Governors of the South-West states on Monday held a closed-door meeting in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
The meeting was attended by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, who is also the Chairman of the regional forum.
Others included Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo), Ademola Adeleke (Osun), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), and the host governor, Seyi Makinde (Oyo).
Channels Television reports that the venue of the meeting is the Oyo State Secretariat in Agodi, Ibadan, where Makinde’s office is situated.
Although it is unclear why the emergency meeting was called, it may, however, not be unconnected with the security situation in the country where bandits have abducted some schoolchildren in Kebbi and Niger states, as well as some worshippers in a church in Kwara State.
Sources said the governors would deliberate on the security threats, fast-track infrastructural development, and strengthen regional integration under the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN).
They are also expected to review ongoing collaborative security initiatives, including the operations of the Amotekun Corps, with a view to enhancing its capacity amid emerging challenges. (Channels)
A yet-to-be-identified driver was killed on Sunday afternoon after a 40-foot container-laden truck fell onto a commercial Nissan Micra car at the Soka area along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway.
The tragic incident, which occurred around 2 p.m., involved a trailer loaded with bales of clothing and a Micra taxi with registration number BDJ 981 ZY. The impact crushed the car, trapping the driver inside.
When our correspondent arrived at the scene around 4 p.m., officers of the Federal Road Safety Corps, the Nigeria Police, and the Oyo State Traffic Management Authority were on the ground making efforts to remove the wreckage and retrieve the body of the deceased driver.
Our correspondent, who monitored the incident, observed that the car was pinned under the tail section of the truck, with one of the rescuers using a machete to cut through parts of the vehicle to reach the victim’s remains.
An eyewitness, identified as Yusuf, blamed the accident on concrete barricades left on the road by contractors after completing repairs in the area.
He said, “The accident happened around 2 p.m. when it was still raining. The trailer was coming from Lagos inward Ibadan. When it got to this point, the driver tried to dodge those big concrete barriers placed on the road during construction. In the process, he hit the Micra. I think he tried to regain balance, but that was when the truck fell, trapping the driver.
They finished this road a long time ago; those barriers shouldn’t still be there.”
A FRSC officer at the scene, who spoke on condition of anonymity, corroborated the eyewitness account.
“This is how we met the accident. From what we can see, the trailer swerved to avoid the barrier, hit the Micra, dragged it off the road, and eventually fell on it,” the officer said.
Speaking with PUNCH Metro on the incident, the General Manager of OYTMA, Adeoye Adekola, confirmed the driver’s death.
“I just left the scene. We have removed the corpse and deposited it at the Adeoyo Hospital, Ring Road. The container, fully loaded with clothes, is still there, but we have detached the truck from the container and moved it to Sanyo Police Station,” Adekola said.
He identified impatience, speeding, and the lack of reflectors on the road barriers as major causes of the crash.
“There are two major factors, impatience and speeding by the drivers, and the construction barriers without reflectors. Before the truck driver noticed the barrier, it was already too late. He tried to swerve, but there was a Micra parked to pick up a passenger. In an attempt to avoid it, the truck overturned, crushing the Micra. The driver was the only occupant, and he died on the spot.
“The traffic situation has now been cleared, and vehicles are moving smoothly,” Adekola added.
The incident caused heavy traffic congestion along the busy route for several hours before normalcy was restored.
The latest crash has again raised concerns about the frequency of accidents at the Soka junction of the Ibadan Expressway.
In June, five people were killed and several others injured when seven vehicles, including two Nissan Micra taxis, two trucks, a tanker, and two Toyota Camry cars, were involved in a multiple collision at the same spot.
Barely a week later, another accident occurred, claiming the life of a driver whose car rammed into a stationary trailer left behind from the earlier crash. (Punch)
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar on Tuesday attributed his absence at the coronation of the former Oyo State Governor, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, to protocol arrangements.
Atiku gave the explanation when he, alongside prominent African Democratic Congress coalition leaders, paid Ladoja a visit at his private residence in Ibadan.
With Atiku were a former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Iyorcha Ayu; ex-Governors Nasir El-Rufai (Kaduna), Liyel Imoke (Cross River), and other prominent ADC members.
The PUNCH reports that Ladoja was crowned last Friday in a grand ceremony attended by President Bola Tinubu and a host of dignitaries.
Atiku clarified that his absence was not deliberate, describing the new Olubadan as a statesman who had played pivotal roles in Nigeria’s political history.
“We are here to say congratulations to the new Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Ladoja. We regretted that we didn’t attend the coronation. It was not intentional. Protocol arrangements did not allow us to come during the coronation, not that we didn’t want to come.”
“We know your roles and relationship with some of us. We are here to congratulate you.
Kindly accept our apologies for not making it to the coronation. We regret not attending the programme,”he added.
In his response, Oba Ladoja declared that he had left partisan politics behind, stressing that his new role demanded impartiality. He recalled his long association with Atiku and others during his political years but emphasised his focus on justice and fairness as monarch.
He said,”I’m not one of you again. I am the Olubadan of Ibadanland. So, I am for everybody now. I am no more one of you. I am not a politician anymore. Welcome to my house.
“Now that I am the Olubadan, I am no more interested in any other thing than the Olubadan. You are welcome to my house.
“We started from the Social Democratic Party, we were in exile together, we were in Peoples Democratic Party together. When I wanted to create identity, I went to Accord Party, which became a household name here. I know you politicians have a way of coming back.
“All the religious leaders, they said that the only thing the leaders can do is to promote justice and fairness. I will serve my people, Ibadan people, the state, Africa and the world at large. I will depend on your support and advice,” the monarch stressed. (Punch)
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has formally presented the staff and certificate of office to Oba Rashidi Ladoja, officially confirming him as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.
The presentation took place at exactly 3:05 p.m. on Friday during a colourful and historic coronation ceremony held at Mapo Hall, Ibadan.
The coronation, held at Mapo Hall, was attended by notable dignitaries, including President Bola Tinubu, further highlighting the cultural and political importance of the event.
Makinde’s formal presentation of the staff and certificate of office marks the final step in legitimising Ladoja’s ascension to the throne, symbolising both tradition and continuity in Ibadan’s monarchy.
This coronation is especially notable as it brings a former state governor into a revered royal role, merging political experience with traditional leadership at a time when community influence and governance are increasingly intertwined.
Makinde, while speaking, said, “This is a momentous occasion in the presence of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in the presence of people, and in the presence of God.
“In exercise of the power conferred on me as the Governor, I hereby present the staff of office to Oba, His Imperial Majesty, Senator, Governor, Engineer, my Baba, His Imperial Majesty, Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, Arusa 1st.
“This is in confirmation as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland. I am so present.” (Punch)
President Bola Tinubu has described Nigeria’s traditional institutions as sacred custodians of history and vital pillars of national unity.
Speaking on Friday at the coronation of His Imperial Majesty, Oba Rasheed Adewolu Ladoja, Arusa I, as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, the President said the role of monarchs goes beyond cultural symbolism.
He stressed that they embody the resilience of the people and serve as a bridge between heritage and the future.
“Our traditional institutions are the sacred custodians of our varied history and play a crucial role in social cohesion. They embody the resilience of our people and stand as a bridge between our proud heritage and the promise of our shared future,” Tinubu said in a post via his official X handle.
He congratulated Oba Ladoja on his historic ascension to the throne of his forefathers, describing it as a reward for perseverance, resilience, and service to community.
“I congratulate Kabiyesi on this historic ascension to the throne and pray for his reign to be long, prosperous, and impactful,” the President added.
Tinubu also linked the occasion to his administration’s broader vision, assuring Nigerians that despite the difficulties of ongoing reforms, the country is on the path to stability.
“As we honour our traditions, we also reaffirm our commitment to building a stronger economy and a more secure, united, and hopeful Nigeria. The journey of reform has not been without its tests, but together we have turned the corner, and there is indeed light at the end of the tunnel,” he said.
The President prayed that Oba Ladoja’s reign would bring peace, progress, and pride to Ibadanland, Oyo State, and Nigeria as a whole. (Punch)
A residential building was, on Thursday morning, gutted by fire at Olugbile House, Iyalamu area of Oyo town in Oyo State.
Investigations by PUNCH Online revealed that the incident occurred around 5:00 am as a result of a lighted cigarette stub left unattended by one of the occupants and ignited combustible materials, which set the house ablaze.
Though no life was lost, it was further gathered that two out of eight rooms were affected, while household items and properties were destroyed.
Confirming the incident in Ibadan, the state capital, on Thursday, the State Chairman of Oyo State Fire Service, Maroof Akinwande, said the agency’s personnel immediately mobilised to the scene.
He said, “Upon arrival at the scene of the incident, our officers met two rooms out of eight rooms of an ancient residential building on fire. They quickly swung into action, and the fire was subdued and prevented from spreading beyond the two rooms.
“The fire was completely extinguished, the occupants, sympathisers and onlookers were sensitised on fire prevention, particularly the importance of having fire extinguishers at every household in the state.
“The fire incident was a result of a lighted cigarette stub left unattended by one of the occupants and ignited combustible materials, which set the house ablaze.
“No casualty was recorded; the agency was able to save properties worth millions of naira. Report fire incident and give correct address, contact our emergency lines: 08067439223 and 08054353501 or 615.”
PUNCH Online reports that the incident highlights recurring fire outbreaks in Oyo State, often traced to negligence such as improper handling of electrical appliances, cooking gas, and cigarettes.
According to the Oyo State Fire Service, dozens of residential and market fire incidents have been recorded since the beginning of 2025, resulting in millions of naira in losses.
Authorities have repeatedly urged residents to adopt strict fire safety measures, including installing basic extinguishers, avoiding unsafe smoking habits indoors, and promptly reporting fire outbreaks to emergency lines.
Fire outbreaks tend to increase during dry seasons when harmattan winds make combustible materials more flammable, making early response critical to preventing large-scale damage. (Punch)
The Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has received the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Certificate for the Sango Festival in Oyo.
The Special Adviser (Media) to Oyo State Governor, Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju, made this known in a statement issued on Tuesday.
The certificate presentation was a sequel to the festival, making it to the representative list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity upon the proposal made by Nigeria.
The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Barr. Hannatu Musa Musawa had presented the certificate to the Oyo State Government on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at the grand finale of the 2025 World Sango Festival in Oyo town.
Oyo State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr Wasiu Olatubosun, who received the certificate on behalf of the state, presented it to the state governor during the Oyo State Executive Council meeting held on Tuesday, August 19, 2025.
While presenting the certificate to the governor, Dr Olatubosun lauded him for his commitment and unwavering support to all cultural and tourism activities in the state, which eventually paid off and turned the Sango Festival into an international event.
“After the inscription dated 5th December, 2023, Oyo State and Oyo town had the maiden edition of the World Sango Festival in August, 2024 in a grand style with attendance of people from all walks of life as well as envoys from various countries and embassies, and the just concluded 2025 World Sango festival was not an exemption, as there was an improvement on the year 2024 edition,” the Olatunbosun said.
Responding, Governor Makinde expressed his appreciation to the commissioner and his team, saying that their efforts culminated in the recognition of the festival by UNESCO. (Punch)
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation has formally recognised the Sango Festival as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, presented UNESCO’s certificate of inscription to the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade I.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the presentation took place at the grand finale of the 2025 World Sango Festival, held over the weekend in Oyo State.
Musawa described the achievement as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s cultural landscape.
She said the feat demonstrates the ministry’s commitment to safeguarding the country’s rich cultural heritage and promoting it as a tool for international diplomacy and sustainable tourism.
The minister commended the collaborative efforts between her ministry and the Oyo community, noting that the recognition aligns with the Federal Government’s broader goals of cultural promotion, employment generation, wealth creation, and community empowerment.
She said, “I heartily congratulate Your Imperial Majesty, the new Sango Chief Priest, the Oyo community, and indeed the entire Yoruba nation on the grand finale of the 2025 World Sango Festival.
“The Sango Festival has now attained global recognition with its inscription by UNESCO on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
“This is made possible by effective collaboration between the Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy and the Oyo community.
“This milestone firmly places Sango’s rich heritage on the world stage and underscores its importance as a shared global heritage.
“This achievement is a shining gain of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, through our ministry’s commitment to safeguarding our rich cultural heritage as a powerful tool for international diplomacy and sustainable tourism.
“The foregoing further strengthens the foundation of our strong cultural identity, geared towards employment generation and wealth creation for sustainable development, empowerment of the host community, and Nigeria.”
In his remarks, the Alaafin of Oyo expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu and the ministry for their renewed commitment to expanding Nigeria’s culture and heritage, which he said made this recognition possible.
The monarch also reaffirmed the Oyo Kingdom’s cooperation with the federal government and the Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy to further promote Nigeria’s cultural identity globally.
The 2025 Sango Festival, which drew dignitaries from within and outside the country, provided the backdrop for the certificate presentation, highlighting the festival’s significance as a cultural treasure and symbol of Nigeria’s rich heritage. (Punch)
The African Democratic Congress has expressed heartfelt condolences to the family of the late Olubadan, the Oyo State Government, the people of Ibadanland, and the entire Yoruba nation over the death of Olubadan, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, who passed away on Monday at the age of 90.
In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party described Olakulehin’s reign as one characterised by outstanding leadership, unity, and unwavering dedication to the development and prosperity of Ibadanland.
The statement read in part, “Oba Olakulehin was a distinguished monarch, a beacon of wisdom, and a custodian of Yoruba culture and traditions. His reign was marked by exemplary leadership, unity, and a commitment to the progress and well-being of Ibadanland.
“His legacy as a peace-loving and visionary king will forever be etched in the hearts of his people and beyond.
“We mourn the loss of this great icon, whose life exemplified service, humility, and dedication to the development of his people. As we share in this moment of grief, we pray that Almighty God grants his family, the Ibadan Traditional Council, and the people of Oyo State the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.
“May the soul of His Imperial Majesty, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, rest in perfect peace, and may his legacy continue to inspire generations.” (Punch)
Justice Uche Agomoh of the Federal High Court, sitting in Ibadan, Oyo State, has convicted two social media influencers, Bukola Rufai and Abdulateef Jimoh, for abusing naira notes.
This was contained in a statement released by the Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, on Wednesday.
The statement reads, “The convicts were prosecuted on a joint one-count charge that bordered on currency mutilation by the Ibadan Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.”
The charge read, “That you Bukola Rufai and Abdulateef Jimoh on or about the 25th day of September, 2024 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did match on Naira Notes, issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria and thereby committed an offence, contrary to Section 21 (3) of the Central Bank Act 2007 and Punishable under Section 21 (1) of the same Act.”
They pleaded “guilty” when the charge, following which the prosecution counsel, Lanre Suleiman, reviewed the facts of the case, tendered incriminating evidence and prayed the court to convict and sentence them accordingly, while the defence counsel, O.D. Ajadi told the court to temper justice with mercy, stating that the duo are first offenders and have become remorseful of their actions.
Agomoh convicted “both offenders without a sentence and gave them N50,000 option of fine each.”
The statement added that both convicts paved their way for arrest and prosecution when they made a video of themselves, spraying and trampling on Naira notes and posting it on TikTok. (Punch)
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