Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has revoked the appointments of three traditional rulers across various local government areas of the state, citing legal irregularities and governance concerns. The affected monarchs include Alhaji Umoru Inusa Umoru (Aidenogie of South Ibie, Etsako West), Lukman Akemokue (Okuokpellagbe of Okpella, Etsako East), and Dr. George Oshiapi Egabor (Okumagbe of Uwano Kingdom, Agenebode, Etsako East).....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

According to a statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor, the decision was reached during the State Executive Council meeting held on Wednesday. The administration emphasized that the appointments—particularly those made in 2024 by the previous administration led by Governor Godwin Obaseki—did not follow appropriate customary or legal processes.

Governor Okpebholo reinstated Alhaji Aliyu Kelvin Danesi as the legitimate Aidenogie of South Ibie, stating that the position was never lawfully declared vacant before the earlier replacement.

Regarding the throne of Okpella, the governor highlighted that Akemokue’s appointment contravened the Bendel State Legal Notice No. 132 of 1979, which outlines succession procedures for the Okuokpellagbe title. The state has now begun the formal process to select a new, legally recognized traditional ruler for the community.

Dr. Egabor’s removal as Okumagbe of Uwano Kingdom was also confirmed, with the state linking his dethronement to ongoing insecurity in the area, including kidnappings and killings. His suspension had previously been announced pending investigations into the breakdown of order under his reign.

Governor Okpebholo called on residents of the affected communities to remain calm and law-abiding, assuring that all actions taken are in line with existing laws and the state government’s commitment to maintaining peace, unity, and progress in Edo.

Suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, recently met with Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, in a bid to ease the escalating political tensions in the state. According to credible sources, the meeting, held at Wike’s Abuja residence, was aimed at brokering peace between the two politicians whose ongoing feud triggered a presidential declaration of emergency in Rivers.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Sources revealed that Fubara was accompanied by Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun and former Ogun State Governor Olusegun Osoba. During the meeting, which reportedly extended from the evening of Friday, April 18, into the early hours of the next day, Fubara was said to have physically prostrated before Wike, holding his legs while referring to him as “my oga,” a Yoruba term denoting deep respect or submission.

While no official statement has been released detailing the outcome of the meeting, insiders claim Fubara was advised to return to Rivers State and directly address his supporters, particularly elder statesmen, to clarify his side of the political fallout with his predecessor.

When contacted, Lere Olayinka, spokesperson for Wike, confirmed the meeting but refrained from sharing details, stating he wasn’t privy to the discussion. Meanwhile, Fubara’s media aide redirected inquiries to the Commissioner for Information, Joseph Johnson, who did not respond to calls at the time of reporting.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared Elie Bitar wanted over his alleged involvement in the large-scale fraud tied to the now-defunct Crypto Bridge Exchange (CBEX).....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

According to a statement released on Wednesday by EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, Bitar is being sought in connection with fraudulent activities conducted through the CBEX platform, which is under investigation for scamming investors out of substantial sums, reportedly exceeding $1 billion.

Bitar, 41, was last traced to George Enemoh Crescent in Lekki Phase 1, Lagos. The EFCC has appealed to the public for credible information on his whereabouts, urging anyone with relevant details to report to the nearest EFCC office.

This development follows a previous announcement by the commission in which four other individuals—Seyi Oloyede, Emmanuel Uko, Adefowora Oluwanisola, and Adefowora Abiodun Olaonipekun—were declared wanted in relation to the CBEX case.

In a related turn of events, Adefowora Abiodun, one of the suspects earlier declared wanted, has voluntarily surrendered to the EFCC. Accompanied by his legal representatives and relatives, he appeared at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja to cooperate with the ongoing probe.

The EFCC’s investigation into the CBEX platform marks part of a broader initiative to unravel the extensive financial fraud that has left countless investors in distress.