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Oyo Lawmakers Clash as Alaafin Loses Bid for Permanent Chairmanship
Two legislators in the Oyo State House of Assembly staged a dramatic walkout on Tuesday as the legislative body reversed its earlier stance on a controversial amendment to the Council of Obas and Chiefs.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The revised bill, now passed, restores a rotational chairmanship among three prominent monarchs: the Alaafin of Oyo, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, and the Soun of Ogbomosoland. This decision followed intense scrutiny and protests from traditional rulers and concerned stakeholders across the state.
Initially, the proposed amendment sought to designate the Alaafin as the permanent chair of the council. Under this model, the Olubadan and Soun would only preside in the Alaafin’s absence, according to hierarchical order. However, this move sparked dissent, particularly from the Olubadan and Soun, who called for a return to rotational leadership.
The legislative committee’s final report, presented by Bamidele Adeola, Vice Chairman of the House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, recommended a two-year rotational chairmanship, effectively removing the previously proposed permanent status of the Alaafin. The Assembly also approved the inclusion of 10 beaded-crown Ibadan obas, along with the Samu and Agbakin titles, as full council members.
The changes sparked a mixture of reactions. While some traditional rulers viewed the expansion of the council as a positive reform, others, particularly from Ibadanland and Ogbomosoland, condemned the process, citing lack of consultation and transparency.
During deliberations, lawmakers Olorunpoto Rahman (Oyo East) and Gbenga Oyekola (Atiba) exited the session in protest. Rahman criticized the process, emphasizing historical precedence and accusing the committee of bypassing public hearings and stakeholder input, particularly from Oyo representatives.
Adding to the dissent, the palace of the Olugbon of Orile-Igbon released a statement rejecting the amendment bill, branding it politically motivated and lacking proper engagement with traditional rulers. The palace underscored the necessity for inclusive consultations and public hearings on such culturally sensitive legislation.
The statement further argued that the bill, if passed in its original form, would perpetuate Ibadan’s dominance in state affairs, marginalizing indigenes from Oyo, Ogbomoso, Oke-Ogun, and Ibarapa zones. It called for a more equitable structure that reflects fairness and maintains peace among the region’s monarchs.
Oba Francis Alao, the Olugbon, urged lawmakers to halt proceedings and conduct wider consultations to prevent future discord. He also challenged historical narratives used to justify the Soun’s ranking, asserting that his own kingdom predates others, including Ogbomoso.
While supporting the Alaafin’s historical stature and widespread influence, Oba Alao acknowledged the need for modern governance and inclusivity but insisted that respect for the most distinguished thrones must be preserved.
In a related development, the Ebedi Frontliners, a civic group based in Iseyin, called on the state government to include the Aseyin of Iseyin as a co-chairman in recognition of the 10 local government areas in the Oke-Ogun region. The group praised the government’s ongoing reforms in traditional leadership but insisted on fair representation across all zones.
Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has stated that President Bola Tinubu would lose the 2027 presidential election if the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is allowed to participate fully.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
News reports that Amaechi made the claim during an appearance on Channels Television’s breakfast programme on Friday.
He criticised the Tinubu administration and the All Progressives Congress (APC), accusing them of interfering in opposition parties and attempting to weaken potential challengers ahead of the election.
Amaechi argued that regardless of whether the election is free or flawed, Tinubu would be defeated if credible opposition candidates are on the ballot.
He also dismissed interpretations of a Court of Appeal ruling suggesting the opposition was leaderless, insisting that such claims misrepresent the law.
According to him, the government is working to prevent strong opponents from emerging by using institutions, including the judiciary, to influence party structures.
Amaechi called on authorities to allow political institutions to function independently and ensure that all parties can field candidates without interference.
He maintained that Nigerians would ultimately decide at the polls, questioning the administration’s chances amid economic challenges and ongoing insecurity.
“How can he win with the current state of the economy and security situation?” he asked.
Airtel Nigeria has announced the temporary suspension of its airtime and data credit services, which previously allowed eligible prepaid customers to borrow airtime or data and repay on their next recharge.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
reports that the telecom operator said the decision is part of ongoing operational adjustments driven by evolving regulatory requirements in Nigeria’s telecommunications sector.
In a statement on Friday, the Director of Corporate Communications and CSR, Femi Adeniran, explained that the move was necessary to ensure compliance with current industry standards.
He added that the suspension aligns with broader efforts to meet regulatory and operational guidelines governing telecom services in the country.
Despite the suspension, Airtel assured customers that normal services remain unaffected, noting that subscribers can still purchase airtime and data through regular channels.
The company further stated that the temporary pause will not impact network performance or overall service delivery nationwide.
Reacting to the development, Airtel Nigeria’s Director of Marketing, Ismail Adeshina, described the decision as necessary and responsible.
He said: “This is a necessary and responsible step as we align our operations with evolving requirements. Airtel Nigeria remains committed to the highest standards of compliance, transparency, and consumer protection, while continuing to innovate responsibly within Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.”
Airtel added that further updates on the suspended service will be communicated in due course.
The development comes amid growing regulatory scrutiny of digital lending and credit-based telecom services in Nigeria.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed the ₦68.32 trillion 2026 Appropriation Bill into law.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
reports that the development was announced on Friday in a statement by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
The 2026 budget provides a total expenditure of ₦68.32 trillion. Tinubu also approved the extension of the 2025 budget implementation period from March 31, 2026, to June 30, 2026.
Of the total budget, ₦4.799 trillion is allocated to statutory transfers, ₦15.8 trillion to debt servicing, ₦15.4 trillion to recurrent expenditure, and ₦32.2 trillion to capital projects under the Development Fund.
With capital spending accounting for about 50 percent, the budget reflects the administration’s focus on economic stability, security, infrastructure development, and inclusive growth.
The allocation structure is designed to balance statutory commitments, debt obligations, recurrent costs, and capital investments aimed at boosting productivity and improving living standards.
The President also signed the Appropriation (Repeal and Enactment) (Amendment) Bill, 2026, extending the implementation of the 2025 capital budget to June 30, 2026.
The extension is expected to ensure full utilisation of funds for ongoing infrastructure and development projects across the country.
It will also allow Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to complete ongoing projects, improve execution rates, and maximise public spending value.
With the 2026 Appropriation Act taking effect from April 1, the Federal Government is set to begin full implementation in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Tinubu directed MDAs to ensure transparency, discipline, and efficiency in the use of allocated resources, stressing value for money and timely project delivery.
He commended the National Assembly for its swift consideration and passage of the budget, and reiterated the importance of cooperation between the Executive and Legislature in driving national development.
The President also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fiscal reforms, stronger revenue generation, job creation, and expanded social protection programmes.
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