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“Yoruba Royal Houses: Olori Ogunwusi’s Osun Grove Visit Was Spiritual, Not Political”.

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The Palaces of the Ataoja of Osogbo and the Ooni of Ife have issued separate clarifications following public reactions to Queen Ashley Afolasade Ojaja Ogunwusi’s recent visit to the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The statements come amid varied interpretations of the visit, with both palaces aiming to clear up misconceptions regarding its purpose and significance.

In a statement released by Oyindamola Olukanni, Media Head of Our Heritage Branding and Advertising Limited and Marketing Consultant for the Osun-Osogbo Festival, on behalf of Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun Larooye II, Ataoja of Osogbo, the monarch stressed the importance of adhering to traditional protocols in all inter-kingdom engagements involving cultural and spiritual institutions.

The Ataoja emphasized that any royal representative entering another kingdom must first pay homage to the reigning monarch before participating in cultural or spiritual activities. He noted that failure to follow this protocol violates Yoruba traditional order, particularly in matters concerning heritage institutions under a recognized throne.

“It is neither customary nor acceptable within Yoruba tradition for any royal representative to enter a kingdom, engage with its sacred institutions, and proceed without duly paying homage to the sitting monarch,” the statement read.

Oba Oyetunji reaffirmed his custodial authority over the Osun-Osogbo heritage, stressing that its traditions are territorially rooted and cannot be replicated or reinterpreted elsewhere. He also expressed concerns about actions that might create the impression of parallel cultural initiatives.

Responding to these concerns, the Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, clarified that the Olori’s visit was strictly spiritual and bore no connection to cultural appropriation or institutional overlap.

In a statement signed by his Director of Media and Public Affairs, Moses Olafare, the Ooni explained that Olori Ogunwusi visited in her capacity as Yeye Omi Oodua, solely to offer prayers and perform rites of appeasement to the Osun River, in preparation for the upcoming Odun Omi festival at the Ooni’s Palace in Ile-Ife.

“At no time did Her Majesty make any pronouncement suggesting the relocation, replication, or interference with the Osun-Osogbo Festival,” the statement noted. The Ooni further clarified that her interaction with Osun worshippers in Osogbo was an act of cultural courtesy, not a formal consultation or institutional engagement.

The palace reaffirmed its respect for the Ataoja’s stool and acknowledged the historical and cultural significance of the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove. It also urged the public and media to disregard narratives suggesting conflict between the two royal institutions, emphasizing that both remain committed to preserving Yoruba heritage through mutual respect and tradition.

Separately, Queen Ashley Afolasade Ogunwusi stated that her visit was purely for spiritual obligations associated with her title. In a personally signed statement, she said, “My presence at the Osun Grove was strictly in fulfillment of spiritual obligations tied to my title as Yeye Omi Oodua.”

She clarified that her actions were guided by reverence for tradition, without any meetings with monarchs or discussions regarding festival hosting. “At no point was there any engagement with any monarch regarding the hosting of the festival, nor was any announcement made in that regard,” she added.

Reaffirming the spiritual importance of Ile-Ife, Olori Ogunwusi noted that the ancient city remains central to Yoruba cosmology and guides traditional rites performed under the Ooni’s authority.

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Police Arrest NSCDC Officer With Pistol, 17 Bullets At Abuja Kubwa Market.

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An officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has been arrested for allegedly firing gunshots into the air during a confrontation with traders at Kubwa Market in Abuja.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The officer, identified as Onoja Samuel, reportedly arrived at the market armed with a pistol following allegations that some traders had assaulted his wife.

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Mohammed Sanusi, disclosed the incident while addressing journalists at the command on Wednesday, Naija News reports.

Sanusi said the police received a distress call from Kubwa Market, located in the Bwari Area Council, reporting that a man was shooting into the air.

Following the report, officers attached to the Kubwa Police Division were deployed to the scene, where they arrested the suspect.

According to the police commissioner, preliminary investigations revealed that Samuel holds the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Corps (DSC) in the NSCDC.

He explained that the officer allegedly fired several shots during an argument with the traders.

“During the ensuing argument with the traders, Onoja Samuel, who is a DSC with the NSCDC, fired several shots into the air,” Sanusi said.

The police recovered a CZ pistol and 17 rounds of live 9mm ammunition from the suspect.

Sanusi added that Samuel remained in police custody and would be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations.

The commissioner also urged personnel of other security agencies operating in the FCT to exercise restraint and notify the police divisions responsible for their areas before conducting authorised operations.

He stressed that effective coordination among security agencies was essential to preventing confrontations and maintaining peace across the territory.

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‘We Don’t Want Another Mohbad Case’ – Laolu Gbenjo Speaks On Toluwanisings.

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Nigerian gospel singer Laolu Gbenjo has cautioned the public against spreading unverified information about the circumstances surrounding the death of his colleague, Bayonile Bolaji, popularly known as Toluwanisings.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Gbenjo’s warning comes amid growing controversy surrounding the late singer’s death and burial arrangements, with reports of disagreements among members of his family.

The gospel singer spoke on Tuesday during a night of tributes held in honour of Toluwanisings in Ibadan, Oyo State. He warned against allowing the situation to degenerate into a controversy similar to the one that followed the death of Nigerian singer Mohbad.

Describing the deceased as a devoted Christian and a genuine servant of God, Gbenjo said Toluwanisings was passionate about his faith and had a good relationship with people.

He urged the public to stop fuelling unnecessary controversy over the late singer’s death, particularly through social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram.

“You can never see Toluwani in the midst of jobless people. He had a good heart. He was a friend to everybody. He served the Lord with all his heart. Don’t turn Toluwani into Mohbad. That madness on TikTok and Instagram must stop. If you are jobless, go and look for a job,” Gbenjo said.

Meanwhile, comedians Ayobami Ajewole, popularly known as Woli Agba, and Olamide Oladimeji, also known as Dele Omo Woli, have threatened legal action against individuals allegedly linking them to Toluwanisings’ death.

Woli Agba disclosed this in a public notice shared on his Instagram page on Sunday.

In the notice issued by their solicitors, Gemgold, the comedians warned members of the public against publishing or circulating allegations they described as false and defamatory against them.

The legal notice maintained that the allegations were baseless and intended to damage the reputations of the two entertainers.

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El-Rufai’s ₦1bn Legal Battle Takes New Turn As Court Fixes Judgment Date.

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The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed December 2, 2026, for judgment in the ₦1 billion fundamental rights suit filed by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, against the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and other respondents.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik set the date after lawyers representing the parties adopted their respective court processes.

However, El-Rufai’s lawyer was absent when the case was initially called. The judge subsequently deemed the former governor’s filed processes adopted.

Counsel to the ICPC, Abdul Mohammed (SAN), adopted the commission’s court processes and urged the judge to dismiss the suit in its entirety.

Similarly, the lawyer representing the Inspector-General of Police, ACP Ezekiel Rimamsomte, and Maimuna Lami-Shiru, Director of Civil Litigation and Public Law, who appeared on behalf of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), adopted their respective processes and asked the court to dismiss the case.

During the proceedings, El-Rufai’s lawyer, Ubong Akpan, arrived in court and apologised for his lateness.

When Akpan sought the court’s permission to adopt his client’s processes, Justice Abdulmalik informed him that the documents had already been deemed adopted.

The judge subsequently adjourned the matter until December 2, 2026, when judgment is expected to be delivered.

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