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Ogbomoso: Concerns mount as family crisis, religion, 2023 elections delay announcement of new Soun

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It is no more news that Ogbomoso, the second largest city in Oyo State, South West Nigeria has no Oba (monarch) at the moment.

The ancient city was founded by a warrior known as Soun Ogunlola. Ogunlola was said to have rescued the old Oyo empire from the oppression of Elemoso.

Ogbomoso is located in the Northern part of the present Oyo State.

The city, which produced one of the former governors of the State, late Christopher Adebayo Alao-Akala and a former Inspector General of Police, late Sunday Adewusi, has since December last year been without a monarch.

This was as a result of the transition of the immediate past Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Jimoh Oyewumi Ajagungnade 111.

Oba Oyewumi joined his ancestors on December 12, 2021, at the age of 95.

The monarch was a successful businessman before he ascended the throne of his forebears on October 24, 1973. He reigned for 48 years.

However, since the transition of the last occupant, the Soun of Ogbomoso stool is still vacant.

This is despite the fact that the kingmakers in Ogbomoso have screened the princes who indicated interest to ascend the throne and have since picked a nominee to ascend the throne.

DAILY POST gathered from prominent indigenes of Ogbomoso that 25 indigenes indicated interest in the throne.

It was learnt that 23 of them purchased the form, but two other people later joined the race.

A source told DAILY POST that the kingmakers have screened the applicants and have since sent the name of the choice nominee for the position to the State government for approval and announcement.

The name was submitted to the Oyo State government in March this year. However, as of the time of this report, the name has not been announced.

Findings by DAILY POST revealed that several factors may be responsible for the delay in the announcement of the new monarch.

Some of the reasons for the delay according to residents of the ancient city included family feuds, 2023 political permutations, religion and litigations.

An Ogbomoso indigene, who craved anonymity revealed that the kingmakers concluded their work on March 22, and promptly dispatched the name of the nominee to Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, through Ogbomoso North Local Government.

The source, who is very close to the palace, hinted that various reasons were responsible for the delay.

One major reason, according to him, is the feud tearing the family apart over the choice of Prince Afolabi Ghandi Olaoye as Soun nominee.

He added that political exigency in the face of 2023 general elections, rationalization of religion and court cases were also responsible for the delay in the announcement of the new monarch.

He said, “Family feuds erupting in the selection of a new monarch is not something strange, it has always been part of the process.

“If the process is repeated hundred times, it will still be dogged by crises; so hanging on to the flare-up of rancour within the family or families as the basis for the standoff by the governor is roundly untenable; it is like the arbiter, that is the voters, holding back from voting because rivals are crying blue murder over the emergence of party candidates through rancorous processes.

“Therefore, l consider the feud as a design that suits and feeds the selfishness of the powers that be. Thus, the inevitable family feud in an enterprise as selection of a new Soun is an alibi to put the process on hold indefinitely.

“Prince Ghandi Olaoye, the Soun nominee, is a Christian but there is a strong indication that a section of the Muslim community is vehemently opposed to his choice on religious ground.

“I am aware there are no less than three suits challenging the process, two from co-contestants and one from the three families of Ologolo, Oluopo and Olukan seeking to be included in the ruling families of Soun dynasty, being from the royal families too.

We don’t know what is causing the delay in the announcement of the new Soun- Areago

The Areago of Ogbomoso, High Chief Sobaloju Otolorin, while speaking with DAILY POST, noted that no one knows what is causing the delay in the announcement of the name of the new Soun.

The Areago added that the name of the nominee had been forwarded to the State Government since March this year.

The Areago spoke with DAILY POST during a telephone conversation on Tuesday.

He said that, “On 23rd of March, we submitted the name, we cannot say what is causing the delay, we don’t know why the government is yet to announce the name. We don’t know what is causing the delay.

“We sent one name, you know when two people are contesting, one person will win and they will write the result on it.

“23 people collected the form and two more people joined making it 25”.

Effort made by DAILY POST to get a reaction from the Chief Press Secretary to the State Governor, Taiwo Adisa since Tuesday proved abortive as calls put through his phone were not answered, while an SMS sent to him has not been replied as of the time of filing this report on Wednesday.

But, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Olasunkanmi Olaleye, when contacted on Tuesday, said that he was just posted to the office.

He said that he would check the files and get back to our reporter.

“I have to check. I have just been posted to that ministry. I have just been posted there. I have to check and get back to you.

“You can call me back tomorrow if you did not get a response from me or you just send a message,” he said.

However, subsequent effort made to get further comment from Olaleye proved abortive as calls put through his phone on Wednesday were not answered, while SMS sent to him has not been replied as of the time of filing this report.

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Impeachment Proceedings Against Fubara, Deputy Still Active – Rivers Assembly

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The Rivers State House of Assembly has officially reaffirmed that the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, are ongoing and have not been suspended.

 

The Assembly said the process is still ongoing and is being conducted strictly in line with constitutional provisions.

 

This was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Hon. Enemi George.

 

According to the statement, the impeachment process, which began on Thursday, January 8, 2026, remains on course in line with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

 

The lawmakers disclosed that separate notices of allegations bordering on gross misconduct have been served on both the governor and his deputy in line with Section 188 of the Constitution.

 

“The notices of allegations of gross misconduct against the Governor and the Deputy Governor have been duly forwarded to them by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule, and the House is awaiting their responses,” the statement said.

 

The Assembly maintained that it is constitutionally obligated to act in the interest of the rule of law and ensure that no public office holder acts outside legal boundaries.

 

Reacting to reports suggesting that the impeachment move had been halted, the House accused some individuals and media outlets of deliberately spreading misinformation to mislead the public and stir tension between the legislature and Rivers residents.

 

The lawmakers described such reports as false and insisted they would not succumb to intimidation, threats, or blackmail.

 

“We are aware of renewed attempts by certain persons and media platforms to misinform the public by claiming that the impeachment process has been discontinued. The public should disregard such falsehoods, as the process remains active,” the statement added.

 

The Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to democratic principles and constitutional responsibilities, stressing that it would not be distracted by what it termed “cheap propaganda.”

 

It also appreciated the people of Rivers State for their support and prayers amid the ongoing political developments and extended goodwill to Nigerians committed to the nation’s democratic journey.

 

JomogNews reports that during Thursday’s plenary session, presided over by the Speaker, the Majority Leader, Major Jack, formally read the notice of allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara on the floor of the House.

 

 

 

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Your Second Coming Was A Chance To Avoid These Political Mistakes – Fayose To Fubara

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Former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, says the second coming to office of the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, after the elapsing of the state of emergency should have made him better.

 

Fayose’s remarks come as the Rivers State House of Assembly has initiated impeachment proceedings against Fubara as of January 8, 2026.

Speaking in an interview on ‘Politics Today’, a programme on Channels Television on Friday, Fayose said he was removed as governor and went to exile but became a better person upon his return.

Fayose said that President Bola Tinubu hates ingratitude just like any other person else does.

The former Ekiti governor also dismissed the claim that what is happening in Rivers state is politics taken too far.

According to him, the constitution provides rules of engagement for every politician, stressing that it is when one gets out of the rule that he begins to look for public sympathy.

“The coming back of Governor Fubara should have made him a better person .If you made a mistake the first time, the second time you are not supposed to go through that route.

“Politics is a power game. Nobody solves political game for you. With due respect, let me tell you. Fubara is the one enjoying the office of the governor of Rivers state. It’s not the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.

“Some people are saying it’s about Tinubu’s election. No! Because Tinubu’s election will come first, don’t forget that. Both Wike and Fubara will all work for Tinubu. Two weeks after, there will be an election for Rivers state,” he said.

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Panic In Ibadan As Rising Kidnap, Robbery Threats Trigger Official Red Alert

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Residents of Ibadan, specifically in Bodija, Agbowo, Akobo, and the Agodi GRA, are currently on high alert after the Police and the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) issued an urgent warning regarding a recent surge in kidnappings and armed robberies in those areas.

 

According to the DAILY POST, the Bodija Housing Estate Police Division and its community partners have formally expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation in the area.

 

In a statement signed by Bodija Housing Estate Police Division PCRC and Community Policing Unit of the division, they noted that there is an increase in the rate of kidnapping and armed robberies in areas such as Akobo and Bodija.

 

The statement urged residents to take necessary safety measures amidst rising cases of kidnapping and other criminal activities in areas such as Akobo and Bodija.

 

In the statement tagged “Urgent Safety Measures Amid Rising Kidnapping and Armed Robbery Incidents in Areas Including Akobo and Bodija the residents were alerted that the desire for quick wealth has driven some individuals to commit terrible acts.

 

Part of the statement reads, “In light of the recent increase in criminal activities such as kidnapping and armed robbery across our communities, it has become imperative to issue updated safety guidelines. The desire for quick wealth has driven some individuals to commit terrible acts, and we must all be vigilant.

 

“Please adhere strictly to the following precautions, and also note the additional measures outlined below:

 

“Remember: Your safety and that of your loved ones depend greatly on your level of awareness and willingness to take precautionary steps. Security is a collective responsibility.

 

“Report emergencies promptly to: Oyo State Police Command: control room:08081768614, 08081768574

Bodija Division: DPO +2348052046348; PCRC Helpline/ Chairman – 07068874553”.

 

JomogNews reports that some residents have been in a panic mood as a result of the notice.

 

A resident of Bodija Housing Estate, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, explained that the recent happenings necessitated the notice.

 

“The recent happenings necessitated the move. Yes we have to be careful. People now think twice before they go out. We are more security conscious than before,” he said.

 

 

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