Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has sacked the traditional rulers of Ososo and Ikpeshi/Egbegere clans in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of the state.
The affected monarchs are Bamidele Obaitan of the Ososo Kingdom and Zaiki Luckman Odamah III of the Ikpeshi/Egbegere Clan.
Their removal was announced in a statement issued on Thursday by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Iklor.
According to the statement, Governor Okpebholo approved the revocation of their appointments in the interest of peace, stability, and due process after reviewing the circumstances surrounding ongoing disputes over the traditional leadership of both communities.
The governor also approved the appointment of Nicholas Odamah as the Regent of the Ikpeshi/Egbegere Clan, while the Elders of the Four Quarters (Unukhus), the Council of Chiefs, and the Elders of Ososo were directed to meet, consult widely, and submit a consensus candidate for appointment to the vacant stool of the Ososo Kingdom.
The statement read, “Odamah shall oversee the affairs of the clan in a custodial capacity and ensure full cooperation with government directives.
“Submission of a consensus candidate shall be made through the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs within a timeframe to be communicated formally by the Ministry. This process must reflect the customs, rotation principles, and collective will of the Ososo people.
“Both Bamidele Obaitan and Luckman Odamah are directed to immediately hand over all government properties, instruments of office, and materials in their possession to the Chairman, Akoko-Edo Local Government Council, without delay.”
It was gathered that Odamah III had earlier protested the appointment of Prof. Roland Otaru (SAN) as Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice. (Punch)
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has revoked the land title granted to the Museum of West African Art by the administration of former Governor Godwin Obaseki, declaring that the property will revert to its original use as the historic Benin Central Hospital.
The decision, announced in a statement signed by the governor and dated October 21, 2025, and made public in Benin City on Monday, November 10, 2025, followed mounting controversy surrounding the MOWAA project.
The project has drawn objections from the Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II, as well as renewed public outcry over the demolition of the old Central Hospital to make way for the museum.
Okpebholo’s action came barely 24 hours after a chaotic scene at the museum’s preview exhibition, where protesters claiming loyalty to the Benin Palace disrupted the event attended by European diplomats, including the ambassadors of the European Union and Germany, forcing guests to be evacuated under tight security.
While the governor expressed shock that his administration was not informed about the envoys’ visit, he accused the previous government of handling the project with “a gross lack of transparency.”
However, MOWAA management has denied allegations that it used the name “Benin Royal Museum” to secure funding, insisting it held no claim to the Benin Bronzes.
Okpebholo, ordering the revocation of the Right of Occupancy earlier granted to the MOWAA management by the Obaseki administration, said it was carried out “in the overriding public interest,” citing the authority vested in him by Sections 28 and 38 of the Land Use Decree No. 6 of 1978 (now the Land Use Act).
In the official statement titled “Land Use Decree 1978: Revocation of Statutory Rights of Occupancy Pursuant to Sections 28 and 38,” Okpebholo declared that the land previously allocated to the Edo Museum of West African Art Trust Ltd/GTE had been reclaimed by the state and would be restored to its original use as the Benin Central Hospital, a historic medical institution that has served the city for over a century.
“Notice is hereby given that in exercise of the power conferred upon me by Section (28) 1 and 38 of the Land Use Decree No. 6 of 1978 and by virtue of all other laws enabling me on that behalf, I, Senator Monday Okpebholo, Executive Governor of Edo State of Nigeria, hereby revoke the Statutory Rights of Occupancy granted to Edo Museum of West African Art Trust (EMOWAA) Ltd/GTE for overriding public interest,” the notice read.
Okpebholo said the land in question, known as Digital Plot No. 61977, Zone HI/A12/Ogboka, Benin City, in Oredo Local Government Area, measures approximately 6.210 hectares and was the site of the demolished Central Hospital.
He further noted that the boundaries of the property were contained in the survey attached to the Certificate of Occupancy dated November 28, 2022, registered as No. 169 at page 3 in Volume 45, and now kept in the EDOGIS Land Registry, Benin City.
The revocation marks a reversal of the Obaseki-era decision that sparked widespread public outrage, particularly from the Benin Royal Palace and heritage advocates.
The PUNCH reports that an exhibition at the museum turned chaotic on Sunday as angry protesters stormed the venue, forcing a high-profile event to shut down abruptly.
The preview opening, described as a private exhibition for investors, artists, and foreign envoys, quickly descended into panic when a mob claiming the museum belonged to the Oba of Benin breached parts of the premises.
Viral footage circulating later showed fear-stricken foreign dignitaries being evacuated under tight security.
On Monday, Okpebholo said his administration was not informed about the presence of foreign envoys in the state for activities related to the Museum of West African Art in Benin.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, the governor made the clarification when he received a high-powered delegation of European diplomats, including the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Gautier Mignot, and the German Ambassador to Nigeria, Dr. Annett Günther, at the Government House, Benin City.
He expressed shock over the visit of foreign envoys and later led the delegation on a courtesy visit to the Palace of the Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II.
Speaking at the palace, Okpebholo described the development as another example of the “lack of transparency” that surrounded the MOWAA project since its inception.
“We are here with the European and German Ambassadors, and their colleagues from the Netherlands and Belgium, to see His Royal Majesty. They have spoken about areas of collaboration and also about what happened yesterday. Honestly, I wasn’t aware that such a gathering was going to take place; that’s the truth. However, we have spoken with the Oba and gotten his side of the story,” he said.
The governor disclosed that his administration had already constituted a committee to investigate the MOWAA project and make recommendations on the way forward.
Okpebholo noted that the state government was never briefed on the project’s financiers, ownership structure, or operational details, stressing that even the Oba of Benin had personally expressed concern over its handling.
“The previous administration never briefed me about MOWAA nor handed over any documentation concerning the project. I know nothing about its transactions or agreements,” he added.
He condemned the demolition of the historic Central Hospital in Benin City to make way for MOWAA, noting: “Why destroy a functioning hospital to build a museum? We are proud of our heritage, but development must be responsible and people-centred.”
Oba Ewuare II lamented the manner in which the project was executed, accusing Obaseki of attempting to “mortgage” the rights of the Benin people over their ancestral artefacts.
“It is like history wanting to repeat itself. My forefathers suffered during the British invasion of 1897, and it is not fair that this is happening again. The documents they brought for me to sign would have taken away our rights to these artefacts, and I refused,” the monarch said.
Speaking after the courtesy visit to the palace, Mignot said the mission of the delegation was to pay homage to the monarch and strengthen cooperation with Edo State.
“We have just paid a courtesy call to His Royal Majesty to present our greetings and explain the reason for our visit, which is to deepen our partnership with Edo State. We also discussed the MOWAA project and the unfortunate incidents that occurred. We exchanged views in a spirit of dialogue and partnership, which is how we intend to move forward,” he said.
Mignot clarified that while the European Union as an institution had no direct investment in MOWAA, some EU member states, including Germany, were partners in the initiative.
Dr Günther, in her remarks, commended Okpebholo and the Oba of Benin for their hospitality, reaffirming Germany’s longstanding partnership with Edo State in migration management, youth empowerment, and cultural preservation.
“I am honoured to have paid a courtesy visit to His Royal Majesty, the Oba of Benin, and His Excellency, the Governor of Edo State. During my visit, I will attend the graduation of 450 youths from IT training programmes and visit several project sites. Our cooperation extends beyond development; it includes support for cultural heritage, including the return of over 1,200 Benin Bronzes to Nigeria,” she said.
Dr Günther emphasised that the preservation of peace and transparency was critical to sustaining MOWAA’s cultural and educational mission.
The management of MOWAA, however, denied allegations that it presented itself as the Benin Royal Museum to secure funding.
It urged relevant authorities to confirm directly with all donors to get the true position of its dealings.
Director of MOWAA Institute, Ore Disu, in a statement issued in Benin City on Monday, said the body would continue to uphold deep respect for His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II, the Oba of Benin.
Disu said MOWAA would make every effort to foster understanding and goodwill, as well as remain dedicated to engaging respectfully.
He said the organisation remained committed to contributing to the preservation and advancement of West Africa’s rich cultural legacy.
“MOWAA does not hold, nor have we ever claimed title to, any Benin Bronzes. Since our inception in 2020, the museum has consistently affirmed that it has no claims to these artefacts.
“Our focus for the last four years has been firmly on broader West African art, research, education, and conservation, with a strong focus on modern and contemporary, as well as historical works from Nigeria and beyond.
There are no Benin Bronzes on display at the museum, nor have there ever been,” the statement read.
Disu clarified that there was no planned formal inauguration or official opening of the museum, adding that Sunday’s event was a private preview for partners and stakeholders.
He also said none of the historical works on display were of Benin heritage. (Punch)
Former military Generals have expressed outrage over Tuesday’s clash between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and a naval officer identified as A. Yerima, over alleged land grabbing.
The veterans, in separate interviews with The PUNCH on Wednesday, asserted that such confrontations undermine the chain of command and institutional respect.
In the wake of the outrage that trailed the incident, the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, said the ministry is investigating the matter. He assured that the Armed Forces would protect personnel carrying out lawful duties.
Speaking at a press briefing to commence activities for the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day at the National Defence College, Abuja, the defence minister lauded Yerima for his composure during his face-off with the FCT minister.
“At the ministry, and indeed the Armed Forces, we will always protect our officers on lawful duty,’’ he noted. “We are looking into this issue and assure that any officer performing his duties lawfully will be highly protected. We will not allow anything to happen to him so long as he is doing his job, and he is doing it very well.”
The stand-off between Wike and the officer followed a row over the ownership of a piece of land being guarded by some armed military officers led by Yerima, on the instruction of a former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Zubairu Gambo (retd.).
Wike had alleged that the ex-CNS illegally took over the land. A video obtained by The PUNCH showed the visibly enraged minister confronting the officer.
Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, asked Wike to publicly apologise to President Bola Tinubu, the Armed Forces, and the military officer involved in the clash.
Buratai, who served as Chief of Army Staff between 2015 and 2021, said Wike’s conduct was inappropriate and amounted to disrespect for the military.
Buratai, in a post on his Facebook page on Tuesday night, said, “The events of November 11, 2025, involving the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Nyesom Wike, demand an immediate and serious response.
“His public disparagement of a uniformed officer of the Nigerian Armed Forces transcends mere misconduct; it represents a palpable threat to national security and institutional integrity.
“A minister’s verbal assault on a military officer in uniform is an act of profound indiscipline that strikes at the core of our nation’s command and control structure. It deliberately undermines the chain of command, disrespects the authority of the Commander-in-Chief and grievously wounds the morale of every individual who serves under the Nigerian flag. Such actions erode the very foundation of discipline upon which our national security apparatus stands.”
Brig Gen Peter Aro (retd.) said the clash highlights the importance of respecting proper channels in a democracy.
He said, “The clash between Minister Wike and the young naval officer goes beyond personalities: it reflects how power should and should not be exercised in a democracy. The officer, by every account, was acting under lawful orders from his superior, the former Chief of Naval Staff; his duty was to obey the chain of command, not to improvise under political pressure.’’
While acknowledging the minister’s right to raise questions about the title of the disputed land, Aro faulted the process adopted by the former Rivers state governor.
“The minister, on the other hand, had every right to raise questions about land or its use, but only through lawful channels such as writing to the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, or approaching the courts. A public confrontation that diminishes institutional respect exposes the government’s internal disarray before the world.”
He added, “If this episode is not publicly condemned, it sends a dangerous message to the men and women who risk their lives daily for Nigeria’s sovereignty. The military must remain disciplined, but civilian leaders must also model restraint and humility.”
Retired Brigadier General Bashir Adewinbi described the incident as unacceptable.
“I did not expect a minister to behave like that toward a commissioned officer. The military is not just any organisation; it is under the command of the President, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. Any confrontation with a military officer is, by extension, a confrontation with the Commander-in-Chief and should not be tolerated,” he said.
But the Senior Special Assistant on Publicity and Communications to the FCT minister, Lere Olayinka, defended Wike’s actions, describing the incident as the outcome of a land scam that misled a former naval chief.
The aide also faulted the retired CNS’s response, alleging that he attempted to use military influence to assert ownership over the land.
“That is why I want to say that the Chief of Naval Staff was scammed. He has realised that he was scammed. Instead of coming out to seek help, he resorted to using military might.
“After selling land allocated to you for park and recreation, for people to build a house, who should the Chief of Naval Staff go and hold? The person who’s claiming or the government? “He chose not to hold the person or company who scammed him.”
Olayinka further clarified that the land in question lies within the Mabushi area, designated for public and corporate buildings, not private residences.
He added that Gambo had no valid title or approved building plan for the land.
“Again, that particular portion has now been designated for, you know, if you know Abuja very well, you know how Mabushi is.
“That is where you have the Ministry of Works environment. That portion of the land, that pathway is for public buildings and corporate buildings, not residential, meaning that you cannot build a residential house there.
“As of today, Vice Admiral Gambo does not have a document, a title document, showing that he owns the land. He does not own the land,” he added.
The aide further explained that “assuming but not conceding that he has title documents and he owns the land, before you begin development of a land, there are processes you must pass through.
“One of such processes is to have a building plan, a building plan showing what you want to put on the land. And you take your building plan to the development control.
“The question Nigerians should ask Vice Admiral Gambo is, did he take his building plan on that land to the development control? And did development control approve the building plan?”
A Senior Advocate of Nigeria and constitutional law expert, Prof. Sebastine Hon, faulted Yerima’s confrontation with the minister, insisting his action was a “breach of the law.”
Reacting to the incident in a Facebook post on Wednesday, Hon condemned the officer’s decision to obstruct Wike’s access to the disputed plot of land, saying the act could not be justified under any lawful military order.
“Brushing sentiments aside, I hereby condemn in totality the actions of the Naval Officer, A.M. Yerima, who obstructed the FCT Minister from gaining access to that parcel of land, under the guise of ‘obeying superior orders.’
“The duty of a junior officer to obey the orders of his superiors, even though strongly upheld in military and paramilitary circles, has its own limitations recognised by no other authority but the Supreme Court of Nigeria,” he wrote.
Hon cited Supreme Court rulings in Onunze v. State (2023) 8 NWLR (Pt. 1885) 61 and Nigeria Air Force v. James (2002) 18 NWLR (Pt. 798) 295, which, according to him, clearly established that military officers are not bound to obey illegal or manifestly unjust orders.
“The illegality in that order stems primarily from the fact that no service law of the military permits a serving military officer to mount guard at the private construction site of his boss, especially under suspicious circumstances like this,” he stated.
He added that if security concerns existed, “the retired Naval Officer ought, under the circumstances, to have engaged the civil police.”
Hon further stressed that Wike exercises the powers of the President over land administration in Abuja, pursuant to sections 297(2) and other provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). (Punch)
The Kebbi State Police Command has confirmed the release of the kidnapped Deputy Speaker of the Kebbi State House of Assembly, Muhammad Sama’ila Bagudo.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the command’s Public Relations Officer, Nafiu Abubakar, said the lawmaker regained his freedom on Saturday, November 8, at about 8:00 pm, after being held in captivity for over a week.
Bagudo was abducted by gunmen on October 31, 2025, in the Bagudo Local Government Area of the state.
According to Abubakar, he has since been reunited with his family after receiving medical attention.
The Kebbi Commissioner of Police, Kotarkoshi, commended the combined efforts of security operatives who took part in the rescue operation, describing their conduct as courageous and professional.
“The command appreciates the courage, resilience and bravery of the combined team of security personnel deployed for the search and rescue operation, as well as the good people of Kebbi State who provided vital and accurate information that aided the safe return of the Honourable Member,” the statement read.
The state command reiterated its determination to sustain ongoing operations against banditry, kidnapping, and other violent crimes in the state. Residents were urged to remain calm, vigilant, and promptly report any suspicious persons or movements to the nearest police station or other security agencies for immediate response.
Bagudo’s abduction had triggered widespread concern across Kebbi State, but his safe release has brought relief to his family, colleagues, and constituents. (Punch)
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory FCT, Nyesom Wike, on Monday stormed Plot 1946 in Gaduwa District, Abuja, following reports that soldiers had taken over the disputed parcel of land allegedly linked to a former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo (retd).
Speaking during the unscheduled visit, Wike expressed anger that government officials from the FCT Department of Development Control were chased away from the site by armed soldiers while attempting to enforce a stop-work order earlier issued by his office.
The soldiers had blocked entry into the plot with a truck and physically prevented the minister who had tried to make his way in.
Wike said the incident was brought to his attention after the FCT authorities discovered that the developers had no valid documents or legal approval for the property.
“You are aware that the land departments and Development Control have been mandated to monitor illegal developments and land grabbing in the FCT.
“When this matter was brought to my attention, I directed that nothing should take place on that plot since there were no legal documents or urban regional approvals. Unfortunately, I was informed that soldiers chased our officials away”, he said.
Wike said he was surprised to learn that the soldiers allegedly acting on the instructions of the former Naval Chief had taken over the property.
“I don’t understand how someone who once occupied such a high office cannot come to the FCT Minister to explain his situation but instead uses soldiers to intimidate people. I am not one of those who will succumb to blackmail or intimidation”, he added.
According to him, when development control officials asked for the necessary land documents and building approvals, none were produced.
“How can we continue to allow lawlessness to prevail in this country? What about those who do not have the military or security forces to protect them?” Wike queried.
The Minister condemned any attempt to use security operatives to frustrate legitimate government enforcement actions, stressing that such behaviour would not be tolerated under his watch.
He disclosed that he had already spoken with the Chief of Defence Staff and the Chief of Naval Staff, who assured him that the matter would be resolved amicably.
“We are not here for confrontation or to cause chaos, but I will not allow illegality to thrive. The same way we enforce the law in other parts of Abuja is the same way we will do here. No one, not even a former Chief of Naval Staff, is above the law,” Wike declared.
The FCT Administration had in recent months intensified efforts to curb land racketeering and illegal developments across the territory, with several high-profile properties already demolished for noncompliance with planning regulations. (Vanguard)
President Bola Tinubu on Sunday congratulated Governor Chukwuma Soludo on his re-election, calling the result “an affirmation of visionary leadership” and promising closer federal–state collaboration with Anambra.
The Independent National Electoral Commission declared Soludo the winner of Saturday’s off-cycle poll after he swept all 21 Local Government areas.
In a statement he signed and released on Sunday, Tinubu praised voters, security agencies and INEC for a peaceful exercise and urged the governor to be “magnanimous in victory.”
He also commended the new INEC chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan and charged the commission to sustain higher standards in future polls.
The overwhelming victory he recorded in Saturday’s poll has now made him the third governor in the state’s political history to win a second term.
He wrote, “I must also congratulate the people of Anambra State, the security agencies and the Independent National Electoral Commission on the peaceful and successful conduct of the governorship election.
“Professor Soludo’s re-election is a testament to his visionary leadership and the significant progress the state has made under his guidance.
“Governor Soludo, the Solution, has demonstrated that indeed knowledge is power and that academic principles can be applied in serving the people, undergirding accountability, transparency and prudent management of people and resources.”
Tinubu reminisced on his visit to Anambra State in May, where he inaugurated some projects executed by the Soludo administration.
During the visit, he highlighted the good thinking behind the landmark projects being embarked upon by the governor, whom he called “Mr Solution.”
“That experience is indeed remarkable and will remain indelible in my mind,” he stated.
The President commended Soludo for bringing discipline, grace, brilliance, and a fresh perspective to governance in Anambra, saying, “Under him, Anambra is living up to its motto as the Light of the Nation.”
Assuring Soludo of his support, the President urged the former Central Bank Chief to be magnanimous in victory and to seek the cooperation of his opponents in the just-concluded elections.
He stated, “I assure Governor Soludo of my unwavering support, and I look forward to continued collaboration between Anambra and the Federal Government.
“The victory of the opposition All Grand Progressives Alliance in the election again demonstrates the vitality of our political system and the fact that victory for any progressive and hardworking leader can hardly be encumbered or denied.
Tinubu also thanked the new INEC Chairman, Amupitan, and his team for conducting what, according to him, observers have described as a credible election, “based on the reports I have received thus far.”
“I charge the commission with maintaining the standards and further improving its performance, so we can continue to strengthen and deepen our electoral system,” said Tinubu.
Soludo’s victory extends APGA’s two-decade dominance of Anambra politics and makes him the third governor in the state’s history—after Peter Obi and Willie Obiano—to win a second term. Channels TV and other outlets reported that the governor won by a landslide, with some tallies showing a haul of more than 420,000 votes against his closest rival of the APC.
Ahead of the vote, analysts had framed the contest as a test of APGA’s entrenched base and of opposition strength in the South-East.
With INEC’s declaration, APGA tightened its grip while Soludo’s tenure—due to run to March 2026—gained new momentum.
Tinubu said he looks forward to “continued collaboration between Anambra and the Federal Government,” adding that Soludo has brought “discipline, grace and a fresh perspective” to governance in the state. (Punch)
The Independent National Electoral Commission has announced Anambra State Governor, Charles Chukwuma Soludo, as winner of the November 8th Governorship election in the State.
Governor Soludo according to results from the 21 Local Government areas of the State won in all the Local Government areas of the State defeating 15 other candidates to secure his second term.
Governor Soludo polled a total of 422, 644 Votes to beat all challengers in a landslide victory with his closest challenger, Nicholas Ukachukwu, of the All Progressives Congress polling 99, 445 Votes.
Soludo a former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and former Chief Economic Adviser to former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, is the third governor under the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance to govern Anambra State after Peter Obi and Willie Obiano.
Anambra State the home of the former Biafran Leader, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, has stayed loyal to the party the late Biafran leader founded during his lifetime and has once again confirmed that by choosing Charles Chukwuma Soludo for a second term in office.
The final result was announced by the returning officer for the Election Professor Edoba Bright Omoregie, Vice Chacellor of the University of Benin and a Senior Advocate Of Nigeria.
The Federal Government on Sunday expressed deep sympathy and solidarity with Cuba, Jamaica, and Haiti following the catastrophic destruction caused by Hurricane Melissa across the Caribbean.
In a statement signed by the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Kimiebi Ebienfa, FG said it received “with profound sorrow and deep sympathy the news of the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Melissa on our sister nations, the Republic of Cuba, Haiti and Jamaica.”
The ministry described the scenes of devastation as “truly heart-wrenching,” noting that reports from the affected nations showed widespread destruction, severe flooding, and tragic loss of lives and livelihoods.
“Nigeria stands in solidarity with the governments and the resilient peoples of Cuba, Haiti and Jamaica during this period of immense adversity and destruction,” the statement read.
The government also commended the efforts of emergency responders in the affected countries, praising their courage and commitment under dire conditions.
“We commend the swift and courageous efforts of the national emergency response teams in both countries, who are working tirelessly under extremely challenging conditions to provide relief and save lives,” it said.
Reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to global solidarity and South-South cooperation, the Federal Government extended condolences to the bereaved families and wished the injured a full recovery.
“In the spirit of South-South cooperation and the enduring bonds of friendship and solidarity that Nigeria shares with the nations of the Caribbean, the Federal Government of Nigeria extends its heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and wishes a full and speedy recovery to the injured,” the statement added.
FG also called on the global community to support recovery and rebuilding efforts in the Caribbean nations.
“The Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria calls upon the international community and our partner organisations to rally in support of Cuba, Haiti and Jamaica, and to provide all necessary assistance to help these nations in their urgent recovery and rebuilding efforts.”
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Government and people of the Republic of Cuba, Haiti and Jamaica,” the ministry concluded.
According to reports, Hurricane Melissa has left nearly 50 people dead across the Caribbean after unleashing catastrophic winds, flooding, and destruction on multiple islands. The storm—one of the most powerful on record—has devastated Jamaica, Cuba, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic, while Bermuda remains under a hurricane warning.
It was reported that in Jamaica, at least 19 deaths have been confirmed, mainly in the western parishes of Westmoreland and St. Elizabeth, with widespread power and communication outages complicating rescue efforts. Haiti has reported 30 deaths, over 1,000 homes flooded, and 16,000 people displaced, while Cuba is reeling from major infrastructure damage amid its economic crisis. Around 735,000 Cubans were evacuated as homes collapsed and power lines were torn down.
The United States and the United Kingdom mobilised aid, with US disaster response teams deployed across the region. (Punch)
Nigerian Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka has said the US revoked his visa and banned him from the country.
The 91-year-old author, who won the Nobel Prize for literature in 1986, said the US consulate asked him to bring in his passport so his visa could be cancelled in person as new unspecified information had come to light.
Soyinka called the invitation a “rather curious love letter from an embassy” in a news conference held on Tuesday and told organisations hoping to invite him to the US “not to waste their time”.
The US embassy in Nigeria has said it cannot comment on individual cases.
The Nobel laureate has previously held permanent residency in the US but renounced it in 2016, tearing up his green card in protest of President Donald Trump’s election.
The green card is a permanent residence permit for the US – prized by many African immigrants to the US.
Soyinka affirmed on Tuesday that he no longer had his green card – and jokingly added that it had “fallen between the fingers of a pair of scissors and it got cut into a couple of pieces”.
The famed author has had regular teaching engagements at US universities for the past 30 years.
“I have no visa. I am banned,” he said on Tuesday.
Soyinka has long been critical of the Trump administration’s radical stance on immigration and linked the visa revocation to his outspoken criticism.
He said his recent comparison of Trump to Uganda’s dictator – “Idi Amin in white face” – may have contributed to the current situation.
“When I called Donald Trump Idi Amin, I thought I was paying him a compliment,” Soyinka said, “he’s been behaving like a dictator.”
Idi Amin was a Ugandan military officer and dictator who ruled the country from 1971 to 1979, infamous for his brutal regime and widespread human rights abuses.
When asked if he would consider going back to the US, Soyinka said: “How old am I?”
In July, the US State Department announced sweeping changes to its non-immigrant visa policy for citizens of Nigeria and several other African countries.
According to the policy, nearly all non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas issued to Nigerians and nationals of Cameroon, Ethiopia and Ghana would now be single-entry and valid for only three months, rolling back the up to five-year, multiple-entry visas they had enjoyed previously. (BBC)
The All Progressives Congress has declared that it will put an end to the 19-year reign of the All Progressives Grand Alliance in Anambra State.
The National Chairman of the APC, Nentawe Yilwatda, said the party would defeat APGA in the November 8, 2025, governorship election.
Yilwatda stated this on Friday at the All Saints Anglican Church Cathedral, Onitsha, during the APC governorship campaign rally for its candidate, Nicholas Ukachukwu.
He described the APC as “a messenger of hope,” stating that he was in the state to deliver the message of hope.
“The APC will uproot APGA in the next remaining eight days and 196 hours to the November 8 governorship election. We in the APC cannot afford to allow APGA to continue governing an important state like Anambra as an adopted son when we have our own son in the person of Ukachukwu.”
Speaking at the rally, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, said the APC couldn’t afford to lose Anambra, adding that he would like the state to become the 25th APC-controlled state.
Ukachukwu expressed optimism that the APC would soon replace APGA’s “deceitful nonperformance” in the state with a high level of development in the nearest future.
“We will soon replace insecurity, multiple taxation, corruption, and nonperformance with adequate security, steady power supply, industrial development, and an agricultural chain,” Ukachukwu stated.
Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State and Chairman of the APC Governors’ Forum assured the electorate in the state that their votes would count in the coming election.
The State Chairman of the APC, Chief Basil Ejidike, and the National Coordinator of Ikemba Front, Arinze Awogu, in their separate speeches, expressed optimism that the APC would take over the Anambra Government House at Agu-Awka this time around.
Meanwhile, the state governor and APGA candidate, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, mocked the APC and its candidate for flagging off their campaign seven days before the election.
Soludo, while speaking at the APGA campaign rally held at Abagana, Njikoka Local Government Area of the state, said the APC campaign was proof that the party was not serious about the contest.
He urged the people to come out en masse on November 8 and vote out the APC and other opposition parties contesting the race.
Soludo said, “This is shocking and a mockery for a political party like the APC to flag off its campaign seven days before the voting process. Though it’s not a surprise, because its candidate is in the race to gain cheap popularity.
“Please, on the day of the election, step out en masse, collect their money, eat it, and vote them out.
“What I can tell you here today is that I have no competitor in this governorship race. What you have seen in the last three years of my administration in terms of transformation is evidence that we will win the election — and we can only win when we all go out and vote.” (Punch)
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