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Owa Of Igbajo: Osun APC Condemns State Government Nullification Of Selection Process
The All Progressives Congress, APC in Osun State has condemned the nullification of the selection process that produced Oba Adegboyega Famodun as the Owa of Igbajo by Governor Ademola Adeleke.
In a statement by the Osun APC, Tajudeen Lawal, the party also described the government’s action as an abuse of the governor’s executive power.
Governor Adeleke, through an Executive Order issued on November 27, 2022, directed the Owa of Igbajoland, Oba Famodun and two other traditional rulers appointed by former governor Adegboyega Oyetola to step aside from their palaces.
Recall that the Osun State Government in a White Paper report on Thursday, cancelled the selection processes that produced three Osun monarchs, the Aree of Iree, Akirun of Ikinrun and Owa of Igbajo.
The state government also directed that the selection processes be restarted.
“It is strange that Governor Adeleke, notwithstanding the pendency of the suit, keeps hounding, humiliating, oppressing, and denying Oba Famodun his rights, said the APC in the statement
“The purported nullification of the process that produced the Owa of Igbajoland by the governor is an aberration, legal absurdity with a metaphorical foot of clay whose imminent fall would be like that of a pack of cards.
“The needless intervention of Adeleke with his resultant nullification of the selection process that produced Oba Gboyega Famodun as the Owa of Igbajoland is a pungent acting of a meddlesome interloper in a subsisting matter in the court of law by the incompetent and Governor-by-proxy Ademola Adeleke.
“The approach of Governor Adeleke on the issue at stake flagrantly offends the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria which expressly allows for separation of powers among the Executive, the Legislature and the Judiciary.
“If this is what would be the outcome of his obnoxious Executive Order on the Obaship stuff, why did it take Adeleke so long a time to come up with such trash which is a confirmation of his incompetence in the public office as the governor of a complex state like Osun?
“The fact remains that the nullification of the Obaship selection process which followed a due process can neither sit nor stand because it is a product of political vindictiveness”, Lawal stated.
Famodun before his selection as Owa of Igbajo was a former Chairman of the APC in the state.
In the same vein, the Ruling Houses in Iree, Boripe local government area of the state have frowned at the recent white paper on Aree of Iree stool.
They also urged the people of the town to remain calm in the face of alleged provocation while insisting that the white paper cannot stand the test of time in the face of the law.
The ruling houses alleged that it was a double standard and absurdity to the judiciary for the state government to adjudicate on a matter that is already before the court of law.
Secretary of the ruling houses in Iree, Gbenga Olatunji made this known while reacting to the Osun State Government White Paper which cancelled the process leading to the selection of an Aree for the town.
He said, “The government has robbed mud on the face of the judiciary with such proclamation when a competent court of jurisdictions has already reserved judgment on the same subject matter. It further shows that they want to create an artificial crisis in Iree community.
“If not for the JUSUN strike, the court would have delivered judgment on December 14th, 2023, we rejected the white paper and we strongly believe in the judiciary to do justice on the throne, it is just a question of time, that charade cannot stand, but we appeal to our people especially the ruling houses to remain calm and law-abiding.”
A former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Adebayo Adeleke also condemned the white paper, describing it as an effort in futility.
He alleged that Governor Ademola Adeleke only validated his ignorance of the law with respect to the kingship process.
“If Ademola Adeleke was rightly advised, he would have understood that such a pronouncement is a contempt of court and double standard on a matter that parties have called witnesses and filed written addresses.
“It is a rape of the value and sacredness of the Judiciary. Only in Osun will a government truncate a court process.”
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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