The football world has been thrown into mourning following the tragic death of former Arsenal goalkeeper Alex Manninger, who reportedly died at the age of 48 after his car was struck by a train. According to multiple international media reports, the incident occurred at a railway crossing in Austria, where Manninger’s vehicle was hit in a devastating collision. Emergency responders arrived swiftly at the scene, but efforts to revive him proved unsuccessful. Manninger, a former Austrian international, enjoyed a distinguished career across Europe, featuring for top clubs including Arsenal and Juventus. He was part of the Arsenal squad under Arsène Wenger during the late 1990s, contributing to the club’s domestic successes and earning admiration for his composure and professionalism. Tributes have begun pouring in from across the football community, with former teammates, clubs, and fans expressing shock and grief over the sudden loss. Wenger, who managed Manninger during his time in Nort...
As tensions peak in Osun Accord chapter, National Treasurer Hon. Abdul-Azeez Oyeniyi leads reconciliation talks between warring factions, pledging unity ahead of 2026 elections.
In a bold move to restore peace and unity within the Osun State chapter of the Accord Party, national leaders have waded into the ongoing crisis rocking the party. Leading the intervention is Honourable High Chief Abdul-Azeez Oyeniyi Salahudeen, the National Treasurer of Accord, who described the crisis as a “family matter” that is already in the process of resolution.
“There is no political party in Nigeria that doesn’t face internal cohesion issues,” he stated. “But what we are witnessing in Osun is a family misunderstanding, and we are committed to resolving it amicably.”
He confirmed that the reconciliation process has already begun, with the first faction being heard, and plans underway to invite the second group for a balanced mediation. He stressed the importance of listening to both sides before a concrete resolution can be reached.
“We’re still on the process,” he noted. “We’ve heard from the first group, and we’ll be inviting the second group soon. Once we hear both sides, we will bring them together, mediate, and work toward unity. Until we complete that, I cannot say vividly that the issue is fully resolved.”
On the future of Accord in Osun, Hon. Abdul-Azeez was optimistic. He reaffirmed the party’s strength in the state and declared that Accord is preparing to take over the government house in the forthcoming election.
“Osun is one of the states where Accord is very strong. As an indigene of the state, even though I serve at the national level, I want our party faithful to come out en masse during the next election,” he urged.
Accompanied by a delegation of stakeholders from Abuja, Hon. Abdul-Azeez led a high-powered intervention team to Osun to mediate the crisis. One of the party’s vibrant voices, the State Youth Leader, Mr. Tiolulope Babalola, was called upon to speak but respectfully deferred to the state leadership.
The reconciliation meeting also featured key voices from the aggrieved faction. Alhaja Olanrewaju Rukayat (Iya Afin), former State Women Leader; Mr. Oladapo Joseph; Alhaji Nasiru Bolarinwa, former Secretary; Mr. Adedayo Daniel Oluwole, former Public Relations Officer; and Hon. Yakub Olayinka Akintayo, former Organizing Secretary—all aired their grievances. The group tendered documents detailing their opposition to former State Chairman Pastor Victor Akande, who they accused of issuing suspensions without due process—a move reportedly frowned upon by other state chairmen.
Their concerns center on what they described as unconstitutional actions and unilateral decisions that led to the internal division. The documents presented, point to deep-rooted issues that the national leadership is now addressing.
Despite the tension, the swift intervention from the national body, barely a week after the crisis escalated, has rekindled hope for unity within the party. Hon. Abdul-Azeez and his delegation expressed firm resolve to deploy all necessary strategies to heal the rift and reposition the party for electoral victory.
“We will reconcile our family,” he affirmed. “We’re committed to making Accord stronger in Osun than ever before.”
With the reconciliation process gaining traction, party observers are hopeful that Accord in Osun will emerge more united and formidable ahead of the 2026 general elections.
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