80th United Nations (UN) General Assembly session, however, advised the new monarch to separate tradition and politics, noting that the new position requires humility and tolerance among others.
Obasanjo, in the congratulatory statement, said, “I take this opportunity to congratulate you in advance of a formal announcement. Ade a pe lori, bata a pe lese.
“It is an exalted and responsible position to be the traditional ruler of all Ibadan people. It requires humility, patience, divine wisdom, tolerance, and advice from wide and varied quarters to succeed.
“Traditional rulership does not compete or conflict with political rulership. I wish you all the best and the grace, guide, and direction of Almighty God.”
PUNCH Online had, on September 23, 2025, reported that the organising committee, inaugurated by the Oyo State Government to oversee the coronation of the former Governor of the state as new Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, announced the closing of some routes leading to the ancient Mapo Hall.
A statement issued by the committee stated that the affected routes include Beere Junction inward Mapo Hall; Born Photo Junction inwards Oja’ba; Idi-Arere Junction inwards Oja’ba, and Itamerin Junction inwards Mapo Hall shall be shut by 7:00 am on Friday.
According to the statement, the security committee, which is under the General Committee, chaired by the former Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes President, Bayo Oyero, informed that traffic diversions on the routes were occasioned by the coming of President Bola Tinubu, who promised to attend the coronation ceremony of the new Olubadan.
Nigerian Afrobeats superstar, David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has spoiled his wife, Chioma, with a brand-new 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon.
The luxury SUV, which recently hit the market, is priced at over $150,000 (₦240 million) depending on specifications. Known for its cutting-edge design and electric model options, the 2025 edition marks a major upgrade from earlier versions.
Davido, in a video posted on his Instagram Story on Wednesday, was seen hyping the moment as he picked up the vehicle, explaining how he traded in a previous model and added more funds to secure the latest release.
“First of all, we had to take the one I got, then obviously add more money to get the new one.”
He fawned over the moment and emphasised his motivation, declaring, “Only the best for my lady,” he said with excitement.
When he eventually presented the G-Wagon to Chioma, she was visibly excited, while Davido cheered her on, declaring, “We do 2025!”
Davido and Chioma Adeleke’s wedding was a grand and highly publicised series of ceremonies, culminating in a lavish white wedding held in Miami on August 10, 2025.
The Miami event was the final of three weddings, following a court marriage in March 2023 and a traditional wedding in Lagos in June 2024.
This star-studded white wedding reportedly cost about $3.7 million and was attended by notable personalities, including business moguls, political figures, and top entertainers from Nigeria and beyond.
Nigerian singer and songwriter, Tiwatope Savage, popularly known as Tiwa Savage, has revealed that her 2021 leaked sex tape was circulated as part of a bet, describing the experience as one of the most painful moments of her life. The Afrobeats star also disclosed that she has remained celibate for the past three years.
The revelation was made during an interview with The Breakfast Club, released on Tuesday, where she spoke candidly about how the scandal affected her personal life, career, and mental health.
Savage said she initially coped with humour and by channelling the pain into her songs, but admitted the episode cut deeper. “
When I talked about the sex tape … that’s how I was able to kind of like, try and get through it. But in hindsight, did I really deal with it? I don’t think so. I was hurt… I was a victim,” she said.
She revealed that while her boyfriend at the time claimed the tape was leaked accidentally, she later learned it had been circulated as part of a bet.
“He said he was trying to save it, and then he pressed send by accident… I later on found out that it was a bet with his friends,” she said.
The singer added that many assumed she staged the leak for attention.
“They thought I did it for PR. A lot of people thought, ‘oh, she’s not relevant anymore, and she’s doing this.’ And I’m like, guys, trust me, if I wanted to do that, I would have had better lighting,” she said.
Attempts to pursue the case also failed because of the emotional toll.
“We tried, actually. But yeah, we couldn’t. And me trying was just, it was just too traumatic for me to keep talking about it. I just wanted to move on from it,” she explained.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed that two recent suspected cases of viral hemorrhagic fever in Abuja have tested negative for both Ebola Virus Disease and Marburg Virus.
The NCDC, in a public health advisory issued on Friday and signed by its Director General, Dr Jide Idris, noted that further tests are ongoing for other hemorrhagic fevers, including Lassa fever and dengue fever.
The advisory comes amid public concern and speculation following reports of suspected viral hemorrhagic fever cases in Abuja.
Ebola virus disease, formerly known as Ebola Hemorrhagic Fever, is a severe, often deadly disease caused by the Ebola virus, with a fatality rate of 25–90 per cent.
The NCDC said people become infected with Ebola either through contact with infected live or dead animals (usually following butchering, cooking, or eating) or through contact with the body fluids of infected humans.
Most cases are caused by human-to-human transmission, which occurs when blood, bodily fluids, or secretions (stool, urine, semen) of infected people enter a person’s body through broken skin or mucous membranes.
Ebola symptoms vary, but commonly experienced symptoms include the sudden onset of fever, intense weakness, muscle pain, headache, and sore throat, especially at the beginning of the disease.
“The NCDC wishes to inform the public that two recent suspected cases of viral hemorrhagic fever in Abuja both tested negative for Ebola and Marburg viruses. We are currently testing samples for other viral hemorrhagic fevers like Lassa fever and dengue fever,” the advisory partly read.
The most recent case involved a traveller who, after returning to Nigeria from Kigali, responsibly presented himself immediately to a hospital in Abuja when he felt unwell.
“His decision to report early, combined with the vigilance of the attending clinician and hospital team, ensured that our public health system was promptly activated and that the risk to the public was minimised.
“This responsible action is highly commendable and a good practice all Nigerians are urged to emulate; when you feel unwell, especially after travel, seek care early. Doing so protects you, your family, and your community.
“We deeply commend the clinicians and staff at the Nisa Premier Hospital, Abuja, whose high index of suspicion and immediate reporting triggered a rapid, coordinated response. We also recognise the FCT Epidemiology and Rapid Response Teams, the Port Health Services, the National Reference Laboratory, airline and immigration partners, and other stakeholders whose swift collaboration with NCDC demonstrates the strength of Nigeria’s preparedness system. Together, their actions exemplify how vigilance and teamwork prevent potential public-health emergencies,” the agency stated.
The agency assured Nigerians that it has activated anticipatory measures nationwide following recent Ebola outbreaks in other countries.
It said the measures include heightened surveillance at ports of entry, alerting isolation facilities, and prepositioning infection-prevention supplies.
“We are currently collating and analysing all the relevant data and information to improve our response. As part of its mandate to safeguard the health of the nation, the NCDC has already conducted a Dynamic Risk Assessment following recent reports of Ebola viral disease in other countries, and anticipatory measures are being implemented nationwide.
“We have activated multidisciplinary collaboration with federal and state health authorities, strengthened surveillance at points of entry, placed isolation/treatment facilities on alert, and prepositioned critical infection-prevention and related case management supplies.
“The NCDC national reference laboratories remain on standby to provide rapid testing, and public-health teams are ready to conduct contact tracing if needed. Beyond these immediate steps, NCDC is also working with states and partners to strengthen readiness across all 36 states and the FCT.
“This includes upgrading isolation facilities, reinforcing IPC training for healthcare workers, conducting simulation exercises, and ensuring a clear pathway for access to medical countermeasures such as vaccines and therapeutics if ever required,” it added.
It urged states to strengthen surveillance and keep isolation centres ready, while healthcare workers, especially in private hospitals, must stay vigilant, follow strict infection-prevention measures, and promptly report unusual cases through official channels.
Nigerians were also advised to practice good hygiene, avoid risky animal contact, seek care immediately if symptoms arise after travel, and rely only on official updates from NCDC.
It said suspected cases can be reported through the NCDC’s 24/7 Connect Centre via toll-free number 6232, WhatsApp at +234 708 711 0839, SMS at +234 809 955 5577, or email at info@ncdc.gov.ng
According to the World Health Organisation, 48 confirmed and probable Ebola cases have been reported, and 31 people have died in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
A former Big Brother Naija housemate Victoria Adeyele, popularly known as Vee, has sparked a major online discussion after revealing her personal dating philosophy.
In a video shared on her TikTok page on Tuesday, the 29-year-old stated that it is her “mission in life to avoid the wrong man getting me pregnant”.
Vee, who had a romantic relationship with fellow housemate Neo Akpofure on the 2020 BBNaija show before they ended things in February 2022, explained that her cautious approach to dating is a form of self-preservation.
“It is my own personal mission. It may not be your own mission, but it’s my mission,” she said.
She was quick to clarify her stance, adding, “It’s not to say that I’m better than the women who have been in that position. It’s simple, I know myself. I know what I’m like, and I try to avoid certain situations that will put me in a state of psychosis.”
She described dating in Lagos as being particularly difficult, referencing a past negative experience.
“I’m a 29-year-old living in Lagos and… dating is hard, but dating in Lagos, there’s a tweet Offset made that haunts me to this day. I don’t want to put myself in a position where a man can tell me such.”
Vee candidly admitted that her strong resolve might be a barrier to finding love, but it’s a trade-off she’s willing to make.
“I am passionate about not getting f#cked over. And maybe that’s what stops me from finding unapologetic love. I’m stubborn. Yes, I’m hard-headed, but I’m not stupid,” she said.
She also emphasised the importance of making careful choices, even when it comes to choosing a partner.
“I need to make sure that when it comes to choosing a life partner, I try my best to get it right. People say experience is the best teacher. Not in my world… I don’t need to experience something to know that it’s not going to work for me,” she said.
In the now-viral moment, Vee concluded by stating she has a limited number of chances left for dating.
“I just turned 29… I have two more tries left in me sha. Just two. You see these two fingers? Two. Let it pass that two. The way these men are doing.”
