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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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Oyo 2027: Adelabu Quits As Power Minister To Focus On Guber Race

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The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu has formally resigned from his position in the Federal Government to pursue his governorship ambition in Oyo State.

In a resignation letter dated April 22, 2026, and addressed to the President, Adelabu stated that his resignation will take effect on April 30, 2026, to enable him to focus on his governorship ambition in Oyo State.

The letter, routed through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, stated that he was stepping down with “a deep sense of honour and profound gratitude.”

He wrote, “I write with a deep sense of honour and profound gratitude to formally tender my resignation as the Honourable Minister of Power of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. This resignation is to take effect on 30th April 2026, in order to allow sufficient time for a smooth and orderly handover of responsibilities.”

Adelabu thanked the President for the opportunity to serve, describing his appointment as a privilege.

He said, “Your Excellency, I remain sincerely grateful for the privilege and confidence you reposed in me by appointing me to serve our great nation in this capacity.

“It has been a rare honour to contribute to national development under your leadership and to play a role in advancing reforms in the power sector—one of the most critical foundations of Nigeria’s industrial growth and economic transformation.”

The former minister said his resignation was to enable him focus fully on his governorship ambition in Oyo State, citing provisions of the amended electoral law.

He added, “My decision to step down is informed by my intention to focus fully on my gubernatorial ambition in Oyo State. This aspiration, which dates back to 2016 during my service as Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, ultimately led to my voluntary resignation from the Central Bank in 2018 in order to pursue the same goal.”

“In line with the provisions of the Amended Electoral Act 2026, which preclude political office holders from contesting elections, I consider it both appropriate and necessary to resign at this time.”

Adelabu’s exit marks a major political development ahead of the next electoral cycle, particularly in Oyo State, where he is expected to contest the governorship election.

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Wale Edun, Musa Dangiwa Resigned Voluntarily, Not Sacked – Presidency

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The Presidency has clarified that Wale Edun (former Finance Minister) and Ahmed Musa Dangiwa (former Housing Minister) voluntarily resigned from their positions and were not sacked by President Tinubu.

In a statement released this evening April 22, presidential media aide, Bayo Onanuga, said that contrary to public opinions, Wale Edun resigned on health grounds while Dangiwa also tendered his resignation and thanked the President for the opportunity given him to serve in the Federal Executive Council.

Onanuga stated that Edun, who clocked 70 on Monday and has battled recent ill health, fittingly submitted his resignation letter on his birthday, thanking the President for the opportunity to serve Nigeria.

“It has been a pleasure and privilege to serve your administration and the Renewed Hope Agenda, Under your leadership, Nigeria has emerged stronger, more resilient and more internationally respected. I wish you and the administration every success in the future” he wrote

Onanuga stated that on Tuesday, before the Office of the Secretary of the Government of the Federation announced his departure from the Cabinet, Edun paid a valedictory visit to the President at the Villa and held an hour-long discussion with the president and then left to focus on his private businesses.

The presidential aide stated that President Tinubu has expressed deep appreciation to Edun and Dangiwa for their dedicated service and significant contributions to the administration’s economic reform programme and wished them continued success in their future endeavours.

‘’In the same vein, the President has urged the new Minister of Finance, Taiwo Oyedele, to consolidate ongoing reforms and advance the administration’s fiscal and economic objectives with renewed focus, discipline, and innovation.

President Tinubu will shortly send the ministerial nominee for housing, Muttaqha Rabe Darma, also from Katsina, like Dangiwa, to the Senate for confirmation” the statement concluded

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Unity Bank, Experts Advocate Green Investment, Climate Innovation To Drive Economic Resilience

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Nigeria’s retail lender, Unity Bank Plc, alongside leading climate innovation experts, has called for increased investment in the green economy and the adoption of frontier technologies as critical pathways to driving economic resilience and reducing the impact of climate change on vulnerable populations across Africa.

The call was made during a thought-provoking webinar hosted by the Bank to commemorate this year’s Earth Day, themed “The True Cost of Climate Change and Who Pays?”. Climate experts and stakeholders convened to examine the human, economic, and institutional costs of climate change, while spotlighting practical solutions to address its growing impact.

In his opening remarks, Unity Bank’s Head of Strategy and Innovation, Ibukun Coker, emphasised the urgency of addressing climate risks from both a societal and business perspective.

He said: “Climate change is no longer a distant or abstract challenge. It is an existential threat with direct consequences for individuals, businesses, and economies. At Unity Bank, we recognise the role institutions must play in incorporating sustainability in project financing, supporting businesses and promoting solutions that build resilience in communities where we operate.”

The webinar featured Chinwe Udo-Davis, Founder and CEO of Instollar, and Oluwatosin Ajide, Programme Manager at the Nigeria Climate Innovation Centre, both of whom provided insights into the drivers of climate change and the pathways to mitigation and adaptation.

Speaking during the session, Udo-Davis highlighted the disproportionate burden which climate change places on underserved communities and the need for inclusive solutions.

“The true cost of climate change is not evenly distributed. Communities with the least resources are often the most affected, whether through energy poverty, environmental degradation, or limited access to sustainable alternatives. Addressing this imbalance requires intentional investment in clean energy solutions that are both accessible and scalable.”

Ajide underscored the importance of coordinated, system-wide approaches in tackling climate challenges, particularly through innovation and policy alignment.

“Climate change is fundamentally a structural problem, and its solution requires a paradigm shift: from innovation and policy to financing and implementation. Stakeholders must work collaboratively to drive solutions that are sustainable and inclusive.”

The session also explored emerging opportunities in climate technology, renewable energy, and ecosystem financing, reinforcing the role of innovation and cross-sector collaboration in building long-term resilience.

By hosting the webinar, Unity Bank continues to demonstrate its commitment to advancing sustainability-focused dialogue and supporting initiatives that promote responsible growth and environmental stewardship.

The initiative underscores the Bank’s broader strategic focus on environmental sustainability as well as its commitment to financial inclusion.

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