Oriontimes

  By OrionTimes News Desk | June 8, 2026 The Osun State Government has cautioned the state police command against yielding to alleged political pressure in the handling of a suspected bandit linked to the Lameco security case, warning against what it described as attempts to secure the suspect's release through unverified psychiatric claims. The government's reaction followed separate developments surrounding the controversial case. Earlier on Sunday, a civil society organisation, the Public Safety Accountability Group, alleged that prominent members of the opposition APC in Osun State were mounting pressure on law enforcement authorities to facilitate the suspect's release on medical grounds. According to the group, several APC chieftains were allegedly visiting police formations and making contacts aimed at obtaining bail for the suspect. The organisation described the move as an attempt to undermine what it called a significant breakthrough in efforts to dismantle a crim...

  Group alleges irregularities, candidate imposition and constitutional breaches; mobilises over 30 lawyers, including SANs, for legal showdown The internal crisis rocking the Edo State chapter of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has taken a dramatic turn as aggrieved members and aspirants announced plans to seek judicial intervention over what they described as an irregular and undemocratic screening exercise conducted by the party. The development follows growing dissatisfaction among party stakeholders over the recently concluded screening process, which critics claim was marred by alleged constitutional violations, lack of transparency, and attempts to sideline qualified aspirants. In an open letter dated June 8, 2026, and addressed to the National Chairman, National Working Committee (NWC), and other national officers of the party, the aggrieved members formally notified the national leadership of their decision to challenge the exercise in court. The letter, signed by H...

Concerned stakeholders urge national leadership to reject politically motivated disqualification, demand transparent primaries ahead of 2027 election Concerned members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Ebonyi State have issued an open letter to the party's national leadership, warning against what they described as emerging attempts to use zoning arrangements as a basis for the unjust disqualification of Senator Paulinus Igwe Nwagu from the party's 2027 governorship race. In the letter dated June 7, 2026, and signed by Engr. Uchenna Kelechi on behalf of concerned party elders, stakeholders, grassroots mobilizers, youth and women wings, and ward and local government executives, the group expressed fears that certain interests within the party may seek to manipulate the screening process to prevent Senator Nwagu from contesting for the governorship ticket. The group described Senator Nwagu as one of the most experienced and widely accepted political figures in Ebonyi S...

The family of late Mrs. Olanrewaju Aduni has paid glowing tribute to their beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, describing her as a woman whose life was marked by love, sacrifice, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to the wellbeing of her family and community. Speaking on behalf of the family, Mr. Okunlola Timothy, an in-law to the deceased, said the passing of Mrs. Aduni has left a profound void in the hearts of her children, relatives, friends, and loved ones, noting that her remarkable impact and selfless nature will never be forgotten. "You lived an impactful life, and we miss you more every day," he said, reflecting on the cherished memories and enduring values she left behind. The family described the late matriarch as a source of strength, wisdom, and guidance whose kindness, humility, and compassion touched countless lives. They noted that she devoted her life to nurturing her family, instilling strong values, integrity, and a spirit of service i...

  Senegal Offers Africa a Rare but Powerful Reminder of What Democratic Maturity Looks Like Abioye Tosin Lawrence, Publisher Oriontimes Online Newspaper In politics, loyalty is often mistaken for wisdom, and enthusiasm is frequently confused with strategy. As Osun State inches closer to the 2026 governorship election, the political temperature is rising once again. Alignments are shifting, rhetoric is hardening, and young political actors are becoming increasingly vocal.  Yet, amid this energy, there is a troubling pattern: a growing tolerance for politics without principle, and participation without dignity. There is nothing inherently wrong with defending a political party or supporting a candidate. Democracy thrives on competition. However, what is at stake is not participation, it is the manner of participation. Too many young elites in Osun and across Nigeria are slowly normalizing a political culture that reduces elections to warfare rather than civic responsibility....

  Wole Oke, Representing AMBO at St. Paul’s Cathedral Synod, Urges Christians to Prioritize Character, Competence and Integrity in Politics As political activities ahead of the 2026 Osun governorship election continue to gather momentum, a message delivered at the 12th Synod of St. Paul’s Cathedral, Gbongan, has reignited discussions on the role of faith, leadership and governance in shaping the future of the state. Speaking on the theme, “The Role of Christendom in Politics and Governance,”  the federal lawmaker and Director-General of the APC Gubernatorial Campaign Council, Wole Oke, represented the party's governorship candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO), during the first session of the synod where the candidate was honoured with the Episcopal Distinguished Merit Award. In his address, Oke described the recognition bestowed on Oyebamiji as a reflection of a life dedicated to service, integrity, humility and commitment to humanity. He commended the Anglican D...

  A major fire outbreak has reportedly engulfed a building in Osogbo, the Osun State capital, triggering panic among residents and business owners as emergency responders battle to contain the raging inferno. According to eyewitness accounts and videos circulating on social media and obtained by OrionTimes News, the fire broke out unexpectedly in a building within the metropolis and rapidly spread across sections of the structure, sending thick plumes of smoke into the sky. The exact cause of the incident had not been established as of the time of filing this report, while the full extent of the damage remained unclear. Residents expressed concern over the proximity of two filling stations to the scene of the incident, raising fears of a possible escalation should the flames spread to either facility. Motorists and other road users have been urged to avoid the affected area and make use of alternative routes to facilitate the free movement of fire service vehicles and other emergen...

 OSOGBO – A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, Hon. Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, has dismissed concerns over recent defections from the party, insisting that the development poses no threat to the APC’s structure, popularity, or chances of victory in the August 15, 2026 governorship election. Speaking with journalists in Osogbo on Sunday, Oyintiloye described the defections as a common occurrence in politics, particularly during election seasons, stressing that the APC remains firmly positioned to reclaim power in the state. According to him, the party's strength lies in its extensive grassroots network, which spans all wards, polling units, communities, and local government areas across Osun State. “The APC in Osun is bigger than any individual or group of individuals. Our party is built on a solid foundation that has endured for decades. We have a resilient structure, loyal membership, and an ever-expanding support base across the state,” he said. Oyintilo...

  As political activities intensify ahead of the August 15 governorship election in Osun State, Governor Ademola Adeleke has dismissed growing concerns over alleged plans to manipulate the electoral process, assuring residents that the will of the people will prevail at the polls. The governor, while reacting to widespread speculation surrounding election rigging, political intimidation, and possible violence, declared that his camp remains confident of securing victory through the ballot box. “We shall win convincingly and we shall be declared winner with wide margins,” the governor stated, urging citizens not to be distracted by what he described as deliberate scaremongering designed to create anxiety among voters. Adeleke's remarks come amid heightened political tension and intense campaign activities across the state, with various stakeholders expressing concerns about the conduct of the election and the potential influence of powerful political interests. However, the gov...

Oriontimes Poitical Desk| June 5, 2026 Obokun Local Government, under the strategic leadership of the Director-General of the APC Campaign Council, Hon. Oluwole Wole Oke, has once again taken the lead in grassroots political mobilisation with the successful inauguration of no fewer than 3,000 canvassers in support of the candidacy of Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji ahead of the forthcoming election. The landmark event, held in Ibokun, reflects Hon. Wole Oke’s unwavering commitment to building a formidable, structured, and result-driven campaign architecture capable of delivering victory for the All Progressives Congress (APC). As the political arrowhead of the campaign, Hon. Oke has continued to demonstrate exceptional organisational depth and strategic foresight, with Obokun serving as the operational nucleus of the statewide mobilisation effort. The inauguration marks a critical phase in the campaign’s grassroots engagement strategy, as the canvassers carefully selected across all ...