Oriontimes

  A Chief Magistrate’s Court sitting in Osogbo , the Osun State capital, has issued arrest warrants against the United Bank for Africa Plc (UBA) and four of its senior officials over the alleged illegal operation and maintenance of  bank accounts in the name of the 30 local government councils in the state. The case, marked Charge No: MOS/601c/2025 and filed by the Osun State Government , was heard on Friday at the Chief Magistrate’s Court of Osun State, Osogbo Magisterial District. In a certified true copy of the order titled “Warrant for Arrest of Defendant Who Has Disobeyed Summons (General Title – Form No. 1)”, addressed to the Osun State Commissioner of Police, the court stated in part: “Complaint has been made that the defendant(s) did allow unauthorised persons to operate and maintain 30 accounts opened in favour of the 30 Local Government Councils in Osun State with UBA Bank Plc. “And the defendant(s) were thereupon summoned to appear before the Chief Magistrate’s C...

  By Abioye Tosin Lawrence ....The Ghost of the Kalakuta Republic has walked off history’s stage to claim a Grammy The posthumous honour is a cultural reckoning, a reminder that legacy outlives noise, and power follows memory. The posthumous Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award conferred on Fela Anikulapo-Kuti is more than a global recognition of musical excellence. It is a historical signal, one that quietly exposes why Nigeria’s younger generation continues to struggle for real political power . Fela did not merely entertain. He shaped consciousness, challenged authority, and built a cultural identity strong enough to outlive him. Decades after his death, global institutions are still compelled to acknowledge his influence. That alone raises an uncomfortable question: why has a generation that inherited such cultural power failed to translate it into political relevance? Today, Nigerian politicians increasingly bypass the youth and redirect their attention to market women, trader...

  A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State has described his alleged suspension by the suspended chairman of Ward 01, Ibokun, Obokun Local Government Area, Gbenga Fagbamila , and 18 others as a ruse. Oyintiloye, while reacting to the alleged suspension, said that those who signed the suspension letter were themselves suspended members of the APC working for the opposition in the state. He said the allegations concerning the unauthorized takeover of the Executive Assistant (EA) slot and the accompanying funds amounting to N5.6 million were aimed solely at discrediting him. Oyintiloye clarified that he was not in charge of the said EA and did not have access to the funds in question. He added that he has reported the disgruntled members who issued the statement to the party leadership in the state, noting that they were only seeking cheap relevance. He further stated that the alleged misconduct leveled against him was “a lie from the pit of hell,” adding that...

  The Accord Party is pleased to formally inform the good people of Osun State that His Excellency, Governor Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke , has been successfully uploaded into the records of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as the duly nominated candidate of the Accord Party for the August 8, 2026 Governorship Election in Osun State. This positive development lays to rest the crass scheming, false expectations, and desperate propaganda of enemies of Osun State who had hoped otherwise. The confirmation by INEC is yet another affirmation that the will of the people cannot be subverted by mischief or political desperation.  The Accord in Osun State sincerely appreciates the overwhelming support, solidarity, and confidence reposed in the party and in Governor Ademola Adeleke by the good people of Osun State. We urge our supporters and all well-meaning residents not to be distracted by the evil machinations of avowed enemies of the state, whose primary oc...

  Controversial rapper Nicki Minaj on Tuesday made a surprise political statement after speaking at the Trump Accounts Summit , where she openly praised former U.S. President Donald Trump and declared herself his “number one fan.” Addressing the audience at the event, Minaj said her support for Trump was unwavering. “I’m probably the president’s number one fan and that’s not going to change,” she stated, drawing reactions across social media and political circles. Before inviting the rapper to the stage, Trump himself acknowledged Minaj’s presence and support, thanking her publicly and describing her as a long-time ally of the movement. He further claimed that Minaj had invested hundreds of thousands of dollars into his Trump Accounts initiative , a platform aimed at expanding conservative-aligned financial and digital systems. “She’s been MAGA ,” Trump said, reinforcing the rapper’s alignment with his political brand. Nicki Minaj’s remarks mark one of her most explicit endorseme...

  ● Says Court-Sacked APC Chairmen Lack Mandates to Stay on In Councils Governor Ademola Adeleke has restated his accusation against Blue Economy Minister, Gboyega Oyetola about the Minister's masterminding Osun local government crisis , asserting again that the self-awarded tenure of APC Chairmen lapsed in 2025 and cannot be elongated under the law and Supreme Court precedents . Reacting to the Minister's statement authored by his Special Adviser, Governor Adeleke, in a statement signed by his Spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed , faulted the entire submission of the minister on the local government crisis, positing that the former Governor remains the chief architect of the paralysis and the untold hardship being inflicted on Osun people. The statement from the state governor stated that a Federal High Court rather than Governor Adeleke sacked the APC chairmen in 2022 and the judgment was later validated by a Court of Appeal judgement which also acknowledged that new...

 Former Presidential Aspirant and founder of Better Nigeria for Better People , Chief Onwuasoanya Ezendigbo , has continued to assert himself as a strong voice for the interests of ordinary Nigerians, particularly young graduates struggling to survive Nigeria’s increasingly harsh socio-economic environment. Ezendigbo, who was among the leading presidential aspirants shortlisted from the Southeast geo-political zone during the last general election, spoke in a brief interview with Oriontimes on the challenges facing Nigeria’s youth and professionals. He expressed deep concern over the growing difficulties confronting fresh graduates, citing the legal profession as a glaring example. According to him, many law graduates complete their studies only to face what he described as a “Herculean task” in obtaining the required professional seal, a situation he believes is unfair and discouraging to young Nigerians striving for excellence. The former aspirant reiterated his long-held visio...

  · Issues development charges to politicians   · Praises Okpe Union founding fathers   · Lists priorities  · Intensifies advocacy for renaming of Okpe and Sapele Local Government Areas · Calls for true federalism and restructuring in Nigeria President General of Okpe Union (Worldwide), Prof. Igho Natufe , has urged the Delta State Governor, Chief Sheriff Oborevwori to uplift Okpe Nation and recognize Okpe as a distinct ethnic nationality ; just as his predecessor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa did for his Ika and Ndokwa people. ‘’It is gratifying to have one of your own as the Governor of any state, especially for us in Okpe Nation. We are elated; and pray for his success. Fundamentally, we hope that he will uplift Okpe Nation and recognize Okpe as a distinct ethnic nationality; just as his predecessor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa did for his Ika and Ndokwa people. By doing this, Okpe Nation will become an equal partner with other ethnic nationalities in...

  This press statement is issued solely in the interest of truth and public enlightenment concerning the ongoing dispute over the Osogbo Grammar School land. It is important to clarify that the Osun State Government does not support, encourage, or protect any form of land grabbing in Osogbo or in any part of the state. With specific reference to the Osogbo Grammar School land, there is no approval by the government for the takeover, demolition, or alteration of any school structure by one Lekan Salami or any group of person. Available information indicates that the Osun State Government is already challenging the consent judgment being paraded by the said Lekan Salami, which is allegedly being used as a basis to illegally acquire the school land. This legal step clearly shows that the government does not recognise the said judgment as a legitimate claim to ownership of the Osogbo Grammar School property. Any act suggesting forcible entry, removal of roofs, demolition of buildi...

    • Charges politicians to defend Okpe national interests, territorial integrity   • Says choice of first Orodje was a marked deviation from the Benin tradition   • Condemns blunder infused into the system by political leaders in 1963   • Intensifies advocacy for renaming of Okpe and Sapele LGAs President General of Okpe Union Worldwide , Professor Igho Natufe , recently held an interactive session with newsmen in Lagos on a wide range of issues. The illustrious son of Okpe Kingdom in Delta State, Nigerian-born Sovietologist , alumnus of the Peoples Friendship University , specialist in International Relations and Soviet/Russian Foreign Policy says he will not rest until he gets a distinct nationality for the Okpe Nation. The former Professor of Political Science, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana (1978-1980), the University of Benin, Benin-City (1980-1989), and Senior Advisor to the Government of Canada (1970-1978, 1989-2011), knows where th...

Osogbo, Osun State — The ongoing local government crisis in Osun State has drawn sharp criticism from MP Wole Oke, who has accused Governor Ademola Adeleke of “blackmailing” Asiwaju Gboyega Oyetola and undermining the rule of law. In a statement on Monday, Oke, a former PDP member involved in earlier consultations, said the current crisis is self-inflicted and rooted in “unnecessary confrontations and flawed legal strategies” by the PDP. “The foundation of this crisis was the confrontation with the Osun State Chief Judge and the decision to approach the Federal High Court, instead of the court with jurisdiction over local government elections,” Oke said. “Federal and human-rights arguments had no place in what was essentially a local electoral matter.” Although the PDP initially won at the Federal High Court, the Court of Appeal overturned the judgment on 10 February 2025, reinstating the APC local government council officials. Following this ruling, Governor Adeleke sought advice from...

  By Abioye Tosin Lawrence Heraclitus reminds us that nations fall and nations rise, because nothing ever stays the same. Nigeria shall rise again. No matter the bitterness or controversy one may feel toward this nation, I am still searching for a stage where I can ask Nigerian youths to pause and thank God for being Nigerians. It is not easy to belong to another nation. Every country carries its own burden, history, and contradictions. Ask a simple question: who can rule Nigeria for forty years? Yet, across Africa, there are countries where leadership resembles a monarch’s throne. Nigeria is different. To sit as Nigeria’s president is to confront layers of ethnicity, religion, regional interests, and inherited conflicts. You are forced to fight battles you did not start and solve problems you did not create. Recently, President Joe Biden fell during the U.S. Air Force Academy graduation ceremony in Colorado Springs . He rose again, because he is human. President Bola Ahmed Tin...

  Who says “ Erin ki i fon ki ọmọ ẹ̀nà tún fon ?” Reading the architecture of power in decades to come, I am here to tell most of the younger generation in Nigeria and Africa: the elephants will fart, the calves will mimic, and power doesn’t wait for anyone.  The loudest, most organized, and clever youth, those who can mobilize protests, create viral content, and rally trollers on Twitter are already staking their claim. My theory finds inspiration in the Kennedy family in the United States, which produced multiple politicians across generations. From President John F. Kennedy , to Senator and Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy , and the long-serving Senator Ted Kennedy , as well as cousins, nieces, and nephews, the Kennedys show how political legacies can be cultivated across generations. Their influence remains etched in American history. Back in Nigeria, often called the template of Africa’s democracy , I have observed several “calves” emerging as princes in the waiting ro...

  Wives of Osun State Amotekun Corps personnel currently in police custody have staged a protest in Osogbo, Osun State , to demand the immediate release of their husbands, who were arrested by the Nigeria Police in connection with the killing of Akinlalu. The peaceful protest, which took place on Monday, saw the women carrying placards with inscriptions appealing to the Federal Government, the Nigeria Police Force, former state governors, and other eminent political leaders to intervene in the matter. Speaking on behalf of the protesters, Mrs Ajiboye Olusola lamented that their husbands have remained in detention in Abuja for over four months without any form of communication or updates on their case. She described the situation as unbearable, calling on the relevant authorities to show compassion and ensure their release. “Our husbands have been detained for more than four months, and since then we have not heard from them,” she said. “We have been patient, but the suffering i...

  A Nigerian citizen, Adedapo Adegbola , 40, has pleaded guilty to the murder of 23-year-old Stephanie “Steph” Irons at her residence in Mapperley , Nottinghamshire , United Kingdom. Adegbola, who relocated to the UK in 2022, entered a guilty plea to a single count of murder at Nottingham Crown Court on Monday, 26 January 2026. Stephanie Irons, described by her family as a “bright young star”, was found dead in her home in October 2025, prompting a murder investigation by Nottinghamshire Police . Court proceedings confirmed that Adegbola admitted responsibility for the killing, bringing an end to a case that has drawn significant public attention both in the UK and Nigeria. He is expected to remain in custody ahead of his sentencing scheduled for 5 February 2026, where the court will determine the length and terms of his punishment. Authorities have not released further details at this stage, but the case has renewed discussions around domestic violence, accountability, and the pro...

  Yoruba Nation agitator, Chief Sunday Adeyemo , popularly known as Sunday Igboho , has returned to Nigeria after a period in exile and paid a courtesy visit to the Olubadan of Ibadanland , Oba Rashidi Ladoja . Igboho’s visit to the revered traditional ruler was to express appreciation for the Olubadan’s support and intervention during his ordeal while he was outside the country. The meeting, held in Ibadan , was marked by cordial discussions centered on peace, unity, and the welfare of the Yoruba people . Speaking during the visit, Igboho acknowledged the role played by respected Yoruba elders and traditional institutions, particularly the Olubadan, in ensuring his safe return. He described the monarch as a symbol of wisdom and stability whose influence continues to command respect across Yorubaland . The Olubadan, in his response, emphasized the importance of dialogue, restraint, and unity in addressing issues affecting the Yoruba nation. He urged all stakeholders to pursue the...