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Awujale: We’re Ready For Your Legal War — Ogun Govt Tells Ifa Council
The Ogun State Government on Monday said it is unshaken by threats of legal action from any group or individual challenging the burial of the Awujale and paramount ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, which was conducted in line with Islamic rites.
The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Sina Ogungbade (SAN), was reacting to the threat by the International Council for Ifa Religion to take legal action against the government and the family of the late Oba Adetona over violations of traditional burial rites.
Ogungbade (SAN) said that while it would be a sheer waste of time and resources for anyone to institute legal action against the government over Awujale’s burial according to his religious beliefs, it is still within the ambit of the law to hold the government accountable through judicial processes.
Oba Adetona passed away on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at the age of 91, and was laid to rest on Monday, July 14, 2025, according to Islamic rites.
The burial has generated controversies, with the ICIR and traditionalists condemning the government for going against traditions.
The ICIR President, Dr Fayemi Fakayode, and the Council’s legal representative, Ifasola Opeodu, speaking during a media briefing in Ibadan, Oyo State, at the weekend, reportedly described the burial as a breach of both tradition and the law.
Fakayode said Part 8, Section 55, Sub-section II of the Ogun State Chieftaincy Law mandates the use of traditional rites over religious alternatives in the burial of kings.
He criticised the sidelining of the Osugbo Confraternity—custodians of final traditional rites—and praised them for their restraint.
“This is not just about the burial of one king; it is a challenge to the core of Yoruba heritage. Ignoring our customs is a direct affront to the cultural identity that defines our people,” Fakayode said.
The council accused the late monarch’s family, government officials, and security operatives of preventing the Osugbo from performing their role during the burial.
Opeodu described the burial process as a threat to democracy and an assault on the religious freedom of traditional religion practitioners.
“The refusal to follow the traditional burial laws amounts to an assault on the religious freedoms of indigenous faith adherents,” the council stated.
The ICIR, therefore, vowed to pursue legal redress and reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding Yoruba cultural traditions in the handling of future royal funerals.
While stating the stand of the government on the legal threat, Ogungbade (SAN) said, “If they want to sue, I will describe it as a welcome development.
“Individuals or groups who feel that the government has acted in any manner should take advantage of the opportunities existing in law to air their grievances and, if they are found to be correct, hold the government accountable.
“However, in this instance, I will offer them free legal advice. Their position is steeped in ignorance of what the law is on the matter. Their contemplated action will achieve nothing, as from what they have stated, it cannot be based on anything.”
The commissioner said, “How can the choice of the deceased Awujale or that of his family to bury him according to his faith and without disruption by anybody, as guaranteed by law, be stretched to amount to an assault on religious freedom of indigenous adherents?
“Their position, to put it mildly, is laughable. I hope that reason might yet prevail or that they will be properly advised by a legal practitioner who understands the law fully. If and when they sue, we will meet them in court.”
The Olowa Iberu and Chief Priest of Ijebu land, Chief Rasaki Osimodi, in an interview, had also expressed the dissatisfaction of the traditionalists over what he described as the connivance of the government with the family of the late Awujale.
Chief Osimodi said, “It is really painful because there was someone (the late Awujale) who ate and drank with us, but when it was time for him to pay us back, he said he must be buried according to Islamic injunction.
“It was the government that signed an agreement with Baba Awujale stating that he must be buried according to Islamic rites. If not for the government’s backing, the Osugbo society would have taken possession of the body — because, traditionally, it belongs to them.
“The late king’s children claim he did not associate with us, the traditionalists. But we know that Kabiyesi did partake in our rites — and he left obligations unpaid.
“Now they’ve brought in a heavy presence of police and soldiers. Who wants to die? So, everyone has stepped back and allowed them to do as they please.”
Efforts to get the reaction of the late Awujale family over the planned legal action were unsuccessful, but a top palace chief who spoke to our correspondent on condition of anonymity stated that the hullabaloo was about nothing.
The source said, “The Awujale family has been guided by the provision of the law, and if anyone is angry over that, the person should confront the government that enacted the law and not the family.
“In any case, the noise is needless; it is what we call much ado about nothing.”
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Oyo 2027: Adelabu Quits As Power Minister To Focus On Guber Race
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
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
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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