Oriontimes

  Lagos / Ogun States , 1st January 2026 – British heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua has been discharged from Lagoon Hospital, Ikoyi, Lagos , following the tragic road accident on 29th December 2025 that claimed the lives of two of his close associates, Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami . Though deeply saddened and heavy-hearted over the loss of his friends, Joshua was declared clinically fit and is now recuperating at home. He and his mother visited the funeral home in Lagos earlier today to pay their final respects before the repatriation of the deceased, scheduled for later this evening. The governments of Lagos and Ogun States extended condolences to the families of the victims and expressed appreciation for public support during this difficult time. In a joint statement, Lagos Commissioner for Information and Strategy Gbenga Omotoso and Ogun State Special Adviser on Information and Strategy Kayode Akinmade also thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his guidance...

 Public and Media Communication Unit, For: Honourable Dr. Busayo Oluwole Oke The Member representing Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency of Osun State in the National Assembly and Chairman, House Committee on Foreign Affairs , Honourable Dr. Busayo Oluwole Oke, has extended warm felicitations and heartfelt goodwill to his constituents, Nigerians at home and in the diaspora, party faithful, associates, and friends on the occasion of the New Year 2026 . In his New Year message, Honourable Oke described the beginning of a new year as a moment for gratitude, reflection, renewal of hope, and recommitment to shared national values. He noted that despite the challenges faced by individuals, communities, and the nation at large, Nigerians have continued to demonstrate resilience, faith, and an unbreakable spirit. “I congratulate my dear constituents in Obokun and Oriade , our party faithful in the All Progressives Congress , my associates, supporters, and indeed all Nigerians on the gi...

  Obokun Oriade federal constituency | January 1, 2026 The Chairman, House Committee on Foreign Affairs and Honourable Representative of Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency , Hon. Oluwole Oke , has extended warm New Year felicitations to His Excellency, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola , Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy and Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State , on the occasion of the New Year 2026. Hon. Oke described the New Year as a season of renewed hope, reflection, and recommitment to service, noting that it offers an opportunity for leaders to deepen their dedication to national development and party cohesion. He commended Alhaji Oyetola for his steadfast and visionary leadership at both the national and party levels. According to the lawmaker, the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy under Alhaji Oyetola’s leadership has continued to record notable progress in maritime development, economic diversification, and the sustainable management of Niger...

  By Abioye Tosin Lawrence Reporting from the Streets Where Hope Lives On the quiet eve of a new year, when many prepared to count down to midnight, compassion was already awake. Across communities in Osun State , hope arrived not with fireworks, but with food packs, warm smiles, and dignity carefully wrapped in service. The Youth Reformers Initiative , in partnership with Aminat Ajibola’s Relief Foundation , concluded the last batch of its 2025 Food Bank outreach , reaching vulnerable residents in Awo , Egbedore Local Government Area , Aato in Ejigbo Local Government , and surrounding communities. It was a closing chapter written with empathy, one that many recipients say they will never forget. “This Is the First Gift of My Life” For Sunday Okoto, a resident of Awo in Egbedore LGA who hails from Benue State , the moment carried a weight beyond food. “This is how it is supposed to be,” he said softly, clutching his relief package. “Supplying old people with relief items? this is ...

  Former Osun State Commissioner for Works, Remi Omowaiye , has declared that the All Progressives Congress (APC) is confident of reclaiming power in the state, insisting that even the party’s “worst aspirant” would defeat Governor Ademola Adeleke in the next governorship election. Omowaiye made the statement while speaking at the Progressives e-group End of the Year Dinner and Political Discourse , an event he said he was instructed to attend by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy . Speaking passionately to party faithful, Omowaiye rallied support around the APC’s emerging governorship movement, anchored on the slogan “ AMBO ”, coined from the name of the party’s gubernatorial candidate. According to him, the slogan represents a rescue mission for Osun State, promising a decisive departure from what he described as systemic failures under the current administration. Omowaiye accused the present government of presiding over what he termed the “ destruction of the state’s jud...

 Oriontimes Sports Desk | December 30, 2025 Arsenal will be without midfielder Declan Rice in their Premier League clash against Aston Villa after the England international sustained a knee injury . The Gunners are hopeful that the injury will not sideline Rice for an extended period, but he will miss today’s high-profile fixture at the Emirates Stadium . The 26-year-old has been a key figure in Arsenal’s midfield since joining the club, providing stability and creativity in the center of the park. His absence is a significant blow to manager Mikel Arteta , who now faces the challenge of adjusting his lineup and midfield strategy against a tough Villa side. Despite the setback, Rice is expected to attend the match to support his teammates, showing his commitment to the squad even when unable to play. Arsenal fans will be eagerly watching how the team adapts without one of their pivotal players, as they aim to continue their strong Premier League form.

  The Ondo State Security Network Agency , codenamed Amotekun , has arrested 39 suspected terrorists who reportedly fled Sokoto State following the Christmas Day airstrikes carried out by the United States military in Nigeria’s North-West region . According to security sources, the suspects were intercepted at different locations across Ondo State while attempting to blend into local communities and evade security surveillance. Preliminary investigations revealed that the individuals allegedly escaped Sokoto after intensified military operations targeting terrorist hideouts in the area. Amotekun operatives, acting on intelligence reports, tracked the movement of the suspects and carried out coordinated arrests without resistance. Items suspected to be linked to criminal and terrorist activities were reportedly recovered from some of the apprehended individuals. The Ondo State Government commended the vigilance and swift response of the Amotekun corps, describing the operation as...

  The Ogun State Government has expressed deep condolences to the families, friends, and associates of the victims of a tragic road accident involving world heavyweight boxing champion, Anthony Joshua , who narrowly escaped death on Monday. The fatal crash occurred along the busy Lagos–Ibadan Expressway , within the Makun axis of Ogun State , and sadly claimed the lives of two individuals. Anthony Joshua was reportedly travelling from Lagos to Sagamu alongside three other occupants at the time of the incident. Preliminary findings reveal that the deceased were two male foreign nationals who died instantly at the scene. Their remains have since been deposited at the Livewell Morgue in Sagamu. Anthony Joshua and the driver of the vehicle were promptly rescued by security personnel attached to his convoy and rushed to a nearby hospital, where they are currently receiving medical attention. According to reports, the sport utility vehicle conveying the occupants rammed into a station...

  Renowned British-Nigerian heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua was reportedly involved in a road traffic accident on Monday in Makun, Ogun State . According to early reports, the accident resulted in the death of two individuals, while details surrounding the cause of the crash and Anthony Joshua’s condition remain unconfirmed as of the time of filing this report. The incident is said to have occurred along a major route in Makun, drawing the attention of residents and road users in the area. Emergency responders were reportedly present at the scene, while authorities are expected to commence investigations to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash. As of press time, no official statement has been released by Anthony Joshua’s management team, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), or Ogun State authorities . Anthony Joshua, a global boxing icon of Yoruba descent , has long been celebrated both internationally and in Nigeria for his achievements in the sport and his cultura...

  Power is not always loud. Sometimes it sits quietly, holding both the key and the padlock, watching who knocks with wisdom and who crashes the gate with anger. There are leaders who have been where many aspiring leaders hope to reach. They understand the system because they designed it, survived it, or mastered it. To confront such figures with raw emotion rather than strategy often produces applause, not results.  In politics and global power relations , noise may trend, but influence is built in silence, calculation, and timing. Restraint, often mistaken for fear, has historically been the difference between voices that fade and voices that echo. The Discipline of Historical Struggles History is unkind to activists who fought everything . It is generous only to those who chose wisely. The most celebrated heroes did not wake up daily searching for new enemies. They identified a central injustice , committed to it relentlessly, and allowed focus to give their struggle direct...

  Cristiano Ronaldo has once again etched his name into football history, clinching the Best Middle East Player award for the second consecutive year at the 2025 Globe Soccer Awards . The Portuguese superstar’s latest honour further underlines his enduring influence and dominance in the Middle Eastern football scene since joining Al-Nassr , where his performances continue to elevate the profile of the Saudi Pro League on the global stage. Ronaldo’s consistency, leadership, and goal-scoring prowess throughout the year were key factors behind the recognition. Despite being in the latter stages of his career, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner has remained a decisive figure, delivering match-winning performances and serving as a global ambassador for football in the region. The Globe Soccer Awards, renowned for celebrating excellence across global football, acknowledged Ronaldo not just for his on-field contributions, but also for his impact in attracting international attention, co...

 Wole-Oke Constituency Office | December 28, 2025 December,2025 Response to Accord Party’s 28th December 2025 Press Statement , Reiterating Constitutional Order, Political Legitimacy, and Respect for Democratic Institutions It has become necessary to respond to the press statement issued by Pastor Victor Babalola Akande , Chairman of the Osun State Accord Party , whose recent outburst was heavy on vituperation but painfully light on facts, law, and reason. First, Pastor Akande must be reminded that calling is no excuse for recklessness in public discourse. Political engagement, like pastoral leadership, demands discipline, restraint, and responsibility. Unfortunately, his statement reflected none of these virtues. Hon. Wole Oke is an astute and seasoned politician, repeatedly elected by the people of Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency as a sitting Member of the House of Representatives through transparent democratic processes. Be tutored that political relevance is measured by m...

  The Osun State Chapter of the Accord Party has rejected in strong terms a graphic and statement attributed to Hon. Wole Oke , calling on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister Accord as a political party in Nigeria . In a statement signed by the Osun State Chairman of the party, Pastor Victor Babalola Akande , Accord described the call as misleading, unfounded, and politically motivated. The party alleged that the move is aimed at creating confusion ahead of the August 8, 2026 Osun State governorship election , particularly to frustrate the anticipated participation of Governor Ademola Adeleke on the platform of Accord. Accord maintained that any attempt to pressure INEC into deregistering the party would amount to an illegal action, stressing that the powers of the electoral body are clearly defined by the Constitution and the Electoral Act . The party further stated that Accord remains a fully registered and law-abiding political party that has c...

  Ignorantia non excusat (Ignorance is no excuse) In Nigeria ’s evolving democracy , the growing hostility on political platforms, especially towards elected officials raises a deeper question beyond free speech : what kind of political culture are we building, and at what cost? For many in the younger generation , political ideology has increasingly been shaped by quick rewards, instant visibility , and cash-and-carry expectations. Politics is seen less as a long-term institution-building process and more as a transactional exercise. When these expectations fail to materialize, frustration naturally sets in.  Many brilliant young Nigerians feel used after playing chess with elders who have mastered the game long before them. The older political class operates within an unwritten but rigid framework: a code of mutual respect, internal solidarity, and negotiated agreements that ensure power does not slip easily from their grip. They celebrate one another, protect shared i...

  By Oriontimes Correspondent The body of a missing doctor, Dr. Cletus Iwuagwu , has been found in a pond in the state of Ohio , United States, on Christmas Day, bringing a tragic end to weeks of uncertainty surrounding his disappearance. Dr. Iwuagwu, aged 71, was first reported missing on November 25, sparking concern among family members, colleagues, and members of the community who had been searching for answers regarding his whereabouts. According to the Ohio Coroner’s Office , an autopsy has confirmed that Dr. Iwuagwu’s cause of death was drowning . Authorities, however, stated that the manner of death remains under investigation, indicating that further inquiries are ongoing to determine the circumstances that led to the incident. Law enforcement officials have not released additional details at this time, and no foul play has been officially confirmed or ruled out. The death of Dr. Iwuagwu has cast a pall over both the local medical community and members of the Nigerian dia...

  By Oriontimes Fact Check Desk A seasoned lawmaker representing Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency , Hon. Wole Oke , has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the Accord Party , citing the party’s alleged failure to produce elected officials into any public office across Nigeria. Hon. Oke argued that political parties that consistently fail to win elections should not continue to operate within the country’s democratic space, describing such platforms as existing largely on paper without measurable electoral relevance. Electoral Act 2022 : Oriontimes Fact Check Following the lawmaker’s remarks, Oriontimes conducted a fact check of the Electoral Act 2022 to ascertain whether the call for deregistration is supported by the current electoral law. Findings show that the Electoral Act 2022 contains no specific provision empowering INEC to deregister a political party solely on the basis that it has no elected officials. The Act focuses primarily o...

  By Abioye Tosin Lawrence   From Osun to Abuja , the air is thick with anger. A generation speaks loudly-often online, questioning power, denouncing leaders, and demanding accountability. Criticism has become currency. Yet leadership, unlike outrage, demands structure, patience, and sacrifice. It is easy for many Nigerians to condemn those in authority. But when responsibility is placed in the hands of some critics-tested with real tasks at the grassroots, a sobering truth often reveals itself: urgency fades, commitment weakens, and execution suffers. This generation needs no pity; it needs discipline. Leadership is not sympathy, it is service. In Osun State, as the next gubernatorial election approaches, silence echoes louder than slogans. The youth presence that once stirred political creativity appears diminished. There was a time when young Nigerians floated credible governorship candidates under new political platforms, bold attempts to challenge the old order. Today, t...

  Over 1,500 flights were cancelled across the United States as Winter Storm Devin swept through major regions, disrupting holiday travel and leaving thousands of passengers stranded during one of the busiest travel periods of the year. The powerful storm brought heavy snowfall, icy conditions, and strong winds to large parts of the Midwest and Northeast , forcing airlines to ground flights as safety concerns mounted. Major airports in cities including Chicago , Denver , New York , and Boston recorded significant delays and cancellations as crews struggled to clear runways and manage deteriorating weather conditions. According to flight-tracking data , hundreds of additional flights were delayed, compounding frustrations for travellers attempting to reunite with family and friends for the holidays. Airlines advised passengers to monitor flight updates closely and offered rebooking options where possible. Meteorologists warned that Winter Storm Devin could continue to impact trav...

  United States President Donald J. Trump has claimed that the U.S. military carried out a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS fighters operating in Northwest Nigeria , accusing the group of targeting and brutally killing Christians in the region. In a statement released on Christmas night, Trump said the operation was carried out at his direct instruction as Commander-in-Chief , describing the targets as ISIS terrorists responsible for what he called large-scale violence against Christian communities . “Tonight, at my direction as Commander in Chief, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS Terrorist Scum in Northwest Nigeria, who have been targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians,” Trump said. Trump alleged that the attacks on Christians had reached levels “not seen for many years, and even centuries,” adding that he had previously warned the group to halt the violence or face severe consequences. According to the statement...