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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...

  Manchester City have reportedly approached Premier League officials over concerns surrounding a growing fixture pile-up, as the defending champions face the daunting prospect of playing three matches within seven days. The congested schedule, driven by City’s continued involvement in multiple competitions, has forced the club into discussions with league authorities in a bid to ease the strain on players during a crucial phase of the season. With the title race reaching a boiling point, the timing of the request has not gone unnoticed. Rivals, particularly Arsenal, are said to be monitoring the situation closely amid fears that any adjustment could tilt the competitive balance in the closing weeks of the campaign. City’s situation reflects the broader challenge faced by elite clubs competing on multiple fronts. Balancing domestic league commitments with cup competitions often leads to fixture congestion, raising concerns over player fatigue, injury risks, and overall performance ...

 Arsenal FC have taken a significant step in their pursuit of Victor Osimhen, as reports indicate growing momentum behind a potential blockbuster transfer. The club’s Sporting Director, Andrea Berta, was recently spotted in discussions with officials from Galatasaray, signaling serious intent from the North London side to secure the services of the prolific Nigerian striker. Osimhen, widely regarded as one of Europe’s most lethal forwards, has attracted interest from several top clubs following his consistent goal-scoring performances. Arsenal’s renewed push suggests they are keen to bolster their attacking options ahead of the new season, with the Super Eagles star seen as a key piece in their title ambitions. While details of the negotiations remain undisclosed, the meeting between both parties hints at advanced exploratory talks. Galatasaray’s stance and financial expectations could prove decisive, as Arsenal weigh the cost of landing one of the most sought-after strikers in wor...

  Nigerian-born powerhouse Oba Femi has opened up on the pivotal decision that reshaped his career, walking away from a promising future in athletics to pursue global stardom in WWE. Before the bright lights, roaring crowds, and championship aspirations, Oba Femi was on a different path entirely. As a rising talent in shot put, he had his eyes firmly set on representing at the highest levels, with dreams of the Olympic stage within reach. His physical strength, discipline, and competitive drive made him one of the most promising prospects in the field. However, beneath the surface of structured competition and measured throws, a different calling was brewing. According to Femi, the transition was not impulsive but deeply intentional. He sought a platform that allowed for more expression, one that combined athleticism with personality, storytelling, and global reach. That platform, he found, was WWE. “Wrestling gave me something athletics couldn’t,” he hinted in a recent revelation....

  In a move that underscores internal cohesion and strategic alignment, the Action Peoples Party (APP) in Osun State has produced a new set of executives through a consensus-driven state congress, with Mr. Odesola Titus and Mr. Olasupo Ibrahim Olarewaju emerging as State Chairman and State Secretary respectively. The congress, held on Sunday, concluded without contest, as stakeholders across the party structure unanimously endorsed candidates for various leadership positions, an outcome party insiders described as a reflection of unity and shared purpose. In a statement released shortly after the exercise, the newly elected chairman, Odesola Oluseye Titus, confirmed that the process was peaceful and widely accepted by delegates. According to him, the adoption of consensus as the mode of election eliminated internal frictions and reinforced confidence in the party’s organisational stability. “The congress adopted consensus as the mode of election, with stakeholders endorsing nominee...

 As Nigeria edges closer to the 2027 general elections, presidential aspirant, Chief CBN Onwuasoanya Ezendigbo, has declared that his focus remains on national transformation rather than partisan alignment. In a conversation with OrionTimes, Ezendigbo revealed that he is yet to commit to any political party, stressing that his ambition is driven by a deeper concern for Nigeria and the African continent at large. “I have not declared which political party I am going to run on,” he stated. “My concern goes beyond politics, I am thinking about Nigeria and Africa. We have the land, we have the manpower, yet we are not developing as we should.” Painting a grim picture of the nation’s current realities, Ezendigbo lamented the paradox of wealth without infrastructure. “You have money, yet there are no roads, no electricity, failing schools, weak agricultural systems, and no security. Even the banking system is threatened. These are fundamental areas we must confront,” he said. He raised a...

  Former U.S. President Donald Trump and Senator J.D. Vance were reportedly rushed off stage during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner after what witnesses described as a sudden security scare involving suspected gunfire. According to unconfirmed accounts circulating from the event, the atmosphere shifted abruptly mid-program as security personnel moved swiftly to evacuate key political figures from the stage area. Attendees were said to have been momentarily confused before security protocols took full effect, halting proceedings. While official details remain unclear at the time of reporting, early descriptions suggest a possible security breach or perceived threat that triggered an immediate protective response. No verified information has yet confirmed the nature of the incident or whether any shots were actually fired. Security agencies are expected to release a formal statement clarifying the situation, as speculation continues to spread across political and media circles...

  There is an unofficial curriculum in Nigerian politics, one that is not written in any constitution, not taught in any classroom, yet faithfully observed across party lines and generations. It is the making of the “ideal political youth.” Step one is simple: stop thinking, start clapping. Not metaphorically. Literally. Because in the evolving architecture of political survival, independent thought has become an inconvenience, too sharp for comfort, too honest for negotiation, too unpredictable for loyalty. And loyalty, not ideology, is the true currency of the realm. Many young Nigerians with promising political futures now find themselves in an unusual role: defending systems they once had the potential to reform. Across successive republics, they are often positioned not as challengers of the old order, but as its most energetic reinforcement. What is frequently misunderstood is that modern Nigerian politics is less about ideology and more about interest management. It is a mar...

CBN Onwuasoanya Ezendigbo has raised concerns over emerging policies requiring residents in some state-owned housing estates to obtain approval and pay permit fees before installing solar power systems. In a country often regarded as a potential model for Africa, such developments are drawing attention to the widening gap between public infrastructure and citizens’ daily realities.  Across Nigeria, electricity supply remains inconsistent, compelling millions of households and businesses to seek alternative sources of power at significant personal expense. “It is disastrous to collect money from citizens because they install solar in their homes,” he said. Ezendigbo questioned the rationale behind taxing alternative energy solutions when the government has struggled to provide stable electricity. “You didn’t provide solar. There is no lasting solution to regulate electricity, yet you want to charge people for finding their own way out. Meanwhile, solar itself is already commercial.”...

Seun Kuti has opened up about a startling childhood memory involving his late father, Fela Kuti, during one of his periods in detention. In a recent interview, the Afrobeat musician recounted how his late mother, Fehintola Kuti, once concealed cannabis inside a loaf of bread and asked him to deliver it to his father while he was being held by authorities. According to Seun, the visit took place at the Federal Investigation and Intelligence Department facility located at Alagbon Close in Lagos, where Fela was reportedly detained at the time. Unaware of what he was carrying, Seun said he simply followed his mother’s instructions. “We were going to visit my father, and my mum bought bread to give to him. She hid ‘Igbo’ inside the bread and asked me to hand it over when we got there,” he recalled. The revelation offers a glimpse into the unconventional and often turbulent life surrounding the Afrobeat legend, whose clashes with authorities were a defining part of his legacy.

A member of the United States military has been accused of exploiting classified intelligence for personal gain, allegedly placing bets on a covert operation targeting former Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. According to a statement released by the U.S. Department of Justice, the soldier is alleged to have wagered on both the timing and outcome of the operation “all to turn a profit,” raising serious concerns about the intersection of national security and financial speculation. Prosecutors claim the accused used sensitive, non-public information obtained through his involvement in the mission to place bets on a prediction platform, ultimately generating substantial financial returns reportedly exceeding hundreds of thousands of dollars. The case has drawn comparisons to insider trading, but with far graver implications. Unlike traditional financial crimes, this incident touches directly on military ethics and the integrity of classified operations. Analysts warn that such actions, if...

 By Raphael Oni The Chairman of the Osun Online Publishers Association (OOPA), Comrade Abioye Tosin Lawrence, has criticized the tenure of former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, stating that Nigeria’s electricity sector saw no meaningful improvement under his leadership and still requires what he described as “nothing short of a miracle” to recover. Speaking on City Mirror TV’s programme, Issues that Matter, on Thursday, Abioye said Adelabu left office without delivering measurable results in a sector that remains central to Nigeria’s economic stability and daily life. According to him, despite repeated assurances and policy pronouncements during Adelabu’s time in office, the lived reality for millions of Nigerians remained unchanged. “Electricity is not a luxury; it is essential. When there is no light, everything suffers, businesses, security, and even basic living standards. Nigerians are still facing the same challenges,” he said. Abioye argued that the former minister ough...

The Osun Online Publishers Association (OOPA) has extended its congratulations to Asiwaju Ayobami Agboola, Chief Executive Officer of City Mirror News, on his emergence as Vice Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ). In a statement issued by the Chairman of the association, Comrade Abioye Tosin Lawrence, OOPA described Agboola as a leader endowed with natural wisdom and exceptional capacity to excel across diverse spheres of life. “Chief Ayobami Agboola is endowed with natural wisdom, enabling him to thrive in every space of life. His leadership acumen is top-notch.” The association expressed confidence in Agboola’s ability to deliver in his new role, noting that his experience and professional track record position him as a fitting choice for the office. OOPA further wished him a successful tenure, urging him to continue upholding the values of professionalism, integrity, and service within the journalism community. Signed: Abioye Tosin Lawrence Chairman Adekale Babatunde ...

  In a move that has sent shockwaves through English football, Liam Rosenior has reportedly been relieved of his duties as head coach of Chelsea FC just four months into his tenure. Rosenior, who was handed a long-term six-year contract upon his appointment, still had a staggering five years and eight months remaining on his deal at the time of his dismissal. The abrupt decision now places the club in a potentially costly position, with reports suggesting that Chelsea could be liable to pay as much as £24 million in compensation. The development raises fresh questions about managerial stability at Stamford Bridge, where long-term planning continues to clash with short-term expectations. Despite the club’s ambitions to build a sustainable project, the early termination of Rosenior’s contract underscores a recurring pattern of impatience at the top level. While official statements from the club remain limited, the financial implications of the decision are already drawing scrutiny, e...

  Wale Edun has expressed gratitude to Bola Tinubu for the opportunity to serve in key capacities since the inception of the administration in May 2023. In a statement released on Wednesday, Edun described his time in office as both an honour and a privilege, noting that he was proud to have contributed to the implementation of the administration’s economic agenda during a critical phase in the country’s development. He highlighted the challenges faced and milestones achieved within the period, emphasizing his commitment to national service and economic reform. Edun’s remarks come following his removal from office, marking the end of his tenure as finance minister.

 

  APC’s failure to give the Osun West Senatorial District ticket to Brigadier General Biodun Bashir Adewinmbi (rtd) would not just be a missed opportunity—it could pose a serious political setback for the party in the district. Brigadier General Adewinmbi represents a rare blend of credibility, discipline, experience, and grassroots appeal. In a political climate where voters are increasingly demanding integrity, competence, and proven leadership, sidelining such a figure may send the wrong signal to the electorate. It could reinforce narratives of internal injustice, favoritism, or a disconnect between party leadership and the aspirations of the people. Osun West is not a district to be taken lightly. It requires a candidate who commands respect across communities, understands the dynamics of governance, and can effectively represent the people at the Red Chamber. Adewinmbi’s track record, both in public service and community engagement, positions him as a unifying force capable o...

 ABIA STATE — In a report made available to Orion Times via Esv. Saheed Abiodun, the National President of the Oscotech Alumni Association Worldwide, Dr. Adewale Afolabi, Ph.D, FMNES, MNIM, has formally congratulated several members of the association following their successful emergence into strategic leadership positions within the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV). The congratulatory message followed the conclusion of the NIESV national elections held in Abia State from Tuesday, 14th to Sunday, 19th April 2026, where members of the Oscotech Alumni Association recorded notable electoral successes across various leadership positions. Dr. Afolabi described the development as a significant milestone for the association, noting that it reflects the growing influence, professional excellence, and leadership capacity of Oscotech alumni within the national structure of the estate surveying profession in Nigeria. According to the election outcome, the following...