JUST IN: Veteran Nollywood actor Kola Oyewo is dead

Veteran Nollywood actor, dramatist, filmmaker and scholar, Dr Kola Oyewo, has died at the age of 80.

His death was announced on Friday by actor Kunle Afod in an Instagram post.

Veteran Nollywood actor, dramatist, filmmaker and scholar, Dr Kola Oyewo, has died at the age of 80.

His death was announced on Friday by actor Kunle Afod in an Instagram post.

He gained widespread recognition for his portrayal of Odewale in The Gods Are Not to Blame.

Over a career spanning more than six decades, Oyewo featured in notable productions including Saworoide, Sango, Super Story and several Yoruba-language films that contributed to the growth of Nigeria’s movie industry.

Aside from acting, Oyewo built a distinguished academic career. He earned a doctorate degree in Drama from University of Ibadan and lectured at Obafemi Awolowo University, Redeemer’s University and Elizade University. 

Governor Makinde Gives Update on Kidnapped Oyo Schoolchildren, Teachers

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has said the schoolchildren and teachers abducted by suspected bandits in Oriire Local Government Area are still being held within the Old Oyo National Park axis, as security agencies continue efforts to secure their freedom.

The governor gave the update on Friday through his Newsletter No. 140, assuring residents that the rescue operation remains active and that authorities have not abandoned the victims.

According to him, it has been 27 days since the attack on schools in Yawota and Ahoro-Esinle communities, an incident that threw many families into grief and uncertainty.

The victims were kidnapped during coordinated attacks on Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, Community Grammar School and L.A. Primary School, Ahoro-Esinle, on May 15.

Makinde admitted that the long wait has been painful for parents and relatives of the abductees. He said he understands the anxiety in the affected communities, adding that repeated assurances from government may not be enough to ease the worries of families still waiting for their loved ones.

The governor, however, maintained that security agencies are working round the clock to bring the victims home safely.

“Every credible lead is being pursued and every lawful measure is being deployed to secure the safe release of the abductees,” he said.

He explained that intelligence available to the government indicates that the victims are still within the wider Old Oyo National Park corridor.

Makinde noted that the vast forest, which stretches across about 2,500 square kilometres and cuts across several local government areas, has created major operational challenges for security personnel.

According to him, the difficult terrain requires careful planning, strategic coordination and patience to avoid putting the lives of the captives at further risk.

The governor also appealed to residents to remain alert and report suspicious movements to security authorities through the state’s toll-free emergency line, stressing that useful information from members of the public could assist ongoing operations.

JUNE 12: Oyo State Gubernatorial Candidate of Allied People's Movement (APM), Hon Abimbola Adekanmbi Urges Nigerians To Keep Faith In Democracy

On this June 12, as we commemorate Democracy Day, we reflect on the resilient spirit of our great nation. Democracy is more than just political freedom; it represents our shared struggle, our diversity, and our collective hope for a just and peaceful society where the voices of the people are heard and protected.  

Even as we celebrate the unbroken civilian governance that defines our democratic journey, our hearts carry a heavy burden. True freedom cannot fully exist without absolute security. On this sacred day, we lift our voices in fervent prayer for our innocent schoolchildren and teachers who were tragically taken from their classrooms in Oyo State. 

We pray for their safety, comfort, and immediate, unharmed return to the embrace of their families and communities. May the Almighty guide our leaders and security agencies with the precision and strength needed to bring them all home swiftly.  

Let us remain united in hope, rejecting division, and striving together to build a country where our citizens can live and learn without fear.

He Congratulated Nigerians and the people of Oyo State for witnessing this year’s Democracy Day.

God bless Nigeria,

God bless Oyo State,

God bless Gov. Seyi Makinde.

BREAKING: Carter Efe beats Portable in celebrity boxing match

Street artiste and ZaZoo crooner, Habeeb ‘Portable’ Badmus, suffered his first defeat in celebrity boxing on Friday night as social media comedian, Carter Efe, outclassed him across three rounds to win by unanimous decision at the Chaos in the Ring 4 event held at the Balmoral Hall, Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.

All three judges scored the bout 27-30 in favour of Efe, stripping Portable of his status as celebrity boxing king.

Portable, who had beaten Charles Okocha and Speed Darlington in previous bouts to claim two belts, had entered the ring with characteristic swagger, promising to add a third title at Efe’s expense.

“I will use you to collect my third belt. Charles Okocha was bigger than you, Speed Darlington was bigger than you, and I beat them. I will beat you now,” the street artiste had warned ahead of the fight.

Efe, however, was unmoved, responding, “One punch and you fall.”

The skit maker backed up his words in the ring. In the opening round, Portable came out aggressively, throwing wild, erratic punches in his trademark style, but the taller Efe absorbed the pressure and countered with crisp uppercuts and body punches that troubled the singer’s smaller frame.

Portable’s approach did not change in the second round as he continued to throw wide shots and clinch repeatedly, but Efe grew sharper, landing more solid combinations. The third round followed a similar pattern, with Efe consistently finding his mark before the final bell.

The result confirmed Efe as the new celebrity boxing champion.

Actress Funke Akindele, others stranded at London Airport over 10-hour flight delay by Air Peace

Nollywood filmmaker, Funke Akindele has called out Air Peace after passengers, including elderly travellers, were stranded at London’s Gatwick Airport for nearly 10 hours without their luggage, hotel accommodation or clear communication from the airline.

Akindele took to X on Friday to demand immediate action from the airline.

She said passengers had been waiting since 6:30am with no proper updates after being told a bird strike had caused the delay.

“Air Peace, this is unacceptable. Passengers (including elderly people) have been stranded since 6:30am at London Gatwick Airport with no proper communication.

“After hours of delay, we were told there was a bird strike and promised a hotel. Hours later, people are still sitting at baggage claim hungry, exhausted, and without their bags,” she wrote.

The filmmaker said elderly passengers were struggling and families were worn out.

She demanded the airline release the luggage and provide the hotel it had promised.

In a second post published alongside a video of the current situation, Akindele said the situation had not improved.

“Air Peace, what is going on? Since 7am at London Gatwick Airport and it’s almost 4pm — no bags, no hotel, no proper updates. “Passengers are stranded. People are tired and hungry. Release the luggage and take care of your passengers NOW,” she wrote.

Air Peace responded to her first post, expressing empathy and attributing the disruption to factors beyond its control.

“Such actions are never intentional as we prioritise safety and operational efficiency, and while we strive for on-time departures, certain factors beyond our control can sometimes cause delays,” the airline said.

It added that its team was working to provide all affected passengers with adequate assistance and urged them to bear with it.

As of the time of filing this report, there was no confirmation from either party that the luggage had been released or that hotel accommodation had been provided.