Oriontimes

  The attention of the leadership of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Lagos State Chapter, has been drawn to a misleading and malicious publication currently circulating online under the title: “A Call For An Immediate Vote of No Confidence on the Failed Leadership of NDC Lagos.” Ordinarily, the party would not dignify baseless propaganda and politically motivated attacks with a response. However, in the interest of our members, aspirants, supporters, and the general public, it has become necessary to set the record straight and correct the false narratives deliberately being spread to create confusion and disunity within the party. First, we categorically reject the false allegations of extortion, exploitation, and coercion against the leadership of NDC Lagos State. At no point were aspirants forced or compelled to make any unofficial payments. The only approved payments made by aspirants were the officially recognized screening fees as directed and approved by the National ...

  President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Saturday was declared the winner of the presidential election primary of the Nigeria's ruling party - the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Osun State.  President Tinubu scored 100,888 votes to defeat his co-contender, Mr. Stanley Osayamen Osifor who polled zero vote in the just concluded primary election held in the state.  President Tinubu who is seeking re-election under the platform of the ruling party - APC is justling for the party ticket in a contest with his opponent - Stanley Osayamen Osifor, as all registered members of the party across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory in Nigeria were at the poll to elect the party flag-bearer for the 2027 presidential election.  Declaring the collated results of the primary, held in Osun State, in Osogbo on Saturday, the Returning Officer for Osun State Presidential Primary Election, His Excellency, Adegboyega Oyetola, declared that all the accredited members of the party wh...

  Residents of Oye Ekiti were thrown into fear and confusion following reports of heavy gunfire allegedly linked to suspected bandits around the environment of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti on Saturday evening. According to information gathered, multiple gunshots were reportedly heard within the area, forcing residents and students into panic as uncertainty surrounded the situation. A source familiar with the development, while speaking on phone, allegedly confirmed that armed men were “spraying bullets” around the vicinity before the call was abruptly disconnected, further heightening fears over the unfolding incident. As of the time of filing this report, authorities were yet to release an official statement regarding the attack, while details surrounding possible casualties, arrests, or the exact location of the incident remain unclear. The development has triggered anxiety among students, parents, and residents, especially amid growing concerns over insecurity across parts o...

  The debate over whether some university courses should be scrapped in Nigeria deserves more depth than emotional reactions or sweeping conclusions. On one side, the Federal Government appears driven by a practical concern: employability. In an era shaped by artificial intelligence, digital economies, data science, renewable energy, and global competitiveness, policymakers argue that universities must produce graduates whose skills match labour market demands. The concern is not entirely misplaced. Nigeria faces a rising unemployment challenge, and there is increasing pressure on institutions to justify the relevance of programmes in relation to economic realities. Yet, the counterargument by ASUU also raises legitimate concerns. Universities are not designed merely to serve immediate labour market needs; they are institutions for building knowledge, culture, ethics, identity, and critical thinking. A nation cannot thrive on technical competence alone while neglecting disciplines ...

  CONNYSA DG says monetised politics, failed leadership and exclusion of grassroots youths are deepening frustration and insecurity across the country. The Director-General of the Coalition of Nigerian Youth on Safety and Security Affairs (CONNYSA), Ambassador Ade Mario, has lamented the rising cost of politics in Nigeria, declaring that contesting for elective office has become nearly impossible for ordinary citizens without wealth or powerful connections. Speaking during a hard-hitting interview on OrionTimes while discussing the topic, “Is Nigeria Losing Its Youth to Crime Because of Failed Leadership or Failed Values?” Amb. Ade Mario said the country’s political process has gradually shut out competent but financially disadvantaged Nigerians. According to him, except an individual is prepared to “sell family inheritance,” participating in elections in Nigeria has become an expensive venture dominated by money, influence and recommendations from political elites. He maintained t...

The Corps Commander of the Osun Amotekun Corps, High Chief Dr. Hon. Adekunle Isaac Omoyele, has reiterated the importance of collaboration, unity, and mutual respect among security agencies in ensuring effective security operations across Osun State. Speaking during separate courtesy visits to the Nigerian Correctional Service and the Federal Road Safety Corps, the Corps Commander stated that the visits formed part of deliberate efforts by the Osun Amotekun Corps management to engage all security stakeholders and strengthen operational synergy for the protection of lives and property. During the visit to the Comptroller of Correctional Service, CC Rotimi Oluwadele, High Chief Omoyele expressed appreciation for the warm reception accorded to his team and stressed that security remains a collective responsibility that requires strategic partnership and understanding among agencies. According to him, collaboration remains the key to successful security operations, adding that while disagr...

  The Lagos division of Appeal Court, has quashed the conviction and 17-year jail-term imposed by Justice Ismail ijelu of an Ikeja Special Offences Court, Lagos, on a businesswoman, Oluremi Phillips, holding that the allegations against her arose from a purely civil transaction and did not disclose any criminal offence. In a lead judgment delivered virtually via Zoom on Thursday, by Justice Yargata Nimpar, the appellate court allowed Phillips’ appeal and set aside the Justice Ijelu's judgment which had earlier convicted her on several counts of stealing and issuance of dud cheques. The appellate court judgment was delivered after Phillips had already served the jail term imposed by the lower court. Justice Nimpar held that after reviewing the submissions of counsel and the issues formulated for determination, the court found that the dispute between the parties stemmed from a commercial transaction that lacked any criminal element. “This was essentially a civil transaction without ...

Tension reportedly erupted during the ongoing Agege Federal Constituency primary election following reports that Hon. Oluwaseyi Kazeem Sarumi allegedly physically attacked electoral officials supervising the exercise, leading to the disruption and eventual cancellation of the election process. According to reports from the venue of the primary election, the incident occurred after a phase of the ongoing exercise reportedly did not favour Hon. Sarumi. Witnesses alleged that the aspirant became aggressive and personally led an attack on officials assigned to conduct and supervise the electoral process. Among those reportedly attacked were an official of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mrs. Oyebiyi Toluwanimi, and the party’s Returning Officer, Mrs. Adeola Olusi. Eyewitnesses described the incident as not only an assault on electoral officers but also an attack on women carrying out official democratic responsibilities. Sources at the venue alleged that the attack wa...

 Oriontimes News Desk| May 21, 2026 TICC says report indicates favourable voter sentiment for Osun governor, urges calm and calls for heightened electoral vigilance amid rising political tension The Imole Campaign Council (TICC) has referenced what it describes as a political assessment allegedly commissioned within strategic circles of the Osun State All Progressives Congress (APC), ahead of the forthcoming governorship election in the state. According to TICC, the document reportedly prepared by independent election and voter behaviour analysts examined electoral sentiment, governance perception, and voter dynamics across Osun State. It is said to suggest a favourable position for the incumbent governor, Ademola Adeleke, ahead of the election. The council claims the assessment points to broad-based public support cutting across multiple social and occupational groups, while projecting a significant advantage for the governor in voter preference. However, these figures and claims ...

Management of Adeleke University has denied reports alleging that Monimichelle Sports was responsible for the construction of the institution’s sports complex. In a statement issued by the university’s management, the institution described the report as inaccurate, clarifying that Monimichelle Sports did not handle the construction of the Adeleke University sports facilities. The statement further noted that the university does not have any relationship with the company mentioned in the report and has no information regarding its ownership or operations. According to the statement, the sports complex at Adeleke University was constructed by a different contractor entirely. The university management therefore urged members of the public and media organisations to disregard reports linking Monimichelle Sports to the institution’s sports complex. The statement advised the public to seek verified information concerning Adeleke University projects through the institution’s official communic...

  Football has once again reminded the world that experience, tactical discipline, and consistency still matter at the highest level of the game. Spanish manager Unai Emery has further cemented his legendary status in European football after guiding Aston Villa to a commanding 3-0 victory over SC Freiburg in the Europa League final. The triumph did not only deliver major silverware to Aston Villa, it also marked an extraordinary personal achievement for Emery, who has now won the Europa League title five times in his managerial career — a record that continues to separate him from many modern coaches. For years, Unai Emery has built a reputation as one of Europe’s most effective knockout competition managers. From his dominant era with Sevilla FC to later successes with Villarreal CF, the Spaniard has repeatedly shown a unique ability to navigate difficult European nights with tactical precision and mental strength. His arrival at Aston Villa transformed the club’s ambition. What o...

  Who Truly Understands Mikel Arteta’s Philosophy? Football has once again proven itself to be more than a game. The triumph of Arsenal F.C. has revealed how sport can unite people across political divides, tribes, backgrounds, and social classes. From the streets of Lagos to viewing centres in Osogbo, celebrations poured endlessly as supporters embraced one another in joy, pride, and relief after years of waiting. For many fans, Arsenal’s recent glory is not just about trophies. It is a lesson in resilience, patience, and the power of belief. It is the story of turning years of mockery into moments of celebration. In football, banter is unavoidable. Rival supporters mock, criticize, and provoke one another endlessly. Yet victory has a way of rewriting narratives. Interestingly, the spirit of football banter often finds its way into politics, especially in Nigeria where supporters defend political camps with the same passion football fans defend their clubs. Now, let us return home...

  The National Youth Council of Nigeria has called on the Federal Government and the Nigerian Communications Commission to abolish the expiration of unused mobile data, arguing that the policy places an unfair burden on young Nigerians who rely heavily on internet access for education, business and innovation. The council made the call under its proposed Consumer Equity and Digital Inclusion (CEDI) Framework, describing data expiration as a practice that undermines digital inclusion and economic opportunities for youths. Speaking on behalf of the council, Ambassador Taiwo Ajayi Adeola said in a statement that internet access has become essential for learning, entrepreneurship, civic engagement and national development, stressing that millions of students, corps members and young entrepreneurs lose valuable resources monthly through expiring data subscriptions. “Data is no longer a luxury. It is the oxygen of the digital economy,” he said. According to him, Nigerian youths depend on...

  In an era where many politicians move from one political party to another in desperate pursuit of tickets, relevance, and personal ambition, loyalty has gradually become a scarce virtue in Nigerian politics. For many political actors, ideology no longer matters. Principles are often sacrificed on the altar of personal interest, while party structures are abandoned immediately ambition suffers temporary setbacks. The culture of “jumping ship” has now become a recurring decimal in the nation’s democratic experience. But for Dr. Sesan Sanusi, the story appears different. Despite falling short twice in his bid to secure the ticket for the Olorunda State Constituency seat in 2019 and 2023, Dr. Sanusi remained steadfast within the fold of the All Progressives Congress (APC), refusing to abandon the progressive family for political convenience. His decision to stay committed, even in moments of disappointment, reflects a rare level of political maturity, discipline, and ideological cons...

  By Abioye Tosin Lawrence, Supporter Since 2005 Sometimes around 2005, I sat in front of a television set and watched a team dressed in red and white play football that looked different from every other side in the world. I had watched football before then, but not club football with passion. That night changed everything. The movement was beautiful. The passes were magical. The confidence was contagious. It was the famous tiki-taka style mixed with the fearless identity of a club that played football with elegance and pride. Then came the name that echoed across football viewing centres like a sacred anthem, Thierry Henry. From that day, I promised myself that I would support this beautiful club forever. Back then in NTA Quarters, Nyanya, Abuja, Arsenal supporters carried themselves differently. Whether rocking the old O2 jersey or later the Fly Emirates shirt, there was always a unique pride attached to being a Gunner. Even a woman in the neighbourhood jokingly identified me thr...

  As political calculations gradually gather momentum ahead of the next electoral cycle in Osun State, conversations around credible, grassroots-oriented and politically experienced aspirants have continued to dominate discussions within the All Progressives Congress family and beyond.  Among the names generating growing attention across Olorunda State Constituency is Dr. Sesan Sanusi, a man many political observers describe as a formidable force whose emergence could significantly strengthen the electoral fortunes of the party. For many residents across Osogbo and Olorunda axis, Dr. Sanusi is not merely another political figure seeking relevance. Rather, he is widely regarded as a longstanding progressive whose influence has been built over decades through consistent service, philanthropy, grassroots engagement and unwavering loyalty to progressive ideology. With a political legacy spanning over twenty years, Dr. Sanusi has remained deeply rooted in the ideals of the progress...

  OSOGBO – May 18, 2026 The Osun State Government and the leadership of the Accord Party have raised concerns over what they described as credible reports of the creation and planned deployment of a special police squad to Osun State ahead of the August 15 governorship election. According to information available to the government and the party leadership, the squad, allegedly led by a Chief Superintendent of Police (name withheld), is expected to arrive in the state any moment from now and commence operations focused on arresting prominent Accord Party members and some government officials, thereby putting their safety and security at risk. The government expressed concern that such selective, partisan operations, if carried out, could heighten political tension in the state and expose state government officials and Accord party leaders to harassment and intimidation before and during the election period. The Accord leadership further alleged that the squad may have held meetings ...

... _Thanks Osogbo Federal Constituency Leaders for the Trust Reposed in Him_  ... _Pledges Quality Representation When Elected as Osogbo Federal Constituency Representative_  The All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Representatives candidate for Osogbo Federal Constituency, Prince Abdulrasheed Muideen Aderemi, popularly known as Romeo, has declared that his victory at the party’s primary election is divinely ordained and cannot be overturned by any form of manipulation. Romeo made the declaration following his emphatic victory at the APC House of Representatives primary election held nationwide on Saturday, May 16, 2026. The frontline aspirant emerged victorious by a wide margin, securing overwhelming support from party members across the four local government areas (Osogbo, Olorunda, Irepodun, Orolu) that constitute Osogbo Federal Constituency. His victory reflects the confidence reposed in him by party leaders, and grassroots members who believe in his vision for effect...

  The Scottish Premiership delivered one of its most dramatic finales in recent history as Celtic F.C. mounted a stunning comeback to defeat Heart of Midlothian F.C. 3-1 and snatch the league title on the final day of the season. Heading into the decisive encounter, Hearts stood on the brink of history. A draw would have been enough to secure their first Scottish league crown in 66 years, with thousands of supporters daring to believe the long wait was finally over. The dream appeared alive when captain Lawrence Shankland fired Hearts into an early lead, sending the home crowd into wild celebration. For a moment, the Edinburgh side looked destined to rewrite history. But champions respond like champions. Celtic gradually seized control of the contest, displaying the composure and attacking quality that have defined their dominance in Scottish football. The visitors equalized before producing two decisive late goals that shattered Hearts’ hopes and turned jubilation into heartbreak....

By OrionTimes Editorial Desk In the wake of recent school kidnappings in Oyo state, Governor Ademola Adeleke has ordered immediate revitalization of the Safe School Initiative by the Ministry of Education and other relevant government and security agencies. The governor issued the directive today as a precautionary step to forestall possible spillover of school kidnappings recently experienced in Oyo state. The governor additionally directed immediate beefing of intelligence gathering especially around schools located in border areas and remote sections of the state. The Amotekun security service was specifically instructed to strengthen the partnership with various non- government peace organisations currently providing security services across many schools within the state. The governor who assured parents and school authorities of the safety and protection of their wards and also directed his special adviser on security matters to follow up the new plan with service commanders acros...

 The Executive Governor of Osun State, Governor Ademola Adeleke, on Thursday joined family members, friends, and dignitaries to celebrate the 66th birthday of renowned Nigerian journalist, publisher, businessman, and motivational speaker, Dele Momodu. The event, organised by The Dele Momodu Foundation under the theme, “Ignorance and the Danger of Xenophobia,” became a platform for conversations around the growing menace of xenophobic attacks in Africa, particularly those targeting Nigerians in South Africa. Speakers at the occasion condemned the rising hostility against Nigerians abroad, warning that such actions threaten regional peace, continental unity, and the ideals of Pan-African cooperation. In a moment marked by admiration and camaraderie, Governor Adeleke paid glowing tribute to the celebrant, affectionately describing him as his “twin brother.” The governor praised Chief Momodu as a towering figure in African journalism and publishing, citing his contributions through Ova...

  In the political landscape of Osogbo especially Olorunda State Constituency, some names emerge through noise, while others rise steadily through years of visible community impact. For many residents across the city of Osogbo, Dr. Sesan Sanusi belongs to the latter category, a figure whose growing reputation has been shaped not merely by political ambition, but by sustained grassroots service, youth development, and community-based interventions. Armed with a Doctorate degree in Mathematics from the University of South Wales, Dr. Sanusi is often described within the progressive family as a product of enduring political loyalty and ideological continuity. His late father, Chief G.O. Sanusi, remained a respected figure within the progressive movement until his passing in 2017, leaving behind a legacy many supporters believe the younger Sanusi has continued through practical engagement with the people. Across communities including Osogbo, Ilie, Oba-Ile, and Oba-Oke, Dr. Sanusi’s int...

  A nation cannot raise resilient leaders through comfort alone. To place young people in sensitive positions in Nigeria, there must be intentional grooming, not applause on social media, not ceremonial appointments, and not empty slogans about youth inclusion. Leadership is not inherited through hashtags; it is forged through fire. Young people must pass through seasons that test character, loyalty, endurance, discipline, emotional intelligence, and restraint. Across campuses and communities, there should be young men and women who understand struggle firsthand.  Some will face disciplinary panels, suspension, rejection, betrayal, humiliation, and moments where victory itself feels like a curse because of the weight attached to it. Some will fail publicly before succeeding privately. Yet, that process is what builds depth. A generation that has never been tested cannot defend a nation under pressure. If we continue to raise young people whose only political exposure is watchi...

  The Corps Commander of the Osun Amotekun Corps, High Chief Dr. Hon. Adekunle Isaac Omoyele, has reaffirmed the readiness of the corps to ensure maximum security before, during and after the forthcoming election in Osun State, while calling for a peaceful, transparent and violence-free electoral process. Dr. Omoyele made this known while receiving representatives of the Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI) at the headquarters of the Osun Amotekun Corps during a strategic engagement focused on election security, intelligence gathering and public safety. Speaking during the visit, the representative of KDI, Oluwafemi Adebayo, commended the leadership of the Osun Amotekun Corps for receiving the delegation and described the visit as part of efforts to strengthen collaboration with security agencies and grassroots security outfits ahead of the election. According to him, KDI’s mission is to work closely with security stakeholders in intelligence gathering and election monitoring to en...