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Ibadan Mogaji Faces Backlash Over Attack On Christianity
Some Christian leaders in Ibadan have condemned one of the Mogaji (family heads) in Ibadan, Mogaji Asimiyu Ariori, over what they described as an attack on Christianity.
The Christian leaders, who spoke with journalists on Tuesday in Ibadan, described Ariori’s outburst as one that could cause a religious war in the ancient city.
Our correspondent reports that Ariori appeared on a live radio programme, Bembe Oro, anchored by the duo of Saheed Alatise and Salawat Lukman on Noble 107.1 FM in Ibadan Tuesday morning.
When asked how many wives he has, Ariori claimed that he has 25 wives because he is not a Christian, who usually has only one wife with many concubines.
Ariori, during the programme monitored by DAILY POST, said that he took the decision to avoid fornication, unlike Christians who usually have one wife but still commit adultery.
“Do you know what Christianity has caused to our society? It only permits a man to marry one wife. Some of them will have one wife and 30 concubines. I have 25. I am not a Christian who will have one wife and 30 concubines,” he said.
Some Christian leaders in Ibadan, while reacting, described the statement made by Ariori as unfortunate and one that can cause a religious crisis. They advised the Mogaji to apologize and seek forgiveness from the Christian community.
A Christian leader from Ibadan South West Local Government Area, Mr Olu Olugbenga, while reacting, described Ariori’s statement as derogatory to the Christian population.
He said, “His statement is inciting. It is not good at all. When they asked him to mention the number of his wives, I expected him to stop when he mentioned 25 wives. The statement that Christians marry one wife and 30 concubines is inciting and can cause a religious crisis.”
Elder Joseph Akande from Ibadan North Local Government Area, while speaking, urged Ariori to tender a public apology to the Christian community.
“He is a Mogaji. I expect him not to say that kind of thing. It is inciting and discriminatory against Christians. I expect him to tender a public apology. I do not expect the Mogaji to dabble into market leadership issues because he is not one of them,” he said.
Another Christian leader from Oluyole, Pa Kola Olaosebikan, advised the Mogaji to tender his apology within seven days in four media houses.
“His statement is unfortunate. We expect him to tender an apology within seven days, and failure to do this, we will ask the Olubadan and his family to remove him from the position. He is a Mogaji. I am sure he will have Muslims, Christians, and even traditionalists in his family. So why is he uttering such a statement?”
A church leader from Ido, Mr James Ishola, said that a good leader does not discriminate on the basis of religion.
“A good leader does not utter such a statement. A good leader does not discriminate on the basis of religion. It is very unfortunate that a family head who has adherents of different religions in his family is uttering such a statement. He should apologize to us and he should desist from uttering such statements in the future,” Ishola warned.
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.
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.
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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