Tag: Lagos State

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Lagos LG Polls: APC wins all 57 chairmanship, 375 councillorship seats

The All Progressives Congress (APC) won all 57 chairmanship seats and 375 councillorship seats in Saturday’s Lagos State Local Government election .
 
The Chairman of the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC), Retired Justice Bola Okikiolu-Ighile, said this on Sunday while declaring the results of the exercise at the commission’s headquarters in Sabo Yaba, Lagos.
 
She said APC also won 375 of the 376 councilorship seats, losing one councilorship seat to PDP in Yaba LCDA.
Okikiolu-Ighile commended the peaceful conduct of residents, especially voters,  during the exercise.

The LASIEC boss also said the enthusiasm displayed by residents before and during the exercise was commendable.
 
She said that the enthusiasm displayed through active participation reinforced the shared belief in the importance of local governance in service delivery and grassroots development.
 
The commission’s boss also commended security agencies and the media for their professional conduct before, during, and after the polls.
 
“Their presence was a significant factor in maintaining a conducive, congenial atmosphere across the polling units.
 
“We are pleased to announce that no major cases of electoral violence or ballot snatching, voter intimidation or general breakdown of law and order were recorded,” she added.
 
Okikiolu-Ighile said that the commission “was pleased to report that the election was generally free, was fair, was peaceful, was orderly, was transparent, credible, and devoid of significant obstructions.”

According to her, electoral officers and ad hoc staff discharged their duties with commendable diligence and integrity.

Stating that no electoral process was without its challenges, the chairman said that the late arrival of electoral personnel and materials in some areas was due to some logistical issues.
 
“We acknowledge that voter apathy remains a concern and we are committed to strengthening our voter education and stakeholders’ engagement strategies relentlessly,” she added.
 
Okikiolu-Ighile said that the results of the elections had been collated and announced by the law across various wards and local council areas by returning officers.
 
She said that the presentation of certificates of return to duly elected chairpersons and councillors would follow soon at the commission’s headquarters.
 
The LASIEC boss also commended observers, civil society organisations, youth groups, women advocacy groups, traditional and religious institutions, market men and women, and other stakeholders for their support and active participation throughout the process.
 
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 15 political parties participated in the election. (Vanguard)

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Lagos LG election peaceful, says EFCC

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has described Saturday’s local government election in Lagos State as peaceful and orderly.

The Acting Zonal Director of the Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the EFCC, ACE I Ahmed Ghali, gave the assessment while monitoring the election process across various polling units in the state.

He said, “From the report and information we have gathered; because our people are everywhere monitoring the situation; everything is going peacefully, and you can see the area is so calm.

“There is no incident report yet, and we are happy with that development.”

He acknowledged minor delays in some areas due to the movement of election materials but described them as understandable.

Ghali also commended the conduct of voters, electoral officials, and security personnel, noting that no signs of malpractice had been observed.

“Everyone is conducting very well. People are coming and going. I have not seen any sign of malpractice and you can see the conduct of the officials is also professional. The security men are alert and doing their job,” he said.

The anti-graft agency said it will continue to observe the election process until voting is concluded. (Punch)

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Sanwo-Olu unveils two major roads in Alimosho, Agege

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Wednesday, inaugurated two major road projects in Alimosho and Agege.

The governor inaugurated the newly rehabilitated and dualised 3.86-kilometre Abaranje Road in the Igando-Ikotun LCDA.

He also inaugurated the 1.8-kilometre Dopemu Road in Agege Local Government Area, which was renamed as ‘Babajide Sanwo-Olu Road’ in his honour.

This was disclosed in a statement on Wednesday by Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile.

Speaking during the inauguration, Sanwo-Olu stated that the Abaranje project, which commenced 20 months ago, was designed to eliminate perennial flooding, enhance connectivity, and reduce travel time for commuters.

“The reconstruction of this famous Abaranje Road is a testament to our determination to bring relief to residents and road users on this axis.

“This project is more than a road expansion and reconstruction; it is a life-changing experience for our citizens living on this road.

“The means of livelihoods lost due to the deplorable condition of the road have now been restored,” Sanwo-Olu said.

The governor noted that the dualised road, now fitted with reinforced concrete interlocking pavement, drainage systems, pedestrian walkways, and solar-powered streetlights, marks a milestone in the state’s transport infrastructure upgrade under his administration.

“Alimosho has reaped a lot of democracy dividends from our government. We have handed over strategic roads in this council to combat heavy traffic congestion.

“This is another critical intervention that is supporting our efforts towards tackling congestion.

“Aside from fostering connectivity, this infrastructure will galvanise the local economy and improve quality of life,” he added.

It was stated that before its rehabilitation, Abaranje Road was narrow, riddled with failed sections, and prone to erosion, conditions that made it a nightmare for road users and residents.

The governor was joined at the commissioning by his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat; members of the state executive council; and community leaders.

Sanwo-Olu also inspected the Ikotun Roundabout, a gridlock point in Alimosho, where he proposed the construction of a flyover to ease traffic congestion.

“Ikotun Roundabout is a critical intersection we are working on, and it is part of the road projects we want to take on in Alimosho.

“There are traffic issues and street trading issues that are resulting in congestion in the area.

“The issues are complex, but it is for us to move in and solve the problems.

“We have done extensive assessment of how best to proceed on the project,” the governor said.

He assured residents that more projects would be delivered in the area.

“I want to assure you that this is not going to be the last stop in Alimosho Projects commissioning will be a continuous exercise for us in this area.

“As a government, we are committed to ensuring that every part of the state is not left untouched.

“I want to emphasise that our vision is to leave behind a world-class infrastructure that will last for decades,” Sanwo-Olu said.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Infrastructure, Olufemi Daramola, said the roads would reduce travel time, enhance mobility, and improve safety for all road users.

“The successful construction of these roads demonstrates this administration’s commitment to bridging infrastructure gaps and improving the lives of Lagosians,” Daramola said.

Also speaking, the Onikotun of Ikotun, Oba Azeez Gbadabiu Asiwaju, expressed gratitude to the governor for responding to the community’s call for development.

“This road will open up access to more communities and bring progress to the people,” the monarch said. (Punch)

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Fuel station fire didn’t start from my house – Lagos landlady

A Lagos landlady, Mrs. Gloria Unazoi, has stated that the recent fire recorded at a fuel station located on Old Akute Road in the Obawole area of Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government Area of Lagos State did not start from her building.

Unazoi said this in a letter dated June 26, 2025, and made available to PUNCH Online on Monday.

The letter, signed by her lawyers, Bodunde Bankole and Co through Adedapo Adepegba, was reacting to an earlier story that quoted the Senior Special Assistant on New Media to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Jubril Gawat, as saying that, “Our people are on the ground; it seems the fire started from a building behind the filling station.”

But Unazoi said her building is the one behind the filling station, and the fire did not start from there.

The letter read, “We can categorically state and prove that the fire did not start from the building behind the filling station, which is our client’s building.

“The fire started as a result of the mishandling of the process of discharging premium motor spirit from the tanker into the underground tank at the filling station.

“When a similar incident happened in 2023, on the instruction of our client, we wrote to the owner of the filling station to put in place enough safeguards that would minimise the effects of a possible fire outbreak, if not outright prevention.

“The said owner failed, neglected, and refused to do so. It was his refusal, failure, and neglect that caused the fire incident and not any fault of our client or her tenant in the building, who have suffered extensive damage to their belongings.”

According to eyewitnesses, the incident occurred at about 4 pm on…, after a sudden blast rocked the facility, attracting passers-by and residents around K Farms Estate in the council area.

Residents alleged that the inferno started from the underground fuel tanks before spreading to other parts of the station, which prompted the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service to barricade the entrance to prevent human interference in the rescue operations.

Spokesperson for the Lagos Fire and Rescue Service, Shakiru Amodu, said that the inferno was immediately curtailed from spreading to adjoining property. (Punch)

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Lagos political storm clears as Tinubu forgives Sanwo-Olu in GAC-brokered truce

The political storm cloud hanging over Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, was swept away yesterday as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu gave him a public endorsement, dispelling lingering speculations of a rift between them.

At a high-stakes reconciliation meeting held at the President’s private residence in Ikoyi, Lagos, Tinubu, long regarded as Sanwo-Olu’s political mentor and benefactor, reportedly declared: “All is over. There is no need to beat around the bush or go into unnecessary talk. Continue with your work.”

The remarks were made before key members of the Lagos State Governance Advisory Council (GAC), the apex decision-making body of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, led by its chairman, Tajudeen Olusi. The council had accompanied Sanwo-Olu to plead for forgiveness and reaffirm political loyalty.

This dramatic intervention followed days of swirling rumours and public tension. Since Tinubu’s arrival in Lagos last week, Sanwo-Olu had been visibly sidelined from major public engagements. The situation reached a climax when Tinubu appeared to snub the governor by refusing a handshake during a public event, an act that set off a firestorm of speculations over a fallout ahead of the 2027 elections.

Sources told The Guardian that the reconciliation meeting was facilitated after behind-the-scenes efforts by influential GAC members, who were alarmed by the escalating political drama. Olusi, in particular, was said to have appealed to Tinubu to forgive the governor, acknowledging that the President had been visibly unhappy with certain developments in Lagos.

Chairman of the GAC, Alhaji Olusi, reportedly told the President: “We know you are not pleased with some of us, especially the governor. We ask for mercy.”

In response, Tinubu, according to multiple sources present at the meeting, said: “It’s all over now. All is forgiven.”

The President also told Sanwo-Olu and the GAC members to go ahead with the planned local government elections scheduled to be held on July 12, saying, “I am too busy for council matters. Go ahead and ensure the right thing is done. Give fair opportunities to everyone.”

At that moment, Sanwo-Olu and members of the council were said to have prostrated before the President in a symbolic gesture of reconciliation and loyalty.

Though neither Sanwo-Olu nor Tinubu publicly confirmed a dispute, APC insiders at national, zonal, and state levels had hinted at growing friction. Sources cited Sanwo-Olu’s alleged attempts to assert greater independence by marginalising Tinubu loyalists within the state’s political structure. (Guardian)

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Darey Art Alade, wife escape as car catches fire on Third Mainland Bridge

Popular Nigerian musician, Darey Art Alade, and his wife, Deola, have thanked God and well-wishers after narrowly escaping a car fire on the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos State.

Sharing videos from the scene on Instagram on Saturday, Deola revealed that the incident occurred around 4pm on Friday when their vehicle caught fire and was completely destroyed.

“Yesterday, around 4pm, our car caught fire on the 3rd Mainland Bridge and burnt to the ground.

“It was a shocking and painful experience, but we’re incredibly grateful that the driver made it out safely. No lives were lost, and that’s what truly matters,” she wrote.

In her post, Deola emphasised the importance of life over material possessions saying, “Moments like this remind us how quickly things can change and how unimportant material things become in the face of life itself.”

She also noted that the reason for sharing their experience was to encourage others going through sudden loss.

Deola wrote, “We’re not sharing this for sympathy but to remind someone that things can be replaced. Lives cannot. We’re choosing to remain thankful to God for protection, for perspective, and for the quiet strength to keep going.

“If you’re navigating a sudden loss of any kind, we hope this reminds you: we can rebuild. We can begin again and find the strength to keep going. One breath, one prayer, one step at a time. We give thanks in all things. Thank you to everyone that stopped to help.”

Fans and celebrities have taken to the couple’s post to offer prayers and wishes. (Punch)

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Five injured as burial convoy crashes in Lagos

There was commotion on Wednesday after a mini commercial bus conveying a corpse for burial was involved in an accident at Idimu in the Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State.

PUNCH Metro learnt that about five people sustained varying degrees of injuries in the incident, which occurred around 10 am.

These include three females and two males.

It was gathered that the mourners were transporting the corpse from Ejigbo to the Ikotun area of the community in a convoy of three minibuses and one Toyota space bus.

On getting to the Idimu bus stop area, the bus on which the corpse was, developed a faulty brake, thereby causing the driver to ram into the bus ahead of it.

An eyewitness, who identified himself simply as Foluke, said the drivers of both buses were also injured in the accident.

She said, “Some buses were picking up passengers on the layby when a minibus suddenly crashed into another one. The impact caused some of them to fall off the vehicle, and they got injured.

“At first, we thought it was an accident between two buses that had passengers inside them.

It was when we moved close that we discovered that they were heading for burial when we saw a corpse inside one of them. The occupants were also seriously injured.”

The bus driver conveying the corpse, while narrating how the accident occurred, said the vehicle had initially developed a fault midway before they later proceeded on the journey.

Reeling in pain, he said, “On our way coming from Ejigbo, the bus developed a fault midway and started moving slowly.  It later started working normally again, and while we approached Idimu to connect to Ikotun, I discovered that the brake was no longer responding. That was how I lost control and crashed the bus ahead of me. I wasn’t expecting this terrible incident today.”

The scene of the incident was already crowded when our correspondent visited the spot.

Some of the injured persons were also seen sitting on the bare floor, as some residents administered first aid to them.

During a closer look, a female occupant was seen holding onto the corpse in the bus with injuries on her leg.

A food vendor close to the spot where the accident happened, but declined to mention her name, said that about three of the victims had broken legs.

“About three people had broken legs in the accident. It took the intervention of the people around who rescued them because their legs were trapped in the seat of the bus. The one who got flung out of the bus waiting to pick up a passenger was among them,” she disclosed.

It was, however, gathered that some mourners who were ahead of the bus in the convoy had driven some distances away before they realised what had happened.

One of the mourners who alighted from the vehicles ahead and rushed down to the spot where the incident occurred said, “We were ahead of them and we had almost reached the Council bus stop when we noticed that they were no longer behind us. It was when we put a call through that we realised that there was an accident.

Our correspondent observed that the injured victims were taken away from the spot and transported to a nearby hospital for medical attention, while the corpse was moved into another vehicle.

PUNCH Metro reported that no fewer than six people lost their lives, while several others sustained various degrees of injuries in a fatal accident involving an 18-seater commercial bus along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway on Saturday, April 5.

The crash caused a major gridlock, leaving commuters stranded for hours as emergency responders worked to clear the wreckage and rescue victims. (Punch)

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Scavenger dies, three hospitalised as military grenade explodes in Lagos

A yet-to-be-identified scavenger has been killed after a military-grade grenade exploded at Idi-Araba in the Mushin area of Lagos State.

PUNCH Online learnt that three other persons were injured in the incident, which occurred on Thursday.

It was gathered that some scavengers in a metal scrap yard were attempting to dismantle one of the grenades in their possession.

The device, however denoted in the process, killing one of them on the spot while three others sustained severe injuries.

A resident, Akin Olawale, told our correspondent on Friday that the explosion which occurred in the afternoon also resulted in panic among residents.

He said, “A sound of explosion was heard around past 12 pm and the police were immediately contacted because no one could ascertain the cause. It was later when the police arrived that we discovered that it was a grenade. The scavengers were trying to cut one of them open when it detonated.”

Two undetonated grenades were said to have been found after security operatives arrived at the spot.

Another resident, who does not want his name mentioned, citing security reasons said the injured persons were taken to the hospital.

“We saw a vehicle moving some injured persons to the hospital and that was when we knew what happened. Those people we saw were terribly injured. It was when the vehicle stopped by a filling station that we saw them. The driver could not even wait because of the queue,” the resident disclosed.

When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the incident, adding the Explosive and Ordinance Department of the command has rendered the place safe.

He said, “The explosion was caused by a military-grade grenade. One person was killed and three were hospitalised. The incident happened at about 1:30pm and the Explosive and Ordinance Department has rendered the place safe.

“The scene of the incident has also been cordoned off. There is a zero possibility of another explosion and investigation has commenced.” (Punch)