OYSIEC Releases Final List Of Candidates For December 29 Elections

The Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC) has released the final list of candidates contesting for chairmanship and councillorship positions in the forthcoming local government elections scheduled for 29 December, 2026.

The electoral body also presented copies of the list to Electoral Officers (EOs) and Assistant Electoral Officers (AEOs) for display at OYSIEC offices across the state.

Presenting the list at an interactive meeting with Electoral Officers (EOs) and Assistant Electoral Officers (AEOs) on Tuesday, 27 October, 2026 at the Commission’s headquarters in Ibadan, the OYSIEC Chairman, Dr Afees Adeniyi, said the Commission had made significant progress towards conducting the third consecutive local government election under the present administration.

Dr Adeniyi hinted that nine out of the fifteen activities contained in the final revised election time table and schedule of activities leading to the election day had been carried out successfully.

He called on the electoral officers to ensure the display of the final list of the candidates in all the OYSIEC offices across the state without any delay.

Responding to questions and observations raised during the meeting, Dr Adeniyi assured that relevant stakeholders would be involved in the electoral processes to ensure the successful conduct of the election.

He appreciated the governor of the state , Engr. Seyi Makinde for his interest in the conduct of the local government council elections and the approval of funds for the elections .

I warmly welcome everyone to this meeting and also appreciate you all for your dedication and cooperation since my assumption in office.

This meeting is to brainstorm and ensure there is no communication gap between us . The commission members had worked on the final list of candidates submitted by political parties accordingly.

We are presenting this to you today, believing that it will be displayed or pasted across our offices in the state, starting from tomorrow, 28th October, 2026.

In his remarks , the Chairman, Electoral Officers Forum, Dr Olusegun Odekunle , Pledged the commitment of all the electoral officers and assistant electoral officers to the successful conduct of the council poll. 

Dr Odekunle lauded the leadership of the commission for its input on the review of the allowances of the electoral and assistant electoral officers by the state government and other welfare packages.

Odidiomo Campaign Organization Gives Oriyomi Hamzat 72 Hours to Retract Allegations or Face Legal Action

The Odidiomo campaign Organization has strongly condemned a video circulating on social media regarding the recent Molete unrest in Ibadan, describing allegations made against its principal, Hon. Adedeji Dhikrullahi Olajide Odidiomo, as malicious, unsubstantiated, and defamatory.

In a press statement issued in Ibadan on Thursday by its spokesperson, Tolu Mustapha, the campaign organization demanded immediate proof of the claims or a full retraction and public apologyy from Oriyomi Hamzat within 72 hours, failing which it would institute legal action.

The controversy stems from a Facebook live stream on Oriyomi Hamzat Live, during which he displayed a fez cap allegedly belonging to Hon. Adedeji Dhikrullahi Olajide Odidiomo, the Oyo south senatorial candidate of the Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM).

During the Iive facebook broadcast, Oriyomi Hamzat alleged that individuals wearing similar customized caps attacked him during the Molete disturbance and further claimed that the same group was responsible for an earlier assault involving Hon. Remi Oseni.

Rejecting any involvement in the disturbance, the campaign organization insisted that Odidiomo had no connection whatsoever to the event or the broadcaster.

“We have no business with you, and we are not contesting for the same position,” the statement read, stressing that Odidiomo’s senatorial pursuit in Oyo south remains entirely distinct from any political interests involved in the controversy.

The campaign organization challenged Oriyomi Hamzat to produce verifiable evidence establishing what transpired, who was involved, and how the incidents were allegedly connected, rather than relying on public insinuations and hatchet display.

Consequently, the organization issued a strict ultimatum demanding that Oriyomi Hamzat must produce concrete, verifiable evidence within 24 hours to support his allegations that his attackers wore the lawmaker’s campaign cap and that the same individuals were involved in the alleged attack on Remi Oseni.

The Odidiomo campaign organization stated further that should he fail to substantiate the claims within 24 hours, Hamzat must immediately pull down the video, record and publish a 5 minute video retraction, and publish a formal public apology across five major national dailies and 10 leading online news platforms within 72 hours.

The organization warned that failure to meet these demands within the stipulated time frame would leave it with no option but to direct its legal team to initiate court proceedings for criminal defamation and libel to protect the integrity and reputation of the APM candidate.

The Odidiomo Campaign Organization also commended residents of Oyo state State for questioning the motives behind the facebook live stream and urged the general public to reject unverified narratives aimed at maligning political candidates ahead of upcoming elections.

Family confirms death of gospel singer Toluwanisings

The family of Nigerian gospel singer, Olayemi Bolaji, popularly known as Toluwanisings, has announced his death.

The announcement, posted on the singer’s TikTok account on Wednesday, noted that he died in the early hours of October 14, 2026.

The statement read, “With deep sorrow, the family announces the passing of Minister Olayemi Bayonile Bolaji, Toluwani Gospel Music Ministry (TOGOMM), who passed away in the early hours of 14 October 2026.

“A dearly loved husband, family member, and gospel minister.

“Please keep his wife, family, and loved ones in your prayers during this difficult time.”

The statement also noted that funeral arrangements would be announced by the family in due course.

The singer’s death has sparked concerns, with fans and colleagues expressing grief on social media.

The Convener of the Coalition of Public Interest Lawyers and Advocates, Pelumi Olajengbesi, expressed distress over the development in a post on Instagram, pleading for God’s mercy.

Sharing a picture of the singer, Olajengbesi wrote, “My God! What a life! No, Lord! We plead for Your mercy upon Toluwanisings.

“I am deeply troubled by the deaths of young men and women. This is not God’s plan for us.

“We say no to untimely death.”

An X user, Ennybets, also shared an account of the incident on Wednesday.

He stated that he was at a hospital when the singer was brought in.

He wrote, “Brought my wife to the hospital for antenatal, and some car rushed in here bringing a popular gospel man.

“Come and see how BBO and the rest are crying so bad, I pray he survives this though.”

In a follow-up post, Ennybets expressed grief over the singer’s passing, saying he witnessed members of his band crying at the hospital.

He wrote, “I cried about this man’s passing. The fact that I was seeing over 10 grown men who are his band members, crying heavily in front of me is giving me trauma.”

Reacting to the news, gospel artiste Mega99 described the late singer as a rare talent.

He wrote, “A rare gem with a unique voice is gone. This life.”

The cause of his death remained unknown as of the time this report was filed.

Gunmen kidnap three CRIN workers in Oyo, demand N120m ransom

Gunmen have abducted three people, including two staff members of the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN), Idi Ayunre, in the Oluyole Local Government Area of Oyo State, and demanded N120 million for their release.

The victims were identified as Mrs Eunice Babalola, leader of CRIN’s Central Nursery; Mr Kehinde Gbalajobi, an agricultural superintendent; and another man who resides in the institute’s SS Quarters but is not a member of staff.

The abduction occurred during working hours yesterday, according to the information gathered by our correspondent.

A source familiar with the incident disclosed that Babalola and Gbalajobi were kidnapped while walking from the institute’s Central Nursery to the SS Quarters, where Babalola intended to collect some items from her residence.

The source explained that their driver was expected to pick them up at the quarters while returning from the nursery to the institute’s main office with other nursery staff.

The two workers, however, were intercepted by the gunmen before they could reach the quarters, while the third victim, a resident of the SS Quarters who is not employed by CRIN, was also abducted.

The source said the gunmen subsequently attempted to abduct additional people at the Central Nursery but were prevented from doing so following a fierce exchange of gunfire with security personnel on guard.

“The kidnappers went to the Central Nursery to pick more victims but were repelled after a fierce exchange of gunshots with the security men on guard at the time,” the source said.

The source further disclosed that the kidnappers had established contact with the victims’ relatives and were demanding a total ransom of N120 million for the release of the three abductees.

The incident has raised fresh concerns over the safety of workers and residents within the institute’s premises, particularly following the reported attempt by the gunmen to seize additional victims.

Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer in Oyo State, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, said the victims were abducted while inspecting crops on a farm within the institute’s premises.

According to the police spokesman, security operatives have commenced efforts to track down the perpetrators and secure the victims’ release.

“A manhunt has been launched, and operational efforts are ongoing to ensure the victims’ safe return and bring those responsible to justice,” Ayanlade said.

He added that the command was deploying the necessary resources to address the situation and appealed to members of the public to provide useful information that could assist the ongoing operation.

“The command reassured the public that every necessary effort is being made to resolve the situation and urges anyone with credible information that could assist the ongoing operation to promptly report to the nearest police station or contact the command through its established emergency channels,” he said.

Oyo 2027: Fakorede Takes Odidiomo Youth Mobilisation Drive to Sabo, Meets CYSD Leadership

The Director of Youth Mobilisation & Strategy Directorate of the Odidiomo Campaign Organisation, Seun Fakorede, yesterday led a delegation to Sabo, Ibadan, for a strategic engagement with the leadership of the Coalition of Youth for Social Development (CYSD), a group representing the Arewa/Hausa community across Oyo State.

The engagement provided an opportunity for both sides to interact, exchange ideas and discuss issues concerning youth participation, community development and inclusive engagement ahead of the 2027 political season.

The meeting provided an opportunity for dialogue with community youth leaders on issues concerning youth participation, social development and community engagement. CYSD emerged in Sabo from a coming together of several youth-focused groups in the area. 

The delegation noted the importance of continued engagement with youth organisations across different communities, while the interaction with CYSD leadership offered an avenue to exchange views and better understand issues affecting their members.

The meeting in Sabo forms part of the ongoing engagements by the Youth Mobilisation & Strategy Directorate with youth groups and community stakeholders across Oyo State.

The meeting was facilitated with the support of the Special Assistant to the Governor on Community Relations (Arewa Community), Alhaji Murtala Ahmad, and Alhaji Jagaban of the Arewa Community.

Chaired by Alhaji Kaka B., CYSD brings together Amana Foundation, Youths Charity Foundation, Sabo Youth Alliance, Humanity Helpers Network, Sabo Youth Vanguard, Bi’izinillah Youth Association, Zaman Lafiya, Operations Keep Sabo Clean and Vanguard Qadriyyah.

It was a meaningful reunion with a community I have engaged with and advocated for over seven years, first as Commissioner for Youth & Sports and now as Executive Adviser to the Governor on Youth & Sports, with the support of His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde.

The coalition appreciated the Governor for the projects, interventions, and basic amenities benefiting their community, as well as the broader transformation across Oyo State.

They also acknowledged Rt. Hon. Adedeji Dhikrullahi Olajide (Odidiomo) for his support, particularly his ₦10 million contribution towards the renovation of their Central Mosque and ₦1 million towards the surgical operation of one of their promising youths.

The leadership of CYSD expressed confidence in the Governor and affirmed their commitment to supporting Bimbo Adekanbi for Governor, Odidiomo for Senator, Oyo South Senatorial District, and other APM candidates.

I assured them of continued government engagement and support, recognising the Arewa/Hausa community as an integral part of Oyo State’s social and economic fabric.

For me, leadership is about building bridges, listening, inclusion and trust. Every community matters, every voice counts, and every citizen has a stake in our collective progress.

The work continues...

The Seun Fakorede,

Director, Youth Mobilisation & Strategy, Odidiomo Campaign Organisation.