Florence Ajimobi Vows Fierce 2027 Battle, Says “PDP Must Go”…



Florence Ajimobi, wife of the late former Oyo State governor Abiola Ajimobi, has declared that the All Progressives Congress (APC) is prepared for an intense political contest ahead of the 2027 elections. Speaking passionately, she said the party has the financial strength at both state and federal levels to challenge the PDP, describing the coming elections as a “war” the APC must win.

VIDEO: ‘I’m Comfortable In PDP,’ Makinde Insists After Meeting Tinubu

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State on Thursday met with President Bola Tinubu to discuss governance matters. The governor clarified that the meeting was strictly about “some governance issues” and not political.

Makinde also emphasized that he remains comfortable in the PDP, while praising President Tinubu as not just the leader of the APC, but the President of all Nigerians.

#Makinde #Tinubu #PDP #NigeriaPolitics

Tinubu’s Aide Says “Oyo Empire Belongs to History” as Alaafin Urged to Embrace Modern Roles

Amid debates over supremacy among Oyo State monarchs, Tinubu’s aide Temitope Ajayi stated that the Oyo Empire is history and urged the Alaafin to focus on modern leadership, peace, and development. The Olubadan of Ibadan, Alaafin of Oyo, and Soun of Ogbomosoland are set to rotate chairmanship of the State Council of Obas and Chiefs. However, the Alaafin’s Palace denied any consultation or endorsement of the rotational arrangement, sparking tension and public discussion about traditional authority in contemporary Yorubaland.

#OyoEmpire #AlaafinOfOyo #TraditionalLeadership

President Tinubu Celebrates Chief Bisi Akande at 87, Praises His Role in Nigeria’s Democracy and APC Success

President Bola Tinubu has paid a special tribute to elder statesman Chief Bisi Akande on his 87th birthday, recognizing his immense contributions to Nigeria’s democracy and the All Progressives Congress (APC). Tinubu highlighted Akande’s journey from accountant to Deputy Governor of old Oyo State, Governor of Osun, and first Interim APC Chairman, praising his leadership in helping unseat an incumbent in 2015. He lauded Akande’s integrity, mentorship, and unwavering support for the Renewed Hope Agenda, describing him as a tireless advocate for democracy, social justice, and good governance even at 87.

Alaafin Absent as Oyo Governor Makinde Inaugurates Olubadan as Chairman of Council of Obas

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, was notably absent as Governor Seyi Makinde inaugurated the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs, appointing Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, as the inaugural chairman for a two-year term. The event, held at the House of Chiefs Hall, follows the 2025 amendments aimed at strengthening traditional institutions. Governor Makinde emphasized rotational chairmanship among the three top monarchs to promote unity and cooperation, while Oba Ladoja assured the public that the council’s focus is peace, safety, and progress for Oyo State residents.

Oyo Police Rescue 60-Year-Old Kidnap Victim, Arrest Four Suspects

The Oyo State Police Command successfully rescued Isiaku Saidu, a 60-year-old man abducted in Iseyin, and Hussinat Abubakar, another kidnap victim in Itesiwaju LGA, without ransom payments.

Four suspected kidnappers, including Kari Ibrahim (22), Dure Jimoh (25), and Abubakar Sidi (55), were arrested, with one suspect neutralized during a gun duel. The police recovered six expended cartridges and urged the public to report anyone with gunshot injuries.

Police said the operations underscore the command’s determination to rescue victims promptly and discourage ransom payments, while investigations continue to apprehend other syndicate members.

Why Is Oyo Police Cracking Down on Unmarked Vehicles, Fake Number Plates and Face-Concealing Motorcyclists—Is This the End of Crime Through Disguise in the State?

Is Oyo State entering a new phase of security enforcement—and will it finally curb crimes committed through disguise and anonymity? The Oyo State Police Command has announced a statewide operation targeting unmarked vehicles, fake or defaced number plates, and motorcyclists who conceal their faces, as part of what it describes as a proactive and intelligence-led policing strategy.

Approved by the Commissioner of Police, Femi Haruna, the operation is scheduled to commence on Monday and will focus on vehicles without valid registration numbers, those using covered, blinded, defaced, fake, dealer’s, or unauthorized plates, as well as motorcyclists who wear hoods or masks to obscure their identities while riding.

According to the police, offenders will face arrest, vehicle impoundment, and prosecution following investigations. The Command explained that the crackdown is driven by intelligence reports showing that criminals increasingly exploit unmarked vehicles and concealed identities to evade detection, carry out robberies, kidnappings, and other violent crimes, and escape law enforcement scrutiny.

The announcement follows earlier engagements by CP Haruna with commercial motorcyclists across the state, where he issued warnings that any motorcycle linked to criminal activity would attract severe penalties. He also urged riders and residents to provide timely intelligence, assuring them of confidentiality and swift police response.

Beyond this specific enforcement drive, the police reaffirmed that routine stop-and-search operations, checkpoints, and intelligence-based patrols remain central to crime prevention in Oyo State. Residents were advised to stay vigilant, comply with vehicle and traffic regulations, and report suspicious movements or activities to the nearest police station.

As security challenges continue to evolve, the operation raises key questions: Will the removal of fake plates and masked riding close a major loophole criminals use to operate? Can stricter enforcement improve public safety without disrupting legitimate transport and commercial activity? For many residents, the coming weeks will determine whether this strategy marks a turning point in the fight against crime—or merely another short-term security campaign.

Oyo State Records Over 100 Farmers-Herders Clashes Monthly – NSCDC Reports

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Oyo State Command, has revealed that the state experiences up to 100 farmers-herders clashes every month. The NSCDC spokesperson, Samuel Opebiyi, cited causes such as grazing on farmlands, cattle poisoning, and related disputes.

Opebiyi highlighted the efforts of the NSCDC Agro-Rangers unit, which has successfully prevented many conflicts from escalating. The corps uses Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms to foster peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders, contributing to food security in the state.

The clashes are most prevalent in Oluyole, Oke-Ogun, and Ibarapa regions, with the NSCDC noting that limited manpower has hindered full deployment of Agro-Rangers to all communities. Ongoing efforts aim to strengthen the unit and ensure safety for both farmers and herders.


#OyoState #FarmersHerders #NSCDC”

Oyo Police Arrest 49-Year-Old Man for Alleged 2022 Defilement of 13-Year-Old Girl in Ibadan

The Oyo State Command of the Nigeria Police Force has arrested 49-year-old Peter Adubi for the alleged defilement of a 13-year-old girl in 2022. The arrest followed a report by the minor’s guardian, who noticed unusual sexualized behavior in the girl.

Upon questioning, the minor disclosed that the abuse occurred while she was living with her mother in the Molade area of Ibadan. Medical examinations confirmed sexual abuse, providing critical evidence for the investigation.

The case has now been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Gender Desk for a discreet and thorough investigation. The police assured the public that justice will be diligently pursued and encouraged citizens to report incidents of sexual abuse to protect children.

#OyoPolice #ChildProtection #NigeriaCrime”

Oyo Police Warn of Rising Drowning Cases, Urge Churches, Hotels, and Parents to Ensure Safety

The Oyo State Police Command has raised serious concerns over a recent surge in drowning incidents across the state, urging religious organizations, hotels, recreational facilities, and parents to adopt strict safety measures. The advisory, issued on January 8, 2026, emphasizes that negligence around rivers, dams, wells, swimming pools, and other water bodies has led to avoidable deaths.

In a statement signed by DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, Police Public Relations Officer, church leaders were specifically warned to ensure that worship centers near natural water bodies provide adequate supervision during religious activities, discouraging unsupervised access by children. Hotel and resort operators were also reminded of their legal and moral responsibilities to maintain safe premises, with swimming pools clearly marked, supervised, and equipped with functional rescue tools. Trained instructors, lifeguards, and swimming tutors were encouraged to reduce drowning risks.

Parents and guardians were advised to closely monitor children around water, including wells and rivers, and ensure that all wells at home are securely covered and access restricted. Damaged or corroded covers should be repaired immediately to prevent tragedies.

Commissioner of Police, CP Femi Haruna, described the loss of lives through drowning as unacceptable and avoidable, calling for collective responsibility in ensuring public safety. The police urged residents to remain vigilant, report emergencies promptly, and continue supporting the force in protecting lives and property across Oyo State.

This alert underscores the importance of proactive safety measures, particularly in communities near natural water bodies, and highlights the role of institutions and parents in preventing drowning accidents.

Oyo Police Reveal How 12 Bandits Killed Five Forest Guards in Oloka Village Attack

The Oyo State Police Command has provided new details on the deadly attack on the National Forest Rangers’ Office in Oloka Village, Ikoyi-Ile, which resulted in the deaths of five forest guards on the night of January 6, 2026.

According to the police, around 11:30 p.m., approximately 12 armed assailants emerged from adjoining bushes and opened sporadic gunfire on the Rangers’ Office before fleeing the scene. The police clarified that the surrounding community was not targeted during the attack.

DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, stated that the Commissioner of Police, CP Femi Haruna, led security agency heads and the National Forest Rangers’ Commandant in conducting an on-the-spot assessment. The police reassured residents that swift deployment of operatives prevented further escalation.

Additional measures include reinforcing personnel, deploying intelligence officers, tactical teams, and mobile units to enhance surveillance, gather intelligence, and ensure rapid response. Investigations are ongoing, with preliminary leads already emerging, while the remains of the slain officers have been deposited and the crime scene forensically examined.

The Oyo Police Command called on residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information to aid investigations. The Commissioner of Police also expressed appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police for his support, emphasizing the state’s commitment to protecting lives and property and bringing the attackers to justice.

Oyo Bandit Attack: Governor Makinde Confirms Killing of Five Forest Guards in Cross-Border Operation

Tragedy struck Oyo State as five National Park Service Forest Guard officers were killed in what authorities are calling a cross-border attack by suspected bandits. The incident occurred at the National Park Office in Oloka Village, according to a statement personally issued by Governor Seyi Makinde on Wednesday, January 7, 2026.

Governor Makinde described the attack as a criminal act and mourned the loss of the officers, who were killed while performing their official duties. In his statement posted on social media, he said: “Earlier today, there was a criminal attack by bandits at the National Park Office, Oloka Village which resulted in the death of five National Park Service Forest Guard Officers. This is a devastating loss… May their souls rest in peace.”

Preliminary investigations by security agencies indicate that the incident was a cross-border operation, suggesting that armed groups exploited forest corridors along Nigeria’s borders to carry out the attack. Governor Makinde assured residents that security agencies are already coordinating efforts to address the situation and have deployed additional personnel to prevent further incidents.

He appealed to residents of Oriire Local Government Area and other border communities to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies in intelligence gathering, emphasizing that “our administration will leave no stone unturned to respond decisively to prevent a recurrence of such attacks.”

The killing has heightened concerns about insecurity in border and forest-adjacent communities across Nigeria. Authorities have warned of the increasing frequency of attacks by armed groups exploiting vulnerable forest corridors, raising questions about regional security, cross-border collaboration, and the protection of personnel responsible for safeguarding national parks and natural resources.

The attack has also caused uncertainty and fear among local residents, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced intelligence, community engagement, and stronger law enforcement responses to banditry and criminal incursions in vulnerable areas.

This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by forest guards and the broader challenge of combating cross-border criminal activity in Nigeria’s forested regions.

Ibadan Explosion Relief Funds: Oyo Government Reveals N30 Billion Federal Intervention Fund Still Untouched Over a Year After Bodija Blast

The Oyo State government has confirmed that the N30 billion released by the Federal Government for post-explosion relief following the January 16, 2024 Bodija explosion in Ibadan remains unused, more than a year after it was deposited in a dedicated account.

According to a statement on Thursday, while President Bola Tinubu approved N50 billion for intervention, only N30 billion has been released, with the remaining N20 billion yet to be disbursed. The released funds are kept intact in a dedicated Oyo State Infrastructure Support Account at First Bank of Nigeria (No. 2045199879) to ensure transparency and proper management.

The government explained that it deliberately refrained from spending the funds because the remaining N20 billion has not been released and due to ongoing uncertainties surrounding the approval process.

The disclosure follows criticism from the African Action Congress (AAC), Oyo State Chapter, which accused Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration of lacking transparency in handling the relief funds. Reports suggested that only ₦4.5 billion had been approved for compensation to victims, sparking public concern over the remaining N45.5 billion.

The Bodija explosion, caused by illegally stored explosive devices, devastated the Old Bodija residential area, resulting in multiple fatalities, injuries, and damage to over 230 properties. Governor Makinde’s administration has emphasized that the N30 billion remains untouched as it awaits the release of the balance to ensure proper relief and resettlement for affected families.

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#IbadanExplosion #OyoStateRelief #FederalFundsUntouched

AAC Demands Oyo Governor Explain ₦4.5 Billion Bodija Explosion Relief Despite Alleged ₦50 Billion Federal Support

The African Action Congress (AAC) Oyo State chapter has called on Governor Seyi Makinde to clarify the disbursement of relief funds to victims of the January 16, 2024 Bodija explosion in Ibadan. Reports indicate that only ₦4.5 billion was officially approved for compensation, despite claims that ₦50 billion was released by the federal government. AAC Chairman Kayode Babayomi accused the state government of a lack of transparency and financial impropriety, urging a detailed explanation on the remaining ₦45.5 billion allegedly allocated for the victims.

Oyo Residents Ask Olubadan To Intervene In Ibadan Circular Road Crisis Over Land Acquisition Dispute

Residents affected by the Ibadan Circular Road Project have appealed to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Abdul Rashidi Ladoja, to intervene in what they describe as growing confusion, loss of trust and alleged illegal land acquisition by the Oyo State Government. In an open letter, the Ibadan Circular Road Corridor Residents accused the government’s stakeholder engagement committee of silencing affected communities while engaging the media, creating fear and public misunderstanding. The residents called for transparency, proper consultation, fair compensation, and a return to the original 75-metre acquisition corridor approved in 2006, warning that deviation from due process could trigger social unrest and legal disputes.

Wike Blames Makinde’s Presidential Ambition for PDP Crisis, Denies Promising to ‘Hold PDP’ for Tinubu Ahead of 2027

Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike has dismissed claims by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde that he promised President Bola Tinubu to “hold” the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of the 2027 presidential election. Describing the allegation as false and unfair, Wike insisted no such meeting took place and said the visit to the President involved several former and serving governors on general party matters. Wike accused Makinde of fueling the PDP’s internal crisis through unchecked ambition and alleged legal missteps, arguing that Makinde’s actions deepened divisions within the opposition party. He maintained that while ambition is legitimate, it must follow due process and party rules.

Fayose Releases Documents Showing Oyo Governor Makinde Received N50 Billion from Tinubu’s Government After Ibadan Explosion

Former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose has released documents claiming that Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde received N50 billion from the federal government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a special intervention fund following the January 2024 Ibadan explosion. According to Fayose, only N4.5 billion of the fund was released to victims, while the remainder was allegedly diverted to support Makinde’s presidential ambitions, sparking tensions within the PDP. Fayose challenged Makinde to sue him and stated he has additional proof of undisclosed intervention funds provided to the Oyo State Government by Tinubu’s administration.

Governor Fintiri Grants One-Month Salary Bonus to Adamawa Civil Servants as Christmas Gift

Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State has approved a one-month basic salary bonus for state civil servants as a Christmas gift, aimed at easing economic pressures and boosting festive cheer. Speaking on the decision, Fintiri emphasized the critical role of civil servants in government service delivery and the administration’s commitment to supporting workers, women, and youth-led enterprises. The bonus aligns with similar festive initiatives by other governors, including Oyo State’s Governor Seyi Makinde, who pays a 13th-month salary, and Ebonyi State’s Governor Francis Nwifuru, who announced a ₦150,000 Christmas bonus. These gestures highlight a growing trend among Nigerian states to enhance civil servant welfare during the festive season.

Nigeria’s National Assembly has been thrown into deep controversy following allegations that Senate President Godswill Akpabio ordered the Clerk of the National Assembly to withhold certified copies of a tax reform bill transmitted to President Bola Tinubu and subsequently signed into law. The alleged directive has fueled suspicions among lawmakers that the version of the tax law assented to by the president may differ from what was debated and passed by both chambers of parliament.

According to reports by Peoples Gazette, two senators and four members of the House of Representatives claimed that repeated requests for certified true copies of the assented tax law were denied on the explicit instruction of the Senate President. Lawmakers said the embargo on the document has intensified internal tension, mistrust, and accusations of procedural manipulation within the legislature.

The controversy began after a House of Representatives member, Abdulsammad Dasuki (PDP, Sokoto State), raised a Point of Privilege during plenary, alleging that the tax laws made available to the public did not reflect the versions passed by the National Assembly. Dasuki stated that after the bill’s passage, he spent several days comparing the gazetted laws with the House’s Votes and Proceedings as well as the harmonised versions approved by both chambers, only to discover significant discrepancies.

According to Dasuki, the documents obtained from the Ministry of Information contained provisions that lawmakers neither debated nor approved. He insisted that the situation amounted to a serious breach of legislative procedure and constitutional governance, stressing that his intervention was meant to alert parliament to a potentially dangerous precedent rather than to move a formal motion.

Following his claims, several lawmakers formally requested access to the certified copy of the law signed by President Tinubu to verify whether any alterations occurred between legislative passage and presidential assent. However, lawmakers alleged that officials in the Clerk’s office repeatedly refused to release the document, citing direct instructions from Senate President Akpabio.

The refusal to release the assented version has further deepened suspicion, especially after Peoples Gazette reported that it had obtained a certified true copy of the tax bill as passed by the National Assembly. Lawmakers questioned why parliamentary leadership would block access to the assented version if no changes had been made.

Several legislators described the situation as an attack on legislative oversight and transparency. A ruling party senator, who spoke anonymously for fear of retaliation, warned that the alleged concealment of the document represented an attempt to undermine Nigeria’s democratic process and called on Nigerians of conscience to intervene. Another House member from Oyo State criticised Speaker Tajudeen Abbas for failing to address the issue with the urgency it deserved, expressing concern that the government appeared unwilling to suspend the January 1 implementation of the disputed tax law despite the unresolved controversy.

At the centre of the dispute is the fear that unauthorised clauses may have been inserted into the tax reform laws after parliamentary approval, raising serious constitutional and legal questions. Lawmakers warned that denying access to the assented copy erodes trust within parliament and weakens democratic accountability.

Meanwhile, Senator Sunday Karimi, a member of the Senate Finance Committee, dismissed claims of alterations as unsubstantiated rumours but acknowledged that the matter deserved investigation. He stated that all versions of the bill—those passed by the National Assembly and the gazetted laws—should be made publicly available for transparency. Karimi also expressed confidence in President Tinubu, insisting that the president would not be complicit in any attempt to undermine Nigeria’s democratic institutions.

The allegations have sparked widespread political backlash beyond the National Assembly. Opposition figures and civil society groups have accused unnamed actors of secretly altering the tax laws, with some describing the alleged actions as treasonous. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar condemned the situation as a “brazen act of treason” and a direct assault on Nigeria’s democracy.

As of the time of reporting, neither Senate President Akpabio, the Clerk of the National Assembly, nor Speaker Tajudeen Abbas had publicly responded to the allegations. The unfolding controversy has placed Nigeria’s tax reforms at the centre of a growing political storm, with calls mounting for full disclosure, legislative accountability, and a transparent review of the assented laws to safeguard the integrity of the country’s democratic process.

Turaki-Led PDP Accuses INEC of Bias, Insists Wike’s ‘Committee of Friends’ Is Not a Faction Amid Leadership Dispute

The Kabiru Tanimu Turaki-led leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of hypocrisy and sustained bias, insisting that there is no faction within the party despite claims by the electoral body. In a strongly worded statement, the PDP faulted INEC’s refusal to recognise and upload the names of its elected National Working Committee members following the party’s November 2025 convention in Ibadan, Oyo State.
According to the party, INEC’s position—anchored on subsisting Federal High Court judgments—is misleading, as those judgments have already been appealed with applications for stay of execution before the Court of Appeal. The PDP further alleged that INEC deliberately suppressed key facts in court, including its own role in monitoring PDP National Executive Committee meetings, the convention process, and party primaries conducted in Osun and Ekiti states under the current leadership.
Warning against interference in internal party affairs, the PDP cited recent Supreme Court rulings barring INEC from meddling in party leadership disputes. It maintained that all legitimate organs of the party, including the Board of Trustees, Governors’ Forum, National Assembly caucuses, and state chairmen, recognise the Turaki-led NWC. The party dismissed the Wike-backed “committee of friends” as illegitimate, urging members to remain calm while the legal process continues.

#PDP
#INEC
#NigerianPolitics