Oduduwa News

An Oyo State High Court has dismissed the application filed by sacked Osun APC local government chairmen seeking access to frozen council funds lodged in UBA accounts.

Justice Ladiran Akintola ruled that the former chairmen lacked the legal standing to challenge the order after previously withdrawing their request to be joined in the case.

The court described their application as “frivolous and without merit,” noting that none of the applicants appeared during the proceedings.

With the ruling, the ex-chairmen remain barred from accessing the disputed local government allocations as the case continues on December 18.

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has reduced the ex-depot (gantry) price of petrol from ₦828 to ₦699 per litre, marking a ₦129 decrease and a 15.58% reduction. The latest price cut took effect on Thursday and reflects Dangote’s continued adjustments to ensure competitive pricing in the domestic fuel market.

This reduction is the 20th petrol price adjustment from the refinery this year, according to data from Petroleumprice.ng. An official at the refinery confirmed the new pricing, noting that the review aligns with ongoing efforts to stabilise petrol supply despite fluctuations in global crude dynamics.

The price adjustment also follows a recent meeting between refinery chairman Aliko Dangote and President Bola Tinubu, during which the refinery reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining reasonable fuel prices. The refinery has also been responding to challenges such as market volatility and the persistent issue of fuel smuggling across Nigeria’s borders.

With the new ex-depot price, analysts expect retail pump prices across the country to record downward adjustments in the coming days. The development is anticipated to bring relief to motorists and transport operators, particularly as travel demand increases towards the festive season.

Lagos State University (LASU) has criticised a recent comedy skit that portrayed a mock bandit invasion on its campus.

The video, created by “Datreez Entertainment TV” and later deleted, was titled “Bandits Prank on Lasuites.” It featured young men in jalabiya and turbans entering a lecture hall dramatically, while another group emerged from a car, startling students. Some students fled while others watched in confusion, sparking public backlash.

Many viewers described the prank as “insensitive,” especially considering Nigeria’s current security challenges.

In a statement, LASU spokesperson Thomas-Onashile Oluwayemisi said the university condemns any act that suggests terrorism, banditry, or violent extremism. She stressed that the institution never approved the filming and does not support pranks capable of causing fear or disrupting campus peace.

Responding, Datreez Entertainment insisted the skit was filmed in a controlled setting and never intended to create panic. The creators explained that it was a social experiment made purely for entertainment, with no weapons involved and safety precautions observed. They apologised to LASU and clarified that every participant was fully aware and acted voluntarily.

This incident comes after UNILAG, in October, banned content creators from filming on campus without permission following rising cases of unauthorised video shoots.

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke says he will continue dancing despite public criticism, insisting it is his personal way of expressing joy and praising God.

Speaking on Politics Today, Adeleke stressed that dancing is his hobby and does not interfere with his duties as governor.

His comments follow recent controversy at the Ooni of Ife’s coronation anniversary, where a brief dance and singing moment and an exchange with First Lady Remi Tinubu asking him to proceed with his speech went viral and sparked debate online.

Adeleke also recently left the PDP for the Accord Party, which has already given him its 2026 governorship ticket.

…Says energy tokenism can’t address energy poverty

In a major win for sustainable energy advocacy, the Leapfrog Alliance, Co-launched by the Foundation for Peace Professionals (PeacePro) and 19 global organizations in 2024, has been named Impact Initiative of the Year (Global) at the IMPACT Investment Awards.

The Alliance focuses on boosting corporate incentives for clean energy procurement in underserved and under-electrified regions, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. By addressing long-standing gaps and inequities in greenhouse gas accounting, the coalition enables companies to directly support high impact clean energy projects beyond traditional market boundaries, a move that could accelerate energy access in the world’s most fragile communities.

Judges praised the Leapfrog Alliance for its cross-sector collaboration, focus on underserved communities, and efforts to shape international sustainability standards. “This is a model for how corporate incentives and community impact can come together,” one judge remarked.

The Executive Director of PeacePro, Abdulrazaq Hamzat, who is also a multidimensional energy expert, said the award reflects the impact of the Alliance’s advocacy in influencing energy funding and policy decision-making.

“For PeacePro, this recognition underscores our growing role in pioneering innovative approaches to energy access and climate action, proving that global collaboration can unlock solutions where they are needed most,” Hamzat said.

He added that similar collaboration is needed at the national level to ensure underserved communities are genuinely included in energy planning, not through energy tokenism, but through sustainable energy provision that delivers real, measurable impact.

The President of the Junior Chamber International (JCI) Ibadan Elite, Ibukun Otesile, who was abducted by gunmen in the Akobo area of Ibadan, has been rescued safely. Otesile was kidnapped at the gate of her residence in the General Gas area, an incident that sparked widespread concern among residents, civic groups and religious bodies across Oyo State.

Her abduction, which occurred late on Thursday, prompted immediate appeals for urgent action from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and members of the JCI community, who called for prayers and intensified security intervention. The Oyo State Police Command confirmed the incident and launched an operation to secure her release.

Authorities have now confirmed that the JCI president has regained her freedom. While details of the rescue operation remain undisclosed, family members, colleagues and civic leaders have expressed relief and gratitude over her safe return.

The incident has further drawn attention to rising security concerns within Ibadan, with many residents urging law enforcement agencies to strengthen surveillance and protect vulnerable communities in the city.

Fuji music legend, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (K1 De Ultimate), has responded to critics questioning his decision to contest for the vacant stool of the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, insisting that his royal lineage is authentic and well-established.

K1 had, last week, formally declared interest in succeeding the late Awujale, joining other prominent contenders such as Prince Olaseni Ottun of the Adeberu lineage and accomplished engineer Otunba Babatunde Alatise.

In a letter dated December 3, addressed to the Chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, the Fuji maestro asserted his eligibility, describing himself as a “bonafide son” of the ruling house and tracing his ancestry to the Oba Jadiara lineage.

He wrote:
“I, Otunba Wasiu Ayinde Adewale Olasunkanmi Omogbolahan Anifowoshe, MON, hereby formally notify the Fusengbuwa Ruling House of my intention to be considered for the vacant stool of the Awujale of Ijebuland… I am a bonafide son of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House of Agunsebi Quarters, tracing my ancestry to the Oba Jadiara lineage.”

He added that he had spent more than five decades promoting Ijebu, Yoruba, and Nigerian culture through music and cultural enterprise.

However, rising criticism over his claim to royalty triggered a response from the Fuji star, who addressed the matter in a viral video on his YouTube channel.

K1 insisted that both his paternal and maternal backgrounds are rooted in Ijebu royalty.
“Those who gave birth to me know me, and I also know them. I’m from a royal lineage. I’m from the Fidipote ruling house, and also from the Fusengbuwa ruling house of Ijebu-Ode,” he said.

Dismissing allegations of false claims, he noted that the late Awujale, Oba Sikiru Adetona, had conducted detailed investigations before conferring on him the titles Olori Omo-Oba and Otunba Afidipotemole of Akile Ijebu in 2023.
“If I’m not from a royal lineage, I wouldn’t have been installed,” he emphasised.

Calling for calm among Ijebu people, K1 stressed that the succession contest should not breed conflict.
“The matter on ground does not call for a fight. When a good thing is coming, controversies may arise. Anyone who eventually emerges, we’ll all work together for the development of Ijebuland.”

He concluded that this would be his final public statement on the issue.
“All princes, we are all one. We shouldn’t be at war with ourselves.”

A tragic road accident on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway has claimed the lives of three family members, a father, mother and their young child while leaving at least two others seriously injured.

According to the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), the crash occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, near the Secretariat heading inward the Otedola Bridge.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the collision involved multiple vehicles — including an Audi, a Toyota Camry and a Toyota Corolla. The incident was triggered when a heavily loaded truck, reportedly travelling at excessive speed, rammed into one of the vehicles from the rear. The impact caused the struck car to lose control and collide with two other moving vehicles, leading to a fatal chain-reaction collision.

The truck driver allegedly fled the scene immediately after the crash, leaving the victims behind.

Emergency responders including LASTMA, the Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS), the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), police, SEHMU and other relevant agencies arrived at the scene swiftly. The injured were rushed to hospital, while the deceased were recovered and handed over to the appropriate authorities for evacuation.

Motorists have been urged to exercise caution along the expressway, especially around the Otedola Bridge corridor, and to avoid reckless driving and excessive speed.

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has reacted to the social media backlash trailing her request for Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke to conclude his remarks during the Ooni of Ife’s coronation anniversary ceremony. The incident, which occurred during the weekend celebration, sparked widespread debate online, with many Nigerians describing her intervention as abrupt and disrespectful.

In a statement shared on her official platform, the First Lady described the controversy as an example of how “followers and critics often amplify minor missteps,” stressing that those entrusted with leadership understand their roles and responsibilities. She suggested that the public overreacted to what she considered a simple procedural correction at a formal event.

Her comments, however, have done little to quell criticism, as several social media users maintained that her approach was inappropriate and undermined the governor. The incident has continued to trend, with many Nigerians debating issues of protocol, courtesy, and respect among government officials.

Meanwhile, the Osun State Government has yet to issue an official response regarding the matter. Governor Adeleke has also not commented publicly on the incident, leaving the public to speculate on the administration’s stance.

The episode has further fueled discussions about conduct in public office, especially at culturally significant events such as the Ooni’s coronation anniversary.

The Oyo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to accelerated development across all zones of the state, with Governor Seyi Makinde pushing forward new multi-billion naira projects despite having only 17 months left in his second term. According to Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, the administration remains focused on defying the typical second-term slowdown through renewed energy and strategic investments.

Following the latest Executive Council meeting, the government approved the construction and rehabilitation of the 45.3km Saki–Ogboro–Igboho road at a cost of ₦18.14 billion, along with the Ogboro–Agbonle road to support farmers. Ongoing works were also confirmed on the Igboho–Kishi and Okaka–Igbojaye roads, as well as the Kunle Afolayan Film Village in Komu. The long-abandoned Kishi Fire Station will also be completed at ₦141.86 million.

To boost security in the Oke Ogun zone, Oyelade disclosed that airstrips in Otu and Igbeti have been designated for new state aircraft, while the Mobile Police base has been moved to Ago Are to curb insecurity. Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal welcomed the even distribution of projects, assuring residents that no major initiative under the administration will be abandoned.

The council further approved the dualization of the Ariyo–Amuloko–Odeyale Junction at ₦15.13 billion, positioning it as a major link to Ogun State. Additionally, ₦16.20 billion was allocated for the rehabilitation of roads in Old and New Bodija. A special ₦6.8 billion intervention fund was also set aside for the Iwo Road–Olodo–Lalupon–Iyana Ofa corridor, raising the total project cost to ₦14.53 billion.

In the education and health sectors, the government approved ₦107.7 million for science equipment in 99 public secondary schools and adopted the Oyo State Medical Residency Training Bill 2025. To strengthen project delivery, a Project Facilitation Fund was established under the Oyo State Investment Promotion Agency. Overall, the administration disclosed that it has invested over ₦1 trillion in infrastructure since 2019.