It was gathered that the first-class monarch died peacefully in the early hours of Thursday at his residence in Ogudu.

Palace sources confirmed his passing but declined to provide details surrounding the circumstances of his death, simply stating, “The monarch departed this world in peace.”

The news of Oba Fashola’s demise has left the ancient community in deep grief, with residents, traditional chiefs, and sympathisers paying tribute to the late king, who was widely admired for his humility, wisdom, and leadership.

Following traditional Yoruba customs, several social and economic activities in the community, including market operations, were reportedly scaled down in honour of the late monarch.

Oba Fashola ascended the throne about four years ago and was regarded as a unifying figure in Ogudu, known for promoting peace, cultural values, and community development.

During his reign, he was praised for his calm disposition, accessibility, and dedication to the welfare of his people.

In a related development, American business mogul and CNN founder Ted Turner has also passed away at the age of 87.

Turner Enterprises confirmed his death in a statement released on Wednesday, saying he died after battling Lewy body dementia, a progressive brain condition.

CNN CEO and Chairman Mark Thompson paid tribute to Turner, describing him as a visionary and committed leader.

Bodejo, who is contesting the Taraba Central Senatorial seat under the All Progressives Congress (APC), was reportedly taken into custody shortly after arriving in the state aboard a private jet.

He had earlier landed at Danbaba Suntai Airport at about 1:20 pm, where he was welcomed by a large crowd of supporters drawn from the five local government areas of the senatorial district.

Speaking in a telephone interview with Daily Trust, his personal aide, Umar, said the arrest occurred after Bodejo visited some security agency offices alongside close political associates.

According to him, the APC aspirant was detained at one of the security offices shortly after addressing supporters at the APC state secretariat in Jalingo.

Umar added that those who accompanied him were asked to leave, while Bodejo was held in custody.

“At the moment, we do not know where he has been taken to,” he said.

“The same security personnel who escorted and protected him from Abuja to Jalingo were the ones who later arrested him.

“We have not been told the reason for his arrest, and we are worried because we don’t know where he is being held.”

‘I Won’t Step Down’ — Bodejo

Before his arrest, Bodejo had addressed journalists at the APC secretariat, where he confirmed that he had purchased his senatorial nomination form and insisted he would not withdraw from the race.

He declared that he was fully committed to contesting and would not succumb to any pressure to step down.

“I am in this race to win, and nobody is going to force me to step down,” he said.

Bodejo also stated that a consensus committee reportedly set up by Governor Agbu Kefas had not reached out to him.

“The consensus committee set up by the governor has not contacted me, and I will not step down for anybody, no matter the pressure,” he added.

Previous Arrest

This is not the first time Bodejo has been detained by security operatives.

In 2024, he was arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) over allegations linked to the formation of a vigilante group in Nasarawa State.

He was picked up at the Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore headquarters located at Tundun Maliya Cattle Market along the Abuja–Keffi Expressway in Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State during a joint operation involving DSS operatives and soldiers.