Oriontimes

Curbing Burial of Relevance Ahead of the Poll In Osun politics, loyalty can cost you more than dignity, it can cost you blood. As the 2026 elections approach and tensions sharpen over the unresolved local government crisis, it’s becoming clear that we may be tiptoeing toward an avoidable standoff. The signs are there, if only we are willing to read them. The banners haven't gone up yet,  Party loyalists are being profiled.  And if care is not taken, we may soon find ourselves counting casualties instead of votes. It wouldn’t be the first time. Electioneering in Nigeria, particularly at the state level, is no stranger to violence. But must that always be our script? Must Osun again be drawn into the theater of bloodshed and betrayal, where the price of allegiance is not a handshake, but a funeral? The crisis rocking local governance today is no longer administrative, it is existential. The inability (or refusal) to resolve legal ambiguities has created political hostilities, a ...

In recent days, a viral video clip of a sermon delivered by Prophet Jeremiah Omoto Fufeyin, the General Overseer of Christ Mercyland Deliverance Ministry (CMDM), has generated intense controversy and provoked sharp reactions, including a recent public condemnation by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN). The clip, which is an excerpt from a message preached in January 2025, has been used as the basis for unfounded accusations branding the man of God a “fraud” and accusing him of promoting heretical doctrines. As a longstanding member of the ministry and a firsthand witness to both the context and intent of the message, I feel compelled to set the record straight and offer this rejoinder in defense of the truth, for the sake of public clarity and to prevent further misleading narratives. Misrepresentation of the Message The portion of the sermon that has gone viral focuses specifically on the biblical principle of the first fruit—a concept firmly rooted in Scripture (Proverbs 3:9-...

As political activity intensifies in Osun State ahead of the 2026 gubernatorial election, The lawmaker, who represents Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, and chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Oluwole Oke, has described the party’s governorship ticket as “a hot cake,” signaling growing interest and competition within the ruling party. The seasoned lawmaker stressed that the party’s increasing popularity in the state has made its ticket highly sought after by aspirants. “The APC ticket in Osun is now a hot cake. Everybody wants it. And that’s because the people are beginning to see the difference. They are looking towards a government that can deliver, and APC is positioning itself to do just that,” Oke stated. Political observers see Oke’s public statement as part of a broader realignment of political forces in Osun, where opposition figures and internal party actors are maneuvering for strategic advantage ahead of the 2026 r...

 Global Desk  In a dramatic escalation of Middle East tensions, the United States has joined Israel in launching coordinated strikes on three major Iranian nuclear facilities, including the fortified underground site at Fordow, as well as Natanz and Isfahan. The operation marks the most direct U.S. military action inside Iran in over a decade. President Donald Trump, in a televised address, described the operation as “a complete success,” claiming that the targeted sites were “totally obliterated.” The move comes just days after Israel initiated strikes following reports of renewed uranium enrichment activity by Iran. U.S. aircraft reportedly used bunker-buster bombs and cruise missiles to penetrate Iran’s deep underground installations. ⚠️ Risk of Wider Conflict Iranian officials have condemned the attacks as an act of war and vowed retaliation. Analysts warn that the strikes could ignite a regional conflict, drawing in Iranian proxies like Hezbollah and the Houthis, and pote...

The Government of Pakistan has officially nominated U.S. President Donald Trump for the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize, citing his “decisive diplomatic intervention and pivotal leadership” in “de‑escalating tensions” during the recent India–Pakistan crisis . The recommendation—posted today on the social media platform X—underscores Trump’s role in fostering a ceasefire between the two nuclear-armed nations. This nomination coincided with a high-level visit by Pakistan’s Army Chief, General Asim Munir, who dined with President Trump at the White House. That meeting was reportedly tied to the Nobel recommendation  . However, India has firmly dismissed any claim that external mediation influenced the de-escalation, stating that ceasefire agreements were achieved solely through military channels and bilateral negotiations  . ⚖️ What This Means Official nominations by sovereign governments are valid under Nobel rules, and Pakistan joins other entities—like Ukrainian officials and certain U...

A member of the House of Representatives and Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Hon. Busayo Oluwole Oke, has extended heartfelt birthday felicitations to the Secretary of Oriade Local Government, Hon. Adewunmi Awotayo. In a congratulatory message issued on Friday, Hon. Oluwole Oke, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), described Hon. Adewunmi Awotayo as a dependable and resilient public servant whose contributions to grassroots governance are deeply commendable. The lawmaker, who represents the Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency, noted that Awotayo’s unwavering commitment to party ideals and community service continues to inspire confidence among party faithful and residents alike. Hon. Oluwole Oke also used the occasion to express solidarity with the recently reinstated APC local government chairmen, reaffirming his belief that justice and progress will prevail for all those who have shown dedication to public service. He concluded his message by encoura...

The traditional ruler of Esa-Oke, the Owamiran, has been whisked away by security operatives under tense circumstances linked to the escalating communal crisis between Esa-Oke and Oko- Ido community in Osun State. The incident, which occurred earlier this week, has sparked outrage and confusion, with many questioning whether the order for the monarch’s arrest came directly from Governor Ademola Adeleke. Sources close to the palace disclosed that heavily armed security personnel arrived in the early hours and escorted the king without public explanation. While official channels remain tight-lipped, palace insiders suggest the action is connected to growing tensions over alleged land disputes and the controversial appointment of non-indigene into leadership position in Oko- Ido. Residents and community stakeholders say several attacks have been carried out in recent months, with many attributing the unrest to unresolved boundary issues and fears of ethnic displacement. "Our people h...

 _Presidential dreams launched on Facebook, collapse under comment section_  In a plot twist worthy of a Nollywood political thriller, the same youth who once blocked toll gates and screamed “Sòrò Sókè!” have now gone mute, not because they lost their voice, but because they misplaced the microphone somewhere between ego and electoral ambition. Meanwhile, Nigeria’s old political elites, the grandmasters of patapata things, are lounging in their agbadas, sipping kunu, and watching from their recliners like seasoned Big Brother Naija viewers:  “Who will self-destruct next?” “Ah! Sowore has clashed with Peter Obi again? E sweet me!” Once upon a time, the streets echoed with chants. Today, they echo with press releases. Aisha joined a party. Sowore founded one. Another activist formed a WhatsApp group. Yet another built a manifesto so thick it could double as a bulletproof vest, but only for shooting ideas in the foot. The youth were ready to lead, but forgot to pick a leader...

IJESA NORTH, OSUN  In a heartfelt tribute marking the birthday of Alhaji Sooko Tajudeen Lawal, the Osun State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Busayo Oluwole Oke has lauded the party leader’s enduring contributions to the party and the state’s political development. Hon. Oke, who represents Ijesa North Federal Constituency and serves as Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, described Alhaji Lawal as “a man of uncommon wisdom and vision,” whose leadership continues to inspire loyalty and progress within the party. In a goodwill message issued on Friday, the federal lawmaker and APC chieftain commended the chairman’s unflinching dedication to grassroots development and his inclusive leadership style, which he said has cemented party unity in Osun during challenging times. “Alhaji Lawal is a true lover of the people and a steady hand in turbulent times. His commitment to the growth of our party and the welfare of Osun citizens is not only admirable b...

  Hon. Oluwole Oke's Perspective on the Osun Local Council Polls: Court Judgements and the Stalemate In a recent interview with TVC, Hon. Oluwole Oke, a respected federal lawmaker and influential figure in Osun politics, offered a candid perspective on the lingering controversy over the state’s local government elections. His remarks shed light on the legal and political gridlock currently paralyzing grassroots governance in the state. According to Hon. Oke, the ongoing stalemate is a direct consequence of conflicting court judgments that have cast a shadow over the legitimacy of the last local council polls. While acknowledging the emotional and political weight of the issue, he emphasized the importance of constitutional order and judicial authority.  “Whether we agree with the judgments or not, the courts are the final arbiters in our democracy. We must respect them, not selectively but wholly,” Oke asserted. He further called on all political stakeholders in Osun to avoid ...