Oyo govt decries exclusion of Gov. Makinde from Ibadan-Ijebu-Ode Road dualisation flag-off

The Oyo State Government has condemned what it described as the deliberate exclusion of Gov. Seyi Makinde from the flag-off ceremony of the Ibadan-Ijebu-Ode Road dualisation project held on Monday in Oluyole Local Government Area of the state.

In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information, Mr Dotun Oyelade, the government said reducing the event to a political gathering was taking politics too far.

The flag-off ceremony took place at Idi Ayunre in Oluyole LGA and was attended by Gov. Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, who represented President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Works, Mr Dave Umahi

Other dignitaries included the APC gubernatorial candidate in Oyo, Mr Sarafadeen Alli; and the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja.

According to Oyelade, the absence of Makinde fell short of its edifying billing because of the desperate political undertone borne out of a lack of sagacity and confidence.

The commissioner faulted the explanation that the governor was not invited because he was on leave, describing it as ridiculous given that the Deputy Governor, Mr Bayo Lawal, who is acting governor, was available.

“The exclusion is unfortunate. The course of 2027 is set, and no level of indecorum or desperation from whatever quarters will hold back the will of the people,” Oyelade said.

The commissioner added that Makinde remains unperturbed and regrets that the event, which should have been about infrastructure development for the people of Oyo and Ogun States, was reduced to a political jamboree.

Oyo 2027: OBF Youth Storm DG Youth Mobilisation’s Office, Declare Total Support for Bimadek & Seyi Makinde

The political momentum and grassroots mobilisation for the continuity agenda received another boost as the Omituntun Benedict Forum (OBF) Youth paid a strategic visit to the Director-General, Youth Mobilisation, Hon. Kazeem Bolarinwa.

The visit provided an opportunity for the youth leaders and members of OBF to engage directly with the Director-General, share their views on youth participation, grassroots mobilisation and the political direction of the state, while reaffirming their commitment to the leadership and progressive agenda of Governor Seyi Makinde.

During the meeting, the OBF Youth openly declared their support for Hon. Bimbo Adekanmbi (Bimadek) as the preferred choice for the next phase of leadership in Oyo State. They described Bimadek as a leader with the capacity, experience and vision required to build on the achievements recorded under the present administration.

The youth delegation also expressed strong confidence in Governor Seyi Makinde, appreciating his administration’s efforts toward development, youth inclusion, economic growth and improved opportunities for the people of Oyo State.

Speaking during the engagement, the OBF Youth emphasised that their support is not merely about political endorsement, but about building a stronger grassroots movement that will actively engage young people and ensure that their voices remain relevant in the political process.

They further pledged to take the message of continuity, development and progressive leadership to their various communities, wards and networks, stressing that the youth must be active participants in shaping the future of Oyo State.

Hon. Kazeem Bolarinwa welcomed the delegation and commended the Omituntun Benedict Forum Youth for their commitment, unity and determination to contribute meaningfully to the political process. He assured them that the youth constituency remains a critical pillar of the mobilisation structure.

The engagement ended on a strong note of unity, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to grassroots mobilisation and a collective political direction centred around Governor Seyi Makinde and Hon. Bimbo Adekanmbi.

With more youth groups and grassroots organisations increasingly identifying with the movement, the latest OBF Youth declaration further signals growing momentum as preparations and mobilisation ahead of 2027 continue to gather pace.

The message from the OBF Youth is clear: the movement is growing, the grassroots are mobilising, and the youth are ready to play their part.

ORANYAN MARKET FIRE: Odidiomo Moves To Support Affected Traders, Promises Stronger Advocacy

In the aftermath of the devastating midnight fire that ravaged parts of Oranyan Market in Ibadan, I visited the market today to see the situation for myself and stand in solidarity with the traders who have been badly affected.

The scene was heartbreaking. Shops that once represented years of sacrifice, determination, and investment were reduced to ruins, while goods painstakingly gathered for businesses were lost in a matter of hours. For many of the affected traders, this is not simply a loss of property; it is a serious blow to their livelihoods and the welfare of their families.

During my visit, I engaged with the victims, listened carefully to their experiences, and assessed the extent of the damage. Their stories reinforced the need for urgent attention and meaningful support as they begin the process of rebuilding their businesses and lives.

I deeply sympathise with every trader and family affected by this unfortunate incident. At moments like this, leadership must go beyond words. It must involve presence, compassion, advocacy, and a genuine commitment to finding solutions.

I will continue to engage relevant authorities and stakeholders to explore possible interventions that can support the affected traders during this difficult period. I will equally continue to advocate for stronger fire-prevention measures, improved emergency response systems, and safer market environments across our communities.

Our people should never have to face moments of crisis alone. Representation means standing with them in difficult times, listening to their concerns, and working tirelessly toward solutions. 

May God strengthen the affected traders, restore what has been lost, and grant everyone involved the courage and resources to rebuild. Oranyan will rise again.

2027: Peter Obi most popular opposition candidate — NDC

 

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has said its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, remains the most popular opposition candidate capable of leading a proposed coalition to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.

The National Publicity Secretary of the NDC, Osa Director, stated this while reacting to efforts by the G100, a group seeking to facilitate the emergence of a single presidential candidate among opposition parties ahead of the election.

Director said the NDC had been approached by the group and was not opposed to its proposal, but insisted that the candidate chosen to lead the opposition coalition should be the “brightest, best and most popular” among the presidential contenders. According to him, the NDC believes Peter Obi meets those criteria.

“The G100 has approached the NDC and we are not opposed to their suggestions. However, we are of the opinion that the brightest, best and most popular candidate in the opposition should lead the coalition, and that is our presidential candidate, Peter Obi,” he said.

He added that the NDC expected the G100 to act in the broader interest of Nigerians as discussions continue over the possibility of presenting a single opposition candidate against the incumbent.

“We want to believe that the G100 is working in the interests of Nigerians. At the end of the day, it is the electorate that would determine who leads them,” Director said.

The development comes amid growing efforts by opposition groups and political parties to explore a possible alliance ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

The proposed arrangement is aimed at bringing opposition presidential candidates together to consider the possibility of presenting a single candidate against President Tinubu, who is seeking another term in office.

While discussions around opposition unity continue, the NDC’s position is that popularity and acceptability among voters should be key considerations in determining who ultimately leads any proposed coalition.

Veteran Nollywood Actor Ogogo is Dead

Veteran Nigerian actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, has reportedly died.

The news of the actor’s death was announced by ace journalist Femi Davies.

The development comes days after Hassan’s daughter raised concerns about her father’s health in a post shared on social media.

Reports circulating online claim that the actor had been battling cancer before his death. However, details surrounding his illness and death have yet to be independently confirmed.

Hassan was a prominent figure in the Nigerian film industry, particularly known for his roles in Yoruba-language films. His career spanned several decades, earning him a strong following among film lovers.

His reported death has since sparked an outpouring of grief among colleagues, fans and other members of the entertainment industry.

May his soul rest in perfect peace.