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Arimoro Royal Family Faults Choice Of Owa Obokun-Elect

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The Arimoro Royal Family in Ijeshaland, Osun State, has faulted the process that led to the selection of the Owa Obokun-elect, Prince Adesuyi Hasstrup, on Friday December 27, describing it as “a charade, breach of the established Ijesha tradition and gross abuse of judicial process.”

Haastrup, who hails from Ajimoko Royal Family, was elected by the kingmakers at a meeting held at the premises of Ilesa West Local Government Secretariat, Ilesa on Friday.

His selection was subsequently approved by the state governor, Ademola Adeleke.

But, the Arimoro Royal Family in a statement signed by it’s Global Co-ordinator, Prince Adegoke Arimoro, on Saturday, rejected the selection process while threatening legal action.

The statement read, “Despite the Order of Ilesha High Court, that restrained the Ijesha Kingmakers, Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke and any other group from selection of Owa Obokun, pending the determination of a substantive suit, instituted by the Ofokutu Royal lineage, against Haastrup, a group of Kingmakers was said to have held a closed-door meeting at the Local Government Secretariat, Ilesha, on Friday, where only five Kingmakers out of 13 voted to select a new Owa Obokun with a combined team of fully armed policemen, soldiers and Amotekuns-the local security agents.”

It described “As ignoble and sacrilegious, the action of Ijesha kingmakers, and the Osun State government in the selection of the new Owa, calling on all Ijesha indigenes home and abroad to stand against the imposition of the new Owa and defend the dignity, respect, and integrity of their heritage.

“The family said the process that led to the shocking announcement of the Owa Obokun was a gross violation of due process as a compromised candidate had been forced on the people of Ijesha land by a some kingmakers and therefore the family had rejected the purported Owa Obokun and shall deploy lawful means to ensure that the selection is nullified.

“Impunity is on full display. The Osun State government and her agents have finally thrown the ljesa Royal tradition to the dogs. “When did the selection of Owa Obokun become a matter of casting vote at the Local Government Secretariat ? This is a rape of ljesa Royal tradition of installing a new Owa for the first time in history. Where is the gazette that supports this impunity ? Some Kingmakers , the state government officials, and others who got involved in the desecration of our traditions will soon realize that it is a costly error.

“What is clear is that the last is yet to be heard on this subject. Certainly, it is one person that will wear the crown. But not through this ignoble route as the consequences will bring a big lesson.”

Arimoro listed some what he described as “abuses in the selection process which include a N10m development levy on the aspirants, which Bilaro family sought clarification and reduction and was never responded to, non-adherence to the involvement of the Ifa Oracle, 5 out of 13 Afobajes decided the fate of the new Owa, no respect for the Dynasty of the moment and the subsisting court order on the selection of the new Owa Obokun

“The speedy approval of Clement Haastrup as the new Owa Obokun-elect by Governor Ademola Adeleke was a confirmation of the unholy alliance between some Ijesha kingmakers and the state government.

“A few hours before the announcement Haaatrup as the Owa Obokun elect, the Arimoro family candidate for the Owa Obokun stool, Prince Michael Adewale (KMA). Arimoro, had addressed a Press Conference in Ilesa where he declared that : ” We find ourselves at a crossroads; one path leads us toward compliance with the judiciary and our traditional values, while the other tempts us into silence and complicity. We must choose wisely.

“I implore all stakeholders to reflect deeply on the implications of their actions and to remember that true leadership is rooted in respect for tradition and the voices of the people.

“We must rally around our judicial system as our last bastion of hope. It is our duty to advocate for a transparent and lawful process, one that honors our customs and allows for the rightful selection of our next Owa Obokun through the revered channels of Ifa.

“Installing Owa from a particular lineage three times back to back in a ruling house sends the others into oblivion. We must unite to protect our heritage, uphold the sanctity of Ifa, and ensure that justice prevails. Together, we can foster a climate of respect, integrity, and harmony within our community.”

The PUNCH had earlier reported that the Ofokutu Royal Family of Bilaro Ruling House in Ilesa, Osun State, has rejected the selection of ex-deputy governor of the state, Loja Adesuyi Haastrup, as the new Owa Obokun of Ijesaland.

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Boko Haram Demands $300,000 Ransom For Abducted Borno Ex-LG Chair, Another Victim

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A new video has emerged showing two men reportedly kidnapped by Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State, pleading for assistance to secure their release.

 

One of the captives, former Biu Local Government Area Chairman Hassan Biu Miringa, revealed that their abductors are demanding a $300,000 ransom.

 

Miringa said he and another individual were taken in December 2025 and have remained in the custody of the militants.

 

In the video shared by Zagazola Makama, Miringa introduced himself, saying: “I am Hassan Biu Miringa, former Chairman of Biu Local Government from 2020 to 2022. Four years after my tenure, we were kidnapped by the soldiers of Khilafa about two weeks ago. Alhamdulillah, we are still alive, but we urgently need help to save our lives.”

 

He added that negotiations with the kidnappers had been underway, with some preliminary agreements reportedly reached.

 

“We have engaged them on four separate occasions and reached an understanding. We appeal to our leaders, especially Borno State Deputy Governor Alhaji Usman Umar Kadafur, the National Assembly representative for Biu, Kwaya, and Shani Hon. Betera Aliyu, as well as our community leaders, to temper justice with mercy and assist us. We are their children and have been working together,” Miringa said.

 

He confirmed the ransom demand, explaining that each captive is expected to pay $150,000, totaling $300,000 for their freedom, and pleaded for urgent intervention to reunite with their families.

 

The video highlights ongoing concerns over kidnappings and insecurity in southern Borno State, which have persisted despite government efforts to curb insurgent activity in the region.

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How Rivers Women Spread Wrappers For Wike’s Motorcade During Port Harcourt Visit

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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, on Saturday visited Port Harcourt City Local Government as part of his “thank you” visit across Rivers State.

 

Upon his arrival, a group of women displayed a symbolic gesture of loyalty by spreading their wrappers on the ground for his motorcade.

 

The women and supporters of the Minister were in a jubilant mode as Wike drove on the wrappers.

 

Wike has been going around local governments in the state to appreciate them for their support while reeling out moves ahead of the 2027 general elections.

 

In the course of his visits, the Minister had fired several salvos at political actors in the state, warning that their sudden support for President Bola Tinubu won’t secure them any ticket in 2027.

 

Wike also renewed rivalry with Governor Sim Fubara over the leadership control of the political space in the state.

 

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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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