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Crisis brews in Ibadan over moves to prevent Ladoja from becoming Olubadan [DOCUMENTS]

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Fresh crisis is currently brewing in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital over alleged plans to prevent the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, High Chief Rasidi Ladoja, from becoming the Olubadan.
TVN reports that Ladoja, a former governor of the state, is the most senior High Chief in Ibadan as at today.
Our correspondent gathered that the Otun Olubadan line where Ladoja comes from is the line to produce the next Olubadan.
TVN learnt that crisis erupted in Ibadan shortly after the demise of the 42nd Olubadan Oba Mahood Olalekan Balogun over who becomes the next Olubadan.
The crisis lasted for about three months and was put to rest when the 43rd Olubadan, Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin, Ige Olakulehin 1, was finally coronated on Friday, 12th July 2024.
TVN authoritatively gathered that another crisis is currently brewing in Ibadan over plans by the state government to prevent Ladoja from becoming the next Olubadan, after Olakulehin.
The plans to prevent Ladoja from becoming Olubadan was contained in the newly reviewed Ibadan Chieftaincy declaration issued by Oyo State Government under the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde in 2023.
Some details of the declaration were part of the programmes of event distributed during the coronation of Olakulehin on Friday. The document was obtained by TVN on Sunday.
Our correspondent gathered that Section 4 of 1957 Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration stated that, “The person who may be proposed as candidate by the Line whose turn it is to fill a vacancy in the office of the Olubadan shall be the most Senior (High) Chief in that Line”.
However, Section 4 of the new law, christened New Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration, stated that the phrase “the most Senior (High) Chief in that Line” has been replaced with “the most Senior Beaded Crown Oba in that Line”.
The section stated that, “The person who may be proposed as candidate by the Line whose turn it is to fill a vacancy in the office of the Olubadan shall be the most Senior Beaded Crown Oba in that line.”
TVN gathered that Ladoja is the only High Chief among the recognised kingmakers of Ibadanland who refused to wear beaded crown.
Going by this new development, Ladoja may be prevented from becoming Olubadan.
Our correspondent reports that this has been a source of controversy among prominent indigenes of the ancient city.
TVN gathered that this development is the major issue of discussion among indigenes of Ibadanland as at present.
Some of those who spoke noted that the new chieftaincy law which was made public on Friday is an invitation to another crisis in the ancient city.
An indigene of Ibadan, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, noted that Ladoja may likely go to court to challenge the new law.
“Have you seen the new law? This new development is an invitation to crisis. Ladoja is the target and you can see it. It is not fair. The former governor may likely go to court to challenge the new law.”
Another indigene, who also asked not to be named, noted that the people of Ibadan will reject the new law.
“How can they say Ladoja will not become Olubadan? Ladoja is the most senior High Chief. He is the last man standing. He rejected the beaded crown because it is an aberration. It is an aberration. The people of Ibadan will reject the new law. Someone who has been on the line over 30 years ago. It is another crisis yet to start.”

Crisis brews in Ibadan over moves to prevent Ladoja from becoming Olubadan [DOCUMENTS]

Abducted former NLC president, Shamang freed

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Gunmen have released former leader of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Mr Takai Shamang, who was abducted on Friday, July 5, 2024.

Recall that gunmen invaded Shamang’s country home in Biniki village in Kaura Local Government of Kaduna State and took away the 78-year-old former unionist.

According to NAN, one of his daughters, Mrs Grace Abbin, confirmed her father’s release via a post on her WhatsApp status.

“To God Almighty be the Glory. My family lack words to appreciate everyone of you for the safe return of our daddy, comrade Elder Takai A. Shamang,” she wrote.

She, however, did not state the circumstances of his release and whether a ransom was paid.

Shamang is the President and Founder of Gantys Aid for Widows, Orphans and Needy Foundation, popularly known as GAWON Foundation.

He was also a former President General of the National Union of Electricity and Gas Workers, now the National Union of Electricity Employees, between 1982 and 1989.

NAN

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Fire razes 10 shops in Ogun market

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A late-night fire incident on Saturday has destroyed 10 shops and goods worth millions of naira at the popular Oba Lipede Market, Kuto, Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.

It was gathered that the fire started at about 10.15 pm on Saturday.

The fire was said to have been caused by the explosion of a generator being powered by gas and owned by a businessman in the market.

The Director of Ogun State Fire Service, Engr Fatai Adefala, confirmed this to our correspondent on Sunday.

Adefala said that the state fire service was contacted at about 10.15pm and its men raced to the market to salvage the situation.

He said, “There was a fire incident at the market on Saturday night. We were contacted at about 22:15 and we quickly raced down to bring the situation under control. Ten shops were affected and the fire affected some goods inside these shops.

“The incident was due to the explosion of a generator being used in the area and which is being powered by gas. A businessman who is into extracting the palm kernel shaft is said to be the owner of the generator and there was said to have been a power surge when this fire broke out.

“No life was lost, only one person sustained minor injury and he has been taken to hospital for medical treatment.”

Some of the goods destroyed by the fire were food stuff like rice, beans, household utensils like pots among other valuables

A couple, Basiru and Tolani Moses, who had their two shops razed by the fire told newsmen that the fire burnt the N500,000 cash kept in one of the shops while goods worth over N1.5m were equally destroyed.

Basiru said the cash was kept in the shop for onward deposit in the bank on Monday.

Our correspondent gathered that the Commissioner for Special Duties, Funmi Efuwape, the Director of the State Emergency Management Agency, Wale Sonde; Director of State Fire Service, Fatai Adefala, the Chairman of Abeokuta South Local Government, Omolaja Majekodunmi were among the early callers on Sunday morning to assess the level of damage caused by the fire incident

Speaking with newsmen, Efuwape said, “The fire outbreak was just because of these shanties erected outside the main market building. Now that they (traders) have seen it for themselves, I am sure when the government comes in and tells them that all these shanties must go, they will definitely agree with us that they have to go.

“About 10 shops were affected outside and five inside. The five would not have been affected if the ones outside were not there. The fire started from the illegal structures outside and erupted to the main building.”

Asked if demolition will take place, she responded, “Definitely. Even yesterday (Saturday) when the fire was burning, the fire tenders could not get in because of lack of space. We need to have enough space so that in future vehicles can move in and out easily.”

The commissioner disclosed that the main market building will undergo an integrity test to ascertain its safety, while the government will roll out measures to renovate the market.

The Director of SEMA, Mr Wale Sonde, during the visit hinted that the NEMA officials will on Monday visit the market to assess damages and decide on how to assist the victims.

Sonde noted that “physical, economic and psychological damages” have been recorded in the incident.

The market leader, Mrs Tejumade Bakre, has equally lamented that there was looting shortly after the incident, but the security agents later came to the rescue and chased the miscreants away.

NAF neutralizes terrorists in Kaduna

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The Nigeria Air Force Component of Operation Whirl Punch has eliminated several terrorists in various locations in Kaduna State.
This was disclosed in a statement by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, who stated that the operations were carried out on 12 July 2024 at terrorist Alhaji Layi’s enclave, situated in Kufan Shantu Village in Giwa Local Government Area (LGA) of Kaduna State
According to the statement, several terrorists were observed within the location as they were eliminated while their thatched roofed huts were burnt down, adding that their logistics tucked under thick foliage were also destroyed.
“Similar air strikes conducted on 13 July 2024 over terrorists’ camps situated inside Malum Forest in Igabi LGA also recorded positive outcomes after the targets were acquired and engaged,” it said.
According to the statement, from the Battle Damage Assessment footage, the terrorists were observed freely loitering around the forest at a compound with zinc-roofed structures.
Subsequently, a precision strike was authorized, which eliminated most of the terrorists.
The operation was carried out with thorough credible human intelligence, along with intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance operations, which identified the targeted locations as enclaves of terrorists responsible for the ambush on troops at Manini on 10 July 2024.
It said the Nigerian Air Force, alongside surface forces, will maintain dominance in the battlespace through extensive situational awareness, regular patrols, and targeted interdiction of terrorists’ safe havens in its Area of Responsibility and neighboring states.
NAF neutralizes terrorists in Kaduna

Lagos reintroduces monthly environmental sanitation 

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Lagos State Governor, Bababjide Sanwo-Olu, on Sunday, inaugurated the re-introduction of the monthly environmental sanitation exercise campaign in Lagos State.

Recall that the Monthly Environmental Sanitation was a culture in Lagos State some years back in order to promote a clean and healthy environment, encourage community participation in waste management and reduce the risk of disease outbreaks.

Speaking at the occasion held at Campus Square, Lagos Island, Sanwo-Olu, called for cooperation of all residents and stakeholders in making the exercise a success.

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Central Motor Information System Certificate: NBA issues 7-day ultimatum to stop directive

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The Nigeria Bar Association, NBA, Section on Public Interest has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to stop the directive requiring vehicle owners to register and obtain a Central Motor Information System Certificate for a fee of not less than N6,000.
The Association in a letter addressed to the IGP, and co-signed by NBA-SPIDEL Chairman, John Aikpokpo-Martins, and Secretary, Funmi Adeogun, questioned the legal basis for the Nigeria Police Force’s issuance of the CMRIS certificates.
It stated that no law had granted the police the authority to issue such licences or certificates to vehicle owners following vehicle registration at the appropriate offices.
The Association, therefore, demanded an immediate halt to the issuance and enforcement of the CMRIS certificates, urging the Inspector General of Police to issue a directive stopping the practice nationwide.
It stressed the need for the shutdown of the registration website and physical registration centres and refunds made to those who had already paid.
The NBA stated that any such certificate being issued by the Nigeria Police Force without legal backing is illegal, null and void, and therefore of no consequence.
The Association said that the police’s duty to protect citizens and enforce the law does not extend to collecting money or issuing certificates to vehicle owners.
The Association condemned the exploitation of Nigerians’ ignorance, resulting in extortion during road searches.
“Failure, neglect, or refusal to comply with this lawful demand within seven days of receipt of this letter will compel NBA-SPIDEL to seek appropriate sanctions in court against your esteemed office and the Nigeria Police Force,” the Association warned.
The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, had ordered the enforcement of the digitalised Central Motor Registry by July 29, 2024.
The directive, according to the Inspector General of Police, is to modernise and digitise the motor vehicle registration system, bolstering the nation’s safety and security framework.
Central Motor Information System Certificate: NBA issues 7-day ultimatum to stop directive

Attack on Trump distasteful – Tinubu

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President Bola Tinubu has condemned the assassination attempt on the former United States President, Donald Trump.

There was an assassination attempt on Trump at a political rally on Saturday, July 13, 2024, in Pennsylvania, US.

Trump had escaped by the whiskers, saying, “I was shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear.”

The Federal Bureau of Investigation disclosed that 20-year-old Thomas Crooks had fired multiple gunshots, killing one while two others sustained injuries.

The Secret Service said the shooter committed the act from “an elevated position outside the rally” before being “neutralised” by agents.

However, according to a statement he personally signed on Sunday, Tinubu said the attack on Trump was distasteful and goes beyond the pale of democratic norms

The Nigerian leader asserted that violence has no place in democracy and wished the former US President a quick recovery.

He added, “I extend my sympathies to the former President and wish him relief. I also condole with the family of the deceased and those wounded and wish them a quick recovery.

“Nigeria stands in solidarity with the United States of America at this time.”

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Agbakoba seeks return to regional govt, faults agitation for new states

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A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Dr. Olisa Agbakoba has advocated for the return to regional government rather than the creation of new states.

He noted that state creation would increase the cost of governance as new offices would be formed, despite the harsh economic realities facing the nation’s populace.

Agbakoba, a former President of the Nigeria Bar Association, expressed the view in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Sunday in Lagos State.

A bill seeking the creation of Etiti State in the South-East passed the second reading on Thursday in the House of Representatives, as the House is set to hold a public hearing on the bill, before returning it for a third and final reading ahead of passage and concurrence of the Senate.

Also, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress in Delta State, Prof. Leroy Edozien, has advised President Bola Tinubu to write his name in gold by creating an additional state to address the marginalisation in the South-East zone.

Reacting, Agbakoba said Nigeria does not presently need more states

According to him, instead, lawmakers and other political stakeholders should be concerned about restructuring Nigeria into a regional government to reflect the real diversity of the country.

He added that he was not in support of additional states because most of the 36 states are economically unviable, insolvent and incapable of bringing about infrastructural development and even paying the proposed minimum wage.

The SAN said, “State creation at this present harsh economic will, no doubt, lead to an increase in the number of National Assembly members, ministers, local governments, and others, which would further increase the cost of governance in the country.

“This is coming at a time when most Nigerians are starving due to rise in the food prices. Insurgents, bandits and terrorists are abducting people for ransom in other states of the country.

“Therefore, the National Assembly should, instead, return the country to regionalism by collapsing the 36 states into six to eight regions or geopolitical zones, each of which will have a leader.”

Agbakoba noted, “This means that the present Nigeria 1999 Constitution would be amended or a new one written to accommodate this proposal.

“This is because making a new constitution for Nigeria has become an overriding imperative based on the fact that new political realities and conundrums have cropped up in the country.”

Agbakoba, a human rights activist, said the only way to resolve the socio-economic and political problems was to amend the 1999 constitution to pave the way for a regional system of government.

He said regional governments were once successfully run with Obafemi Awolowo in charge of the South West, Michael Okpara in charge of the South East and Ahmadu Bello in the North.

Agbakoba said since Nigeria left the modernity of regionalism, the states had been unviable, apart from Lagos and Rivers, adding that though the impulse to create a sixth state in the South-East was for balance, that the greater good of Nigeria would be felt if regionalism is given a chance.

“This agitation will arise because it is on the basis of the number of states that federal allocation flows.

“So the fact that the South-East has five states means to them that they are losing revenue and that is a one point of view and also an emotional point of their agitation,” he stated.

“However, a pragmatic developmental point of view, which I go for, is that even if you create a sixth state in the South-East to give them a sense of belonging, will this new state in addition to the 36 states take us towards the path of development?” Agbakoba queried.

“Will it reverse the hunger, insecurity, poverty and unemployment in the land? Absolutely not.

“We need to do away from state creation to the regional system of government,” the former NBA boss added.

NAN

Rivers shuts three illegal dredging sites

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Rivers State Government has shut down three dredging sites in Chokocho community in Etche Local Government Area of the state for operating without permit.

The state Commissioner for Environment, Sydney Gbara, disclosed this while speaking to newsmen after an inspection of some dredging sites in Port Harcourt, the state capital, and its environs.

Gbara frowned on those who carry out such activities without approval from the state government, saying the dredging sites had no environmental protection impact, adding that the activities of the dredging companies were affecting the road.

He stated, “We are here on the directives of Governor Siminalayi Fubara on inspection of dredging activities and necessary enforcement around this area. We have gone round, and some sites have been shut, about three for non-compliance to standards.

“This particular site as you can see is already threatening the federal road and as a responsible government, we will not want to stop the means of livelihood of our people. No, we are encouraging them.

“But when what they are doing becomes inimical to the environment, it becomes a problem and we have to step in. and that is why we are shutting down these sites. This place is going to remain shut until the Governor directs otherwise.”

The commissioner said the present administration in the state is committed to protecting the environment and attracting more investors to the state which he said will in turn create jobs for the teeming youths in the state, saying those behind the illicit activities will be fished out and prosecuted.

“We are going to investigate and know those behind these activities and bring them to book. That is the truth. We are going to visit other dredging sites in the state, scrap metals and every other operation.

“If your operation is in compliance with that of the state government, we don’t have business with you. Instead, the government will encourage you and give you the protection that you need to go ahead with your business.

“But as long as it is not in compliance with the State Ministry of Environment, and it is inimical to the environment we are definitely going to step in. Every sector has rules and regulations.

“This is a government that wants to ensure that our people and the environment are protected,” Gbara said.

State creation: Return Nigeria to regional govt – Agbakoba to NASS

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A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, Olisa Agbakoba, on Sunday charged the National Assembly to return Nigeria to regionalism and not create additional states.
Agbakoba said the National Assembly should collapse the 36 states into six or eight regions which would have leaders.
Speaking with News Agency of Nigeria, the senior lawyer described the agitation for additional state creation as a misplaced priority.
In the National Assembly, bills seeking the creation of some states have been passed for second reading.
However, Agbakoba said Nigerians should be concerned about restructuring the country into regional governments.
Agbakoba said: “State creation at this present harsh economic will, no doubt, lead to an increase in the number of National Assembly members, ministers, local governments, and others, which would further increase the cost of governance in the country.
“This is coming at a time when most Nigerians are starving due to rise in food prices. Insurgents, bandits, and terrorists are abducting people for ransom in other states of the country.
“Therefore, the National Assembly should, instead, return the country to regionalism by collapsing the 36 states into six to eight regions or geopolitical zones, each of which will have a leader.
“We need to do away from state creation to regional system of government.”
State creation: Return Nigeria to regional govt – Agbakoba to NASS