Oriontimes

  …NDC Aspirant Accepts Call to Represent Esan South East in 2027 A frontline aspirant for the Edo State House of Assembly under the platform of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Enogwor Omon Stephen, has formally accepted the call by youths and critical stakeholders in Esan South East Local Government Area to contest in the 2027 general elections. In a statement issued on Thursday in Esan South East, Edo State, Stephen described the overwhelming support and endorsement from Esan youths as a “sacred trust” and a patriotic call to service aimed at repositioning the constituency for meaningful development and inclusive governance. The aspirant clarified that his ambition is under the platform of the NDC and not the African Democratic Congress (ADC), stressing that his decision was driven by a commitment to credible leadership, people-oriented representation, and sustainable progress for the constituency. According to him, the call by the youths and other stakeholders reflects t...

  Fake News Threatens Justice, Security —  Commander Warns The leadership of the Osun Online Publishers Association (OOPA) on Tuesday paid a courtesy visit to the Osun Amotekun Corps as part of efforts to strengthen collaboration in combating fake news, promoting credible reportage and supporting security architecture in Osun State. “The delegation of the Osun Online Publishers Association (OOPA), led by its Chairman, Comrade Abioye Tosin Lawrence, was received by the Commander of the Osun State Security Network Agency, popularly known as the Amotekun Corps, Dr. Adekunle Isaac Omoyele.” Welcoming the media executives, the Amotekun Commander appreciated members of the association for their support in amplifying security-related activities and promoting responsible journalism in the state. Speaking during the meeting, Dr. Omoyele described security service as a sacrifice-driven responsibility that requires discipline, loyalty and emotional resilience. “We are trained to remain c...

  As the August 15 Osun governorship election draws near the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Resident Electoral Commissioner for Osun State, Mrs Oluwatoyin Babalola has assured that Commission would offer full cooperation to media practitioners. Mrs Babalola also assured that the August 15 governorship election in the state will be credible, free, inclusive and transparent. The Osun INEC REC gave this assurance during a courtesy visit by the Osun Online Publishers Association, OOPA, to the INEC State Office, in Osogbo on Monday While restating that the media is a critical stakeholder in election, INEC and the society, she said, "If there is no media the society can not be informed. And when it comes to election matters, there is misinformation and disinformation and the media is needed to correct these anomalies." She also assured that she will work with the media community to ensure a credible, free, fair, inclusive and transparent governorship election.  IN...

Oriontimes, Osogbo — May 11, 2026 After CTC from Ohio Court, Governor Adeleke Deposes Apetu of Ipetumodu   Governor Ademola Adeleke has approved the deposition of Oba Joseph Oloyede as the Apetumodu of Ipetumodu in Ife North Local Government following his conviction in the United States of America on tax fraud and money laundering charges.   The governor's decision followed the receipt of the Certified True Copy of the Ohio court judgement which convicted the monarch. The Osun State Executive Council had resolved last year that the Ministry of Local Government should write the Ohio court to request for the Certified True Copy of the judgement to form the basis for the government action. The Council had justified the decision to contact the Ohio court on the ground that governmental decision should not be based on social media reporting alone. In the Deposition Order signed by His Excellency on 7th May, 2026, the action was predicated on the need to maintain peace, order and go...

 OSOGBO — May 11, 2026 Governor Ademola Adeleke has directed the Osun State Police Command to immediately arrest suspected political thugs allegedly linked to the All Progressives Congress (APC) following renewed attacks on public infrastructure and Accord campaign materials across Osogbo. The Governor issued the directive amid escalating tension in the state capital, where incidents of billboard vandalisation and destruction of public properties have reportedly intensified. Reacting to the latest wave of attacks, Governor Adeleke condemned what he described as the apparent protection being enjoyed by the perpetrators, warning security agencies against allowing the situation to degenerate into lawlessness. The Governor particularly commended a team of policemen who reportedly foiled an attempt to destroy statues at the Abere Roundabout, but stressed that security intervention must move beyond passive responses to decisive arrests and prosecution of those involved. “I hereby direct ...

 Oriontimes News Desk| May 10, 2026 “Strengthening the Future Through Quality Education” Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State, has recorded an impressive performance in the latest accreditation exercise conducted by the National Universities Commission (NUC), with the majority of its academic programmes earning full accreditation status. The results, conveyed in an official communication to the Vice-Chancellor of Redeemer’s University,Professor Shadrach Olufemi Akindele, ffan, fffps and signed by Engineer Abraham Chudunsu, Director of Accreditation, on behalf of the Executive Secretary, Professor Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu, followed the NUC’s October/November 2025 nationwide accreditation of academic programmes in Nigerian universities, carried out in line with statutory provisions guiding minimum academic standards. "This outcome highlights Redeemer’s University’s consistent investment in academic infrastructure, faculty development, and programme relevance, positioning it as a co...

The Governorship Election Campaign Council of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in Osun State, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO), has cautioned the state chapter of the Accord Party to desist from politicising the death of a fellow human being in circumstances that are yet to be unraveled by the police and other statutory security agencies in the state. It is uncharitable, reckless, and deeply insensitive for elements within the campaign structure of the re-election bid of Governor Ademola Adeleke to engage in what appears to be deliberate political exploitation of a tragic incident, in a desperate attempt to malign opponents and sway public sentiment. This consistent resort to misinformation and false narratives aimed at the innocent people of the state is capable of undermining the peace and stability Osun State currently enjoys. The attempt to link the death of a young man, Mr. Eluyera Kolade, allegedly said to be the son of the Accord Party Women Leader in Irewol...

    The stakeholders of Osogboland, under the revered leadership of His Royal Majesty, Oba Jimoh Abidemi Oyetunji Olanipekun, Larooye II, the Ataoja of Osogbo, have expressed profound appreciation to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu,GCFR for the approval of the reconstruction of two critical road projects leading to Osogbo, namely the Osogbo–Iwo–Ibadan Road and the Osogbo–Akoda–Gbongan Road. This was contained in an appreciation statement signed by the Asiwaju of Osogboland, Hon. Justice Moshud Adekunle Adeigbe (Rtd), and made available to journalists in Osogbo on Thursday 7th May 2026. The stakeholders described the strategic road projects as immensely important to the economic growth and infrastructural development of Osogbo and its surrounding communities, noting that their reconstruction will significantly improve connectivity, ease transportation challenges, and enhance the overall quality of life for residents. The people of Os...

  A dramatic political scene unfolded in Abuja as large groups of supporters reportedly gathered at the residence of former President Goodluck Jonathan, calling on him to return to active politics and contest the 2027 presidential election. The crowd, made up of various political interest groups and supporters, chanted slogans and displayed placards urging Jonathan to “come back and rescue Nigeria,” insisting that his leadership style remains a reference point in the country’s democratic journey. Eyewitness accounts described a charged atmosphere outside the former president’s residence, with security operatives maintaining order as the gathering swelled in size. The supporters expressed confidence that Jonathan remains one of the most unifying figures capable of stabilizing Nigeria’s political and economic landscape if he chooses to re-enter the race. Some of the demonstrators claimed their appeal was driven by growing public dissatisfaction with current socio-economic conditions,...

  The Israeli military has opened an investigation following a viral image circulating on social media that appears to show an Israeli soldier desecrating a statue of the Virgin Mary in the southern Lebanese town of Debel. The photograph, which has sparked widespread outrage online, allegedly shows the soldier engaging in conduct viewed by many as disrespectful to a revered Christian symbol. The incident has reignited tensions over reports of damage to religious icons in areas affected by ongoing military operations in southern Lebanon. This development comes amid growing scrutiny of earlier incidents in the same town, where Israeli soldiers were previously photographed damaging a crucifix. That earlier case prompted internal disciplinary action after the Israeli military confirmed the authenticity of the images and announced sanctions against the personnel involved. In response to the latest controversy, the Israeli military stated that it is treating the matter with “utmost serio...

  As outrage continues to swell across the football world, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has mounted a strong defense of the staggering ticket prices attached to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, insisting that the soaring costs are a reflection of “market reality” rather than greed. Speaking during a global investment forum in California, Infantino argued that FIFA cannot ignore the commercial realities of hosting the biggest sporting event on earth in the United States, where entertainment and sports industries thrive on aggressive pricing systems. According to him, lowering official prices would only empower ticket scalpers to dominate the market and exploit desperate fans even further. Yet, for millions of ordinary football supporters around the world, the explanation has done little to calm growing frustration. The beautiful game, once celebrated as the people’s sport, now risks appearing increasingly fenced behind economic walls. Critics argue that the World Cup is drifting away fro...

  In a season that began with raised eyebrows and quiet skepticism, Arsenal have authored a statement that now echoes across Europe: this is no longer a team in transition, this is a team of arrival. For years, the conversation around Arsenal has been laced with doubt. Too young. Too soft. Not built for the brutality of elite European nights. And yet, as the dust settles on a historic UEFA Champions League campaign that carried them all the way to a final clash against Barcelona, those old narratives now sound hollow, outdated relics of a past Arsenal side that no longer exists. This was not luck. This was construction. From the group stages to the knockout rounds, Arsenal played with a clarity of purpose that blended tactical discipline with expressive attacking football. They did not merely survive Europe, they imposed themselves on it. Against seasoned continental sides, they showed maturity beyond their years, managing games with intelligence while striking with precision when ...

Outspoken Nigerian politician Dino Melaye has launched a scathing critique of former presidential candidate Peter Obi, questioning his resilience and capacity to lead Nigeria amid political turbulence. In a strongly worded statement, Melaye argued that Obi has consistently sidestepped the rigors of internal party struggles, raising doubts about his preparedness for the complexities of governing a nation as demanding as Nigeria. According to Melaye, “If he cannot face party tribulations and crisis, how does he intend to handle Nigeria? Nigeria’s challenges are far greater than internal party issues.” He went further, deploying a metaphor to underscore his point, suggesting that Obi “can only operate in an air-conditioned kitchen,” adding that “hot kitchens are not for him.” Melaye’s remarks also revisited Obi’s political trajectory, alleging that the former Anambra State governor has largely benefited from what he described as “free tickets” rather than emerging through competitive prim...

 Oriontimes News Desk| May 06, 2026 NJFP, the initiative of the federal Government funded by the European Union and Implemented by UNDP in Nigeria. In line with the youth-focused development agenda of the administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke, the Osun State Ministry of Youth Affairs has partnered with the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP) to broaden employment opportunities for young people across the state. Through the proactive leadership of the Honourable Commissioner for Youth Affairs, Hon. Olagunju Moshood Olalekan, youths in Osun are being encouraged to take advantage of this transformative initiative designed to enhance employability and foster sustainable career growth. The programme, supported by the Federal Government in collaboration with development partners, provides Nigerian graduates with practical workplace experience through a fully paid one-year fellowship placement in reputable organisations across key sectors. *Eligibility Requirements* To qualify f...

Sixteen years after Nigeria bid farewell to one of its most principled leaders, former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has offered a deeply personal reflection on the life and legacy of his predecessor, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua. In a tone marked by reverence and quiet nostalgia, Jonathan described Yar’Adua not just as a leader, but as “a man whose conscience guided his command.” “Even now, I still hear his quiet voice-calm, measured, but firm in conviction,” Jonathan said. “He taught me that leadership is not about how loud you speak, but how deeply you listen to the people.” Jonathan, who served as Vice President under Yar’Adua, recalled their partnership as one rooted in mutual respect and a shared commitment to national unity. “We believed in a Nigeria where justice was not selective, where the rule of law was not negotiable. He carried that belief with sincerity, even when it was inconvenient.” Reflecting on Yar’Adua’s leadership style, Jonathan emphasized his rare humility in power, ...

 In a commanding and deeply reflective interview with OrionTimes, ECOWAS West African Youth Ambassador, Amb. Dr. Jamezany James, did not just answer questions — he laid down a doctrine. “I know I’m not just being interviewed,” he began. “You’re documenting history. Every word I speak reinforces why I’m here and chosen.” That clarity of purpose shaped an explosive conversation that moved from culture to policy, from film to foreign relations, and from youth struggle to continental power. “FESTAC Is Not a Festival — It Is Policy” Speaking on his role in FESTAC Africa 2025, the Ambassador rejected any attempt to reduce the platform to entertainment. “FESTAC isn’t just a cultural festival. FESTAC is a foreign policy,” he declared. Tracing its roots to historic Pan-African gatherings in Senegal (1966) and Lagos (1977), he emphasized that FESTAC has always been about governance, identity, and global positioning. He reminded readers that FESTAC Town in Lagos was not just infrastructure — ...

  By Abioye Tosin Lawrence  There was a time when South Africa stood as a symbol of triumph over oppression. A nation reborn from the ashes of apartheid, guided by the moral weight of reconciliation and unity, as envisioned by Nelson Mandela. The “Rainbow Nation” was not just a phrase, it was a promise. Today, that promise is being tested. Across different periods of social unrest, reports of violence and hostility against African migrants have raised urgent questions about the state of African brotherhood within South Africa. Nigerians, Zimbabweans, Mozambicans, Malawians, Congolese, and others have, at various times, found themselves caught in waves of destruction that target foreign-owned shops and communities. This raises a difficult but necessary question: where is the protection of law when African brothers become targets in a nation built on liberation ideals? Nigeria, for instance, has often demonstrated strong institutional responses to crime affecting foreign nationa...

Onwuasoanya Ezendigbo, a presidential candidate, delivered a scathing indictment of Nigeria’s political climate in a statement on Sunday, accusing the ruling class of weaponizing state power to suffocate opposition and entrench what he described as a creeping dictatorship. According to Ezendigbo, the essence of democracy is being steadily eroded as those in power deploy “mighty institutional force” not to build the nation, but to silence dissent. He alleged that opposition voices are increasingly intimidated, harassed, and denied the basic democratic right to express alternative views. In a sharply worded critique, he condemned the use of political thuggery, claiming that violence sponsored or tolerated by the elite has contributed to the normalization of insecurity across the country. “You went with thugs and unleashed them on the poor,” he stated, linking such actions to the broader rise of banditry and lawlessness in different parts of Nigeria. Ezendigbo argued that governance has b...

  There are moments in life when achievement is not merely marked by a certificate, but by the quiet testimony of character. This is one of such moments. Dear Sir, Fabakary Manneh, I know what it means to be a man shaped by hope, one who carries the weight of life like a sacred duty, yet refuses to surrender to the fatigue of the journey. To be such a man is to live in constant negotiation with tomorrow, believing, against all odds, that it will be kinder than today. Today, I do not celebrate you merely because you have graduated from the University of The Gambia. Degrees are common; conviction is not. Many leave institutions as educated individuals, but few emerge as enlightened souls. You belong to the latter. You earned a Bachelor’s degree in Geography, yes, but beyond that, you have mastered a deeper discipline: the geography of humanity. You understand the invisible borders that divide men race, tribe, language and you have chosen to rise above them. In a world increasingly fr...

  In the unwritten constitution of the universe, light must shine and darkness must respectfully take the back seat. Yet, in this particular episode of “Ring Affairs,” it wasn’t light that did the shining, it was fists, well-delivered and properly guided. Portable, ever the theatrical maestro, arrived with the full package: swagger, chants, and a spiritual consultation that would make even ancient warriors nod in approval. Incantations were rendered, energies were aligned, and followers were entertained. It was less a boxing entrance, more a cultural festival with side attractions. But inside the ropes, reality doesn’t subscribe to vibes. Enter Carter Efe, calm, calculated, and suspiciously well-prepared. While one came with noise, the other came with notice. His fists moved like officially stamped documents-cleared, approved, and delivered straight to their destination.  Notably, Carter Efe was saintly composed, white garments, solemn prayers, and the quiet confidence of a ma...

  …imposition is a panacea for failure A socio-political group within the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Osun West Senatorial District, the Osun West Renaissance Group, led by Dr Sikiru Ademolekun, has raised fresh concerns over the alleged emergence and endorsement of Dr Akin Ogunbiyi as the party’s preferred senatorial candidate, warning that any form of imposition could undermine the party’s electoral prospects. The group further stressed that the credibility of the APC at this critical political moment depends largely on its ability to uphold fairness, equity, and internal democracy, warning that any perception of pre-determination could erode confidence among party faithful and weaken collective resolve across the district. The group, in a statement reacting to an alleged communiqué purportedly issued on Thursday by the Osun West Senatorial Leader of the APC, Hon. Akintola Omolaoye, described the development as troubling and capable of creating unnecessary tension within t...

  In what appears to be Nigeria’s most dramatic “return on investment” complaint yet, a man on Thursday stormed the All Progressives Congress (APC) national secretariat in Abuja with a message as blunt as it was unsettling: reward me or kill me. The protest, captured in a now-viral video, shows the visibly distressed man holding a placard and demanding recognition for what he described as his personal sacrifices during the party’s 2023 campaign. According to him, loyalty was not just emotional, it was financial, physical, and, ultimately, total. In a country where political support often comes with expectations, some spoken, many implied the man’s outcry reads like a tragic audit of misplaced trust. His claim that he sold his house to fund campaign efforts has not been independently verified, but the symbolism is hard to ignore: a citizen liquidating stability in exchange for promised political dividends. Observers at the scene watched as the protester oscillated between anger and ...

  In what appears to be a firm stance against police misconduct, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered the dismissal and prosecution of a police officer involved in the fatal shooting of a civilian in Effurun, Delta State. The incident, which occurred on April 26, 2026, led to the tragic death of a young man identified as Mene Ogidi, sparking outrage and renewed concerns over the conduct of security operatives in Nigeria. Preliminary findings revealed that the officer, ASP Nuhu Usman, breached established rules governing the use of firearms, particularly provisions under Force Order 237, guidelines designed to regulate the use of lethal force by police personnel. Following an internal review, the Nigeria Police Force described the officer’s actions as unlawful, unprofessional, and a gross violation of the duty to protect life. The Force Disciplinary Committee subsequently recommended his dismissal, a decision now approved by the IGP, alongside immediate ste...

 Brufut, Gambia | April 29,2026 Abdou Koma, prominent youth leader, author, and environmental scientist from The Gambia has been selected as a speaker at an international dialogue organized by the Mamabatho Foundation for Women’s Development, marking another significant stride in youth representation on the global stage. The high-level dialogue, themed “Youth at the Edge of 2030: Reimagining Freedom, Economy, and Peace in the World,” brings together thought leaders, advocates, and change-makers from across the globe to address pressing issues shaping the future of young people. Speaking ahead of the event, the Gambian delegate, Abdou Koma, expressed deep honor at the invitation, noting that the theme strongly aligns with their ongoing work as President and Founder of the Gambia Youth Empowerment and Civic Leadership Network. Their journey as an author and environmental scientist also positions them at the intersection of policy, sustainability, and youth development. At the heart o...

As political permutations begin ahead of the 2027 general elections, concerned stakeholders from Ifelodun, Boripe, and Odo-Otin Federal Constituency, popularly known as IBO Federal Constituency, have called for equity, justice, and balance in the Osun Central Senatorial District ticket of the All Progressives Congress, APC. Findings reveal that since the return to democracy in 1999, Osogbo Federal Constituency has produced the late Senator Bayo Salami and the current APC National Secretary, Senator Dr. Ajibola Basiru. Ila Federal Constituency produced Senator Sola Adeyeye, who served for eight years, and currently has Senator Olubiyi Ajagunla. Yet, IBO Federal Constituency  comprising three strategic local government areas in Osun Central  has _never produced a Senator on the platform of the progressive party_, despite its consistent loyalty, massive votes, and significant contributions to the success of the APC and its predecessors. Other federal constituencies within Osun Ce...

In a renewed call for community-driven security, the Corps Commander of the Osun Amotekun Corps, High Chief Dr. Hon. Adekunle Isaac Omoyele, has assured residents that his office remains open to receive complaints, reports, and intelligence on criminal activities across the state. Speaking during an appearance on an online TV current affairs programme in Osogbo on Monday, Omoyele emphasized the critical role of public cooperation in tackling insecurity.  He encouraged citizens to come forward with useful information about criminal elements operating within their communities, assuring that all identities would be treated with strict confidentiality. The commander acknowledged the challenges faced by the corps last year but noted that these obstacles have strengthened the agency’s operational capacity and deepened its experience in handling security threats. According to him, the Amotekun Corps has evolved through adversity and is now better equipped to respond effectively to crime. ...

  Comrade Abioye Tosin Lawrence has extended warm felicitations to Hon. Wole Oke on the occasion of his birthday, acknowledging his years of service and enduring influence in public leadership. In his goodwill message, Abioye noted that true leadership is often misunderstood, especially by younger generations who may not fully grasp the weight and complexity that come with public responsibility. “I am one of many from the younger generation who believe that studying the architecture of leadership, its struggles, sacrifices, and consistency is far more valuable than hastily condemning those in positions of authority. The burden of leadership is best understood when one is truly tested by it,” he stated. He further commended the seasoned lawmaker for his commitment to people-centered representation, emphasizing that his impact across his constituency reflects a deliberate effort to build trust and empower lives. “There is no doubt that he has utilized his political influence within t...