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Ogun Government Halts Awujale Selection, Kingmakers Speak Out.
Chief Sonny Kuku, Chairman of the Awujale Interregnum Council and Head of Kingmakers, confirmed on Wednesday that the selection process for the new Awujale of Ijebuland has been suspended in compliance with an order from the Ogun State government.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
He noted that while the kingmakers are adhering to the directive, the exact reason for the suspension remains unclear. Nevertheless, consultations have begun to resolve the matter promptly.
Speaking to journalists in Ijebu-Ode, Chief Kuku explained that the kingmakers had already started the process before receiving the government’s order. Out of the candidates under consideration, only 86 applications were deemed valid due to incomplete documentation from some aspirants.
“The kingmakers have already started work, and everything happens within that enclave. We are careful not to say or do anything that could bias the process. At the moment, we do not know why it was halted, but we are in touch with the government and will do our best to resume it, as critical stakeholders are waiting,” he said.
Chief Kuku dismissed suggestions of government interference, stressing that the council operates independently. He expressed confidence that the government, like the kingmakers, is committed to a peaceful and credible selection, given the sensitivity of choosing a new Awujale.
“In situations like this, rumors are inevitable. The government does not sit with the kingmakers during deliberations. Any attempt at imposition would be rejected and made public. Nothing like that has occurred,” he added.
Regarding the presence of security agencies around the palace, Chief Kuku clarified that it was not intended to influence the process. “The palace represents the people. The barricade simply reflects that the process is on hold. There is no conflict, and we hope the process resumes soon to avoid unnecessary anxiety,” he said.
On claims that the government had received petitions from stakeholders and security agencies, the kingmakers stated they had not seen any. “If such petitions exist, they should be forwarded to us. That is why we are consulting with the government. Once discussions are concluded, we will make a statement. There is nothing to worry about,” Chief Kuku said.
He emphasized the historical importance of their task, noting that their decisions could impact generations. “We are extremely careful to ensure peace and that the best person emerges as the next Awujale,” he said.
Chief Kuku also stressed that the kingmakers have no preferred candidate. “We have not slept for five days, reviewing about 95 applications and over 1,200 documents meticulously. If we were biased, we would not put ourselves through this,” he added.
He concluded by assuring that the screening process would resume once the government lifts the suspension order.
Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, says the state has mapped out 22,435 hectares of degraded land for restoration under the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project using modern geospatial mapping technology.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
He said the initiative is part of efforts to strengthen climate resilience, tackle environmental degradation, and promote sustainable land use in the state.
Speaking at the ACReSAL mid-term review meeting in Kaduna through the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Abubakar Buba, the governor explained that the use of geospatial tools has made it possible to accurately identify affected areas for targeted intervention.
He added that the project is not only focused on land recovery but also on boosting agricultural output and improving livelihoods in affected communities.
Sani also noted that the state is supporting the programme with empowerment initiatives, including training over 500 women, youths, and school feeding vendors in biomass briquette production.
According to him, the effort is already helping to reduce dependence on firewood while creating alternative sources of income for beneficiaries.
President Tinubu has given full backing for the implementation of the ₦68.32 trillion 2026 budget after signing the Appropriation Bill passed by the National Assembly into law.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
He also approved an amendment extending the lifespan of the 2025 budget from March 31 to June 30, 2026, to ensure completion of ongoing capital projects nationwide.
Under the 2026 fiscal plan, ₦4.799 trillion is set aside for statutory transfers, ₦15.8 trillion for debt servicing, ₦15.4 trillion for recurrent spending, while ₦32.2 trillion goes to capital projects—about half of the total budget.
The focus, according to the administration, is on infrastructure development, security, and growth-driven investments aimed at improving living standards.
Speaking on the development, presidential aide Bayo Onanuga said the extension of the 2025 budget will help ensure full use of allocated funds, especially for major ongoing projects.
Tinubu directed all ministries, departments, and agencies to ensure transparency, discipline, and value-for-money in implementing the budget, while praising the National Assembly for its swift passage of the bill.
He also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to economic reforms, revenue growth, job creation, and social welfare improvements.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kwara State has described moves to prosecute former Senate President Bukola Saraki and former Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed over alleged culpable homicide as an attempt to reopen the 2018 Offa robbery tragedy for political purposes.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
In a statement on Friday, the party’s spokesperson, Olusegun Adewara, said the development is a disturbing and dangerous politicisation of a case they claim has already been addressed through judicial processes.
He warned against dragging the state into fresh tension, accusing the state government of attempting to revive old allegations for political advantage.
Adewara said the PDP would not remain silent while what he called “political narratives” are used to influence public perception around a tragic incident that claimed multiple lives in Offa in 2018.
He also urged residents, especially affected families, not to allow their pain to be used for political gains, insisting it is unjust to associate Saraki with the crime.
The party further alleged that the move is aimed at distracting attention from governance challenges in the state.
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