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Oniru Of Iruland, Oba Gbolahan Lawal Takes Crown, Ooni, Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu In Attendance

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It was a colourful event yesterday at the coronation of the 15th Oniru of Iruland, Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal, at his palace on Victoria Island,  Lagos.

The 15th Oniru of Iruland, HRM Oba Gbolahan Lawal

Some three months after Oba Lawal was installed, the coronation was delayed due to COVID-19.

Although without the usual cultural displays characteristic of such royal outings,  the duo of Sulaiman Ayilara Aremu, popularly called Ajobiewe, and Fausat Ayo Ewebiyi ensured there was no dull moment.

Busola Kukoyi of Lagos Television, the master of ceremonies, left the guests highly entertained.

Many women decked in colour purple attires, while the men shone in white.

Traditional leaders were not left out. Religious men, especially Islamic clerics, were well represented.

Among early callers were wife of Lagos State Governor Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, who wore a velvet purple lace, and Erelu of Lagos Abiola Dosunmu in traditional white.

The arrival of All Progressives Congress (APC) National Leader Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu,  raised the bar.

He was led into the venue by Dr Hamzat, Elegushi of Ikateland Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi, Lagos State Head of Service Hakeem Muri-Okunola, and Chief of Staff to the governor Tayo Ayinde.

A renowned industrialist and Aare of Lagos, Alhaji Rasak Akanni Okoya, his delectable wife, Sade, and  Chief Samuel Adedoyin joined the dignitaries on the high table.

Commissioners for the Environment Tunji Bello; Information and Strategy – Gbenga Omotoso; Housing Moruf Akinderu-Fatai (MAF); Culture and Tourism Uzamat Akinbile-Yussuf; Justice and Attorney-General Moyo Onigbanjo and Special Adviser  on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr Solomon Bonu led other members of the state executive.

The celebrators, Oba Lawal and Olori Mariam, were ushered into the tastefully decorated pavilion, joined by the monarch’s mother, Olori Muinat Lawal-Akapo, and the Ojora of Ijora, Oba Abdul Fatai Aromire.

Rendered in Yoruba, the national anthem was followed by a poetic oratory performance.

Some Islamic scholars coordinated by Imam Hakeem Kosoko rendered prayers for the monarch, governor and his exco, Asiwaju Tinubu and Lagos state.

Oba Lawal was dressed in traditional golden Agbada with long royal beads, a crown, and face mask. He held his mini staff of office.

He waved the horsetail to the admiration of the gathering.

The monarch, in his coronation speech, hailed Governor Sanwo-Olu, Asiwaju Tinubu, who he described as a mentor and confidant; his family, traditional rulers and his subjects.

“My deepest appreciation is to Almighty Allah. In the journey so far, I have received several divine favours and benevolence from our creator, and none of these do I take for granted or deem myself qualified for. It has been providence and I will continue to remain grateful,” he said.

Oba Lawal almost betrayed his emotion while eulogising his mother and remembering his late father, Chief Taoreed Akapo-Lawal,  the former Ojora of Lagos.

He promised to be fair, and work for the progress and development of Iruland.

Sanwo-Olu, represented by Hamzat, reminded the gathering of his advice to the monarch to strengthen the unity and peace in Iruland for the development and progress of the kingdom.

“Two months on the throne, I’m pleased to note that Kabiyesi took this advice to heart as exemplified by his very impressive actions characterised by wisdom, knowledge and large-heartedness. My advice to all sons and daughters, as well as residents of Iruland is to continue to stand firm and united behind His Royal Majesty in order to advance the development and prosperity of this kingdom.

“I have absolute confidence in the ability and capacity of His Royal Majesty to bring about greater transformation that will benefit everybody and further reposition Iruland within the metrics of development in Lagos State,” the governor said.

Asiwaju Tinubu urged the monarch to work with the people as well as the state to actualise his lofty dreams for  Iruland and Lagos State.

He said a beautiful idea dies without the support of government and people who such great idea was meant to develop.

Asiwaju, who described Oba Lawal as intelligent, reliable, dependable and unassuming, urged the people to work in peace and harmony and not in greed, saying that no matter how much of wealth one appropriates to oneself, everyman would leave the world with nothing.

Tinubu urged those who sought to succeed the late Oba but did not make it, to work with Oba Lawal to develop Iruland.

Among dignitaries present were former Ambassador to Ghana Senator Musiliu Obanikoro; members of the House of Assembly; and former and serving members of the National Assembly.

Others were local government chairmen – Princess Abiodun Adu (Iru-VI); Dr Funmilayo Akande-Mohammed (Apapa-Iganmu); Omobolanle Akinyemi-Obe (Coker-Aguda); Arobadade of Iruland Prince Abayomi Daramola; and whitecap chiefs.

Source: Global Excellence

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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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