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ILE-OLUJI/OKEIGBO RESIDENTS URGED TO REJECT ELECTORAL VIOLENCE, VOTE BUYING AHEAD OF ELECTIONS As political activities gather momentum ahead of the forthcoming elections, residents of Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State have been urged to reject electoral violence, vote buying, intimidation, and other acts capable of undermining the democratic process. In a public appeal titled "A Call to the Great People of Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo LGA," social commentator Makinz called on citizens to remain peaceful before, during, and after the elections, stressing that no political ambition is worth the loss of lives or the destruction of communities. According to him, politicians often make attractive promises during election campaigns, including cash inducements, food items, and assurances of employment, only to abandon those who participated in violence once the elections are over. He described the practice as "Use and Dump" politics, warning youths against allowi...

DJ CHICKEN ARRESTED OVER ALLEGED THREATENING VIDEO ABOUT SEYI TINUBU Controversial disc jockey and TikTok personality, Ademola Abiodun, popularly known as DJ Chicken, has been arrested over a video he allegedly posted on social media concerning President Bola Tinubu's son, Seyi Tinubu. The development was disclosed on Thursday by his lawyer, Rotimi Stephen. According to the lawyer, DJ Chicken was arrested in Ikeja in connection with a video shared on his Instagram page in which he allegedly made threatening remarks directed at Seyi Tinubu. The video, delivered in Yoruba, quickly circulated across social media platforms and attracted widespread public attention. Rotimi Stephen said his client is currently being held at the Ikeja Police Headquarters, adding that he believes officials of the Department of State Services (DSS) may also be involved in the case. However, there has been no official confirmation from the DSS regarding the claim. Speaking on the arrest, the lawyer appealed ...

 OYO COURT ADJOURNS AUXILIARY'S MURDER TRIAL TO JULY 15 OVER MISSING PROSECUTION DOCUMENTS The Oyo State High Court sitting in Ibadan has adjourned the murder trial of former Park Management System (PMS) Disciplinary Committee Chairman, Mukaila Lamidi, popularly known as Auxiliary, to July 15, 2026. The case was adjourned on Thursday after the prosecution failed to file the necessary trial documents required for the adoption of the final written address. Mukaila Lamidi is standing trial over the alleged murder of Wonuola Ayinde, who prosecutors claim died after being knocked down by the defendant's vehicle on September 23, 2023, at GRA, Agodi, Ibadan. The adjournment means the adoption of the final written address has been postponed as the Oyo State Government continues with the prosecution of the case. Lamidi has maintained his not guilty plea to the charge.

NIGERIA ENDS OIS VISA PROCESSING IN US, DIRECTS APPLICANTS TO EMBASSY AND CONSULATES The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has announced the immediate disengagement of Online Integrated Solutions (OIS Services) as the operator of Nigeria's Visa Application and Submission Centres in the United States. In a public notice issued on Thursday via its official X account, the NIS informed prospective travellers and Nigerians residing in the United States that OIS Services will no longer collect or submit visa applications on behalf of Nigerian missions. According to the agency, all applicants seeking Nigerian visas must now submit their applications directly at the Embassy of Nigeria in Washington, D.C., or at the Nigerian Consulates in New York and Atlanta until further notice. The NIS stated that the directive takes effect immediately. The Consulate General of Nigeria in New York also confirmed the development on its official website, notifying visa applicants that OIS Services has ceas...

ABSCONDED DRIVER ARRESTED IN ABUJA, STOLEN VEHICLE RECOVERED BY ONDO POLICE The Ondo State Police Command has announced the arrest of a suspected vehicle thief and the recovery of a stolen Hyundai saloon car in a successful operation that extended to the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. According to a statement issued on Thursday by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Abayomi Jimoh, the breakthrough was recorded under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, CP Felix Ohagwu, PSC, MNIPS, MSPSP, as part of the Command's ongoing efforts to combat crime and safeguard lives and property across the state. The police disclosed that the incident was reported on July 5, 2026, by Mrs. Remilekun of Oba-Ile, Akure. She informed officers that she had employed Adesola Ogunrotifa, 40, as her personal driver in July 2025. According to the report, the suspect drove her to the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Oke Isegun, Akure, for a church service on Sunday. After dropping her off a...

HON. CHIEF LAWRENCE ADENUGBA CONGRATULATES PROFESSOR TOMOLA OBAMUYI ON APPOINTMENT AS AAUA'S 7TH SUBSTANTIVE VICE-CHANCELLOR Hon. Chief Lawrence Adenugba, popularly known as Parie, has extended his heartfelt congratulations to Professor Tomola Obamuyi on his inauguration as the seventh substantive Vice-Chancellor of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), describing the appointment as a well-deserved recognition of excellence, integrity and distinguished service to higher education. Professor Obamuyi officially assumed office on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, with a commitment to providing purposeful, transparent and inclusive leadership while building on the achievements of previous administrations to further enhance the university's academic reputation. In a congratulatory message, Adenugba praised the new Vice-Chancellor as an accomplished scholar, seasoned administrator and visionary leader whose wealth of experience in teaching, research and university administration m...

COURT ORDERS EFCC TO APOLOGISE, PAY FORMER MINISTER OLU AGUNLOYE N10 MILLION OVER DEFAMATORY PUBLICATION A Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court has ordered the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to pay former Minister of Power, Dr. Olu Agunloye, the sum of N10 million in damages for defamation arising from a publication on the agency's official website and social media platforms. The judgment, delivered by Justice Peter Kekemeke, held that the publication was defamatory and directed the EFCC to immediately retract it. The court also ordered the anti-graft agency to publish a public apology to Agunloye on its official website and in two national newspapers. In addition, the EFCC was restrained from making further defamatory statements against the former minister. The disputed publication reportedly linked Agunloye to an alleged $6 billion fraud, a claim that formed the basis of the defamation suit. The court's decision represents a significant legal developmen...

OBALUFON: THE YORUBA DEIFIED KING WHO CONTINUES TO SHAPE THE CULTURAL HERITAGE OF ILE-IFE AND ILE-OLUJI Obalufon remains one of the most revered figures in Yoruba history and traditional religion, occupying a unique place as both a celebrated ancient ruler and a deity within Yoruba cosmology. Across generations, his legacy has continued to influence the cultural, spiritual, and artistic identity of many Yoruba communities, particularly Ile-Ife and Ile-Oluji in Ondo State. According to Yoruba oral tradition, Obalufon was an early Ooni of Ile-Ife whose remarkable leadership and enduring influence led to his veneration as an Orisha after his reign. He is widely associated with peace, justice, craftsmanship, innovation, and the preservation of traditional institutions. In Ile-Ife, regarded as the spiritual cradle of the Yoruba people, Obalufon occupies an important place within the traditional religious system. During the installation of a new Ooni, traditional rites connected to Obalufon ...

NNPCL CUTS PETROL PUMP PRICE NATIONWIDE FOR THE SECOND TIME IN TWO WEEKS The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has announced another reduction in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, marking its second price cut in less than two weeks. A market survey indicated that NNPCL retail outlets have adjusted the pump price from ₦1,210 per litre to ₦1,150 per litre, representing a ₦60 reduction for consumers nationwide. With the latest adjustment, the state-owned oil company has reduced petrol prices by a cumulative ₦110 per litre between June 27 and July 8, 2026, as competition intensifies in Nigeria's downstream petroleum sector. The development comes just days after Dangote Refinery announced its fourth reduction in gantry loading prices, bringing its ex-depot rate down to ₦1,075 per litre. Other marketers, including NIPCO, AA Rano, and Ranoil, have also reviewed their retail pump prices downward, with prices now ranging between ₦1,205...

WHY LAWRENCE ADENUGBA 'PARIE' CONTINUES TO STAND OUT AS A KEY VOICE IN ONDO STATE POLITICS In every political landscape, some individuals distinguish themselves not only through the positions they occupy but also through their consistency, influence, and commitment to public service. In Ondo State, Hon. Chief Lawrence Adenugba, widely known as Parie, is regarded by many political observers and community stakeholders as one of those figures whose contributions continue to shape political discourse and grassroots development. As a respected leader within the All Progressives Congress (APC), Adenugba has built a reputation around community engagement, accessibility, and advocacy for policies that place the interests of ordinary citizens at the centre of governance. His political journey has been marked by sustained interaction with grassroots communities and support for initiatives aimed at improving social and economic opportunities. Over the years, Parie has consistently highlig...

 ETHNIC CLASH: SCAVENGER DEPOT "BOLLA" SET ABLAZE BY IRATE YOUTHS IN IBADAN The scavenger depot popularly known as "Bolla" was reportedly set ablaze by irate youths during an ethnic clash in Ibadan on Wednesday, July 8, 2026. The incident has heightened tensions in the affected area, while security agencies are expected to assess the situation and restore normalcy. Further details are awaited as authorities continue to monitor development.

SAMUEL FOLORUNSO PARADED BY IRU EKUN SECURITY NETWORK OVER ALLEGED THEFT AT ILE-OLUJI/OKEIGBO LG SECRETARIAT A suspect identified as Samuel Folorunso has been paraded by the Iru Ekun Security Network, Ile-Oluji Branch, in connection with an alleged theft at the Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo Local Government Secretariat. Samuel Folorunso was presented by the security outfit following his arrest over the alleged incident. Further details regarding the circumstances surrounding the arrest and the items reportedly involved are yet to be made public. More details shortly.

GOV AIYEDATIWA, ONDO APC ELDERS BEGIN RECONCILIATION DRIVE AHEAD OF 2027 POLLS The Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, on Wednesday hosted members of the Governor's Advisory Council (GAC) and other leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the Government House in Akure, where party leaders emphasized reconciliation, unity, and preparations for the 2027 general elections. The meeting, held at the Banquet Hall following the party's recent primary elections, focused on strengthening internal cohesion, resolving post-primary grievances, and preserving the unity and progressive ideals of the APC in Ondo State. During the meeting, party leaders unanimously affirmed Governor Aiyedatiwa as the leader of the APC in Ondo State and pledged their support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's re-election bid in the 2027 presidential election. In his opening remarks, Chairman of the Governor's Advisory Council, Chief Pius Akinyelure, described the gathering as...

RT. HON. IYABO ADEFULIRE LEADS ILE-OLUJI/OKEIGBO LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL'S LANDMARK PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED BY-LAWS The Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo Legislative Council has successfully conducted a landmark Public Hearing on a series of proposed by-laws aimed at strengthening local governance, improving public service delivery, promoting transparency, and ensuring accountability in the management of internally generated revenue (IGR). The public hearing, led by the Leader of the Legislative Council, Rt. Hon. Iyabo Adefulire, was held in both major communities within the local government. The Ile-Oluji session took place at the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) Hall, Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo Local Government Secretariat, while the Okeigbo session was held at the Palace Hall, Okeigbo. The Executive Chairman of Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo Local Government, Hon. Adebare Adeboye, was represented by the Secretary to the Local Government (SLG), Hon. Samson Agboola, who reaffirmed the administration...

PREMIUM COCOA PRODUCT OPENS APPLICATIONS FOR ACCOUNT COORDINATOR ROLE IN ILE-OLUJI Premium Cocoa Product, one of Nigeria's leading cocoa processing companies, has announced the recruitment of qualified candidates for the position of Account Coordinator at its processing plant in Ile-Oluji, Ondo State. The company, renowned for its 30,000-metric-ton cocoa processing capacity, described itself as a pioneer in Nigeria's cocoa processing industry and a key player in driving sustainable growth across Africa's agricultural value chain. According to the vacancy announcement, the successful candidate will coordinate the company's accounting activities, maintain accurate financial records, ensure timely financial reporting, and ensure compliance with relevant regulatory and organizational requirements. The Account Coordinator will also oversee Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable functions, support financial planning and cash flow administration, supervise payroll records, i...

INEC BEGINS NATIONWIDE ONLINE VOTER REGISTRATION, SETS JULY 26 DEADLINE The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced its Nationwide Continuous Voter Registration (CVR), introducing an online registration platform that allows eligible Nigerians to begin and complete their voter registration using their mobile phones. According to information released by the electoral commission, eligible citizens can register online through cvr.inecnigeria.org starting Tuesday, July 8, 2026, without first visiting an INEC office. INEC, however, stated that those who prefer physical registration can still visit any of its State or Local Government Area (LGA) offices nationwide. Registration centres will operate daily from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., including weekends, throughout the registration period. The commission announced that the Continuous Voter Registration exercise will close on Sunday, July 26, 2026, urging all eligible Nigerians who are yet to register as voters to take adv...

TRAFFIC ALERT: OYRTMA ISSUES ADVISORY AS SECURITY PRESENCE CAUSES DISRUPTION AROUND OJOO, IBADAN The Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA) has issued a traffic advisory informing the public of heavy security presence and traffic disruption around the Ojoo area of Ibadan following a public disturbance reported earlier on Wednesday. According to the agency, traffic officials have been deployed alongside security personnel to maintain order, manage vehicular movement, and ensure the safety of road users in the affected area. OYRTMA urged motorists to exercise caution, remain calm, and comply with all directives issued by traffic management and security operatives on duty. The authority also advised road users to avoid unnecessary stops or gatherings around the affected location, consider alternative routes where possible until normal traffic flow is restored, and refrain from sharing unverified information that could create panic or worsen the situation. The agency stated t...

AKINGBASO FACILITATES FEDERAL FIRE SERVICE STATION IN IGBARA-OKE, BOOSTS EMERGENCY RESPONSE IN ONDO A major boost to emergency response and public safety has come to Ifedore Local Government Area of Ondo State following the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of a Federal Fire Service (FFS) Station in Igbara-Oke. The project, located at the Shasha Open Space in Igbara-Oke, was facilitated by the Member representing Idanre/Ifedore Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Festus Olarewaju Akingbaso (Fessywest), as part of his ongoing Thank You and Oversight Tour across the constituency. The ceremony attracted traditional rulers, government officials, security agencies, community leaders and residents, who described the project as a significant step towards strengthening emergency services and protecting lives and property in the area. Speaking on behalf of the State Controller of the Federal Fire Service, Zone K, Ondo State Command, the Command's Human Reso...

ONDO POLICE NEUTRALIZE TWO SUSPECTED KIDNAPPERS IN GUN BATTLE, RECOVER FIREARM AND LIVE CARTRIDGES The Ondo State Police Command says it has neutralized two suspected kidnappers during a gun battle with police operatives in Ilu-Abo along the Akure–Owo Expressway, as part of its ongoing operations against kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state. According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, the incident occurred at about 3:30 a.m. when operatives of the Federal Highway Patrol Unit, Ilu-Abo, responded to a distress call reporting the activities of armed men at Olaiya Block Industry, located beside Ilu-Abo High School. The police said preliminary investigations revealed that about seven masked armed men invaded the premises of the block industry and demanded to see the owner before officers swiftly mobilized to the scene. On sighting the police team, the suspects reportedly opened fire, leading to a fierce exchange of ...

PRESIDENT TINUBU ORDERS ICPC TO PROBE FAKE 'PRESIDENTIAL FOREIGN INTERVENTION PROMOTION COUNCIL President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to launch a comprehensive investigation into the activities of the so-called Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), describing the body as fictitious and unauthorized by the Federal Government. According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the President's Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the investigation is expected to be concluded within 30 days, with a detailed report submitted directly to the President. The Presidency stated that the PFIPC was never established by the Federal Government and has no legal backing through any law, presidential directive, executive approval, or other lawful government instrument. The statement identified Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew as an individual who allegedly presented himself as the Di...

HON. AKINSUROJU APPOINTS AKINSUNLADE DAYO AS MEDIA AIDE, ELEVATES BAMIGBOLA OLUWASEUN TO PERSONAL ASSISTANT Hon. Akinsuroju Akindolani Nelson, the member representing Ile-Oluji/Oke-Igbo Constituency in the Ondo State House of Assembly, has announced the appointment of Mr. Akinsunlade Dayo as his new Special Assistant on Media, while Mr. Bamigbola Oluwaseun has been elevated to the position of Personal Assistant. The appointments, according to a statement from the lawmaker's office, are aimed at strengthening the media and administrative structure of the constituency office to ensure more effective communication and improved service delivery. Mr. Akinsunlade Dayo, who hails from Ward 2, takes over as Special Assistant on Media following the promotion of Mr. Bamigbola Oluwaseun, who previously served in the role and has now been entrusted with greater responsibilities as Personal Assistant to the lawmaker. Hon. Akinsuroju said the appointment of Akinsunlade reflects his commitment to...

SENATE PRESIDENT GODSWILL AKPABIO CALLED TO THE NIGERIAN BAR IN ABUJA Senate President Godswill Akpabio has officially been called to the Nigerian Bar, marking a significant milestone in his professional journey. The Call to Bar ceremony, held in Abuja, saw Akpabio join other successful candidates as they were formally admitted as legal practitioners in Nigeria. The event was conducted by the Body of Benchers, the apex body responsible for regulating admission into the legal profession. Speaking after the ceremony, Akpabio described the Call to Bar as the beginning of a lifelong commitment to justice, integrity, and service. He said the occasion serves as a reminder of the enduring responsibility legal practitioners share in upholding the rule of law and strengthening the institutions that sustain Nigeria's democracy. The Senate President expressed appreciation for the opportunity to join the legal profession and reaffirmed his commitment to the principles of justice, professionali...

'LET THE ELEPHANTS STOP FIGHTING' — OLUBAKINDE URGES ONDO APC LEADERS TO EMBRACE RECONCILIATION Political stakeholder and public affairs commentator, Hon. Olumide Olubakinde, has called on leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State to embrace reconciliation and put aside their differences following the controversies that trailed the party's recent primary elections. In a statement titled "Stop the Elephants Fight", Olubakinde described the political tension within the party as a development that could have adverse consequences for its members if not urgently addressed. He noted that conflicts among influential political figures often leave ordinary party members bearing the greatest burden, citing the popular African proverb, "When two elephants fight, the grass suffers," to illustrate his concern. According to him, the situation in Ondo State calls for restraint, dialogue, and unity rather than prolonged disagreements. While refraining...

CONFUSION AS TINUBU, MINISTERS RECITE OLD NATIONAL ANTHEM DURING FEC MEETING A moment of confusion was observed during a recent Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and some cabinet members were seen reciting the old version of Nigeria's National Anthem. The incident, captured in a video circulating on social media, has attracted public attention and generated reactions from Nigerians. In the footage, some officials appeared to sing the old anthem while others followed the current version, creating a noticeable lack of uniformity during the rendition. The development comes more than a year after Nigeria officially reinstated the old National Anthem, "Nigeria, We Hail Thee," replacing "Arise, O Compatriots," following the signing of the National Anthem Act by President Tinubu in 2024. As of the time of this report, the Presidency has not issued an official statement regarding the incident. The video has continued to spark discuss...

APC INSISTS CANDIDATE SUBSTITUTIONS FOLLOWED DUE PROCESS, DISMISSES ELECTORAL LAW BREACH CLAIMS The All Progressives Congress (APC) has defended its decision to substitute some candidates after the party's primary elections, maintaining that the process complied with its internal guidelines and did not violate the Electoral Act. Speaking during an interview on ARISE NEWS on Tuesday, the APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, dismissed allegations that the party arbitrarily replaced candidates or awarded tickets to individuals who did not participate in the primaries. According to Morka, the party received more than 720 petitions from aspirants dissatisfied with the outcome of the primaries. He explained that the petitions were reviewed by the party's appeal committees before recommendations were forwarded to the National Working Committee (NWC) for further consideration. He stated that after reviewing the appeal committee reports, the NWC made adjustments where necessar...

OLUREMI TINUBU HARVESTS VEGETABLES FROM VILLA GARDEN, RENEWS CALL FOR HOME FARMING Nigeria's First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has once again encouraged Nigerians to embrace home gardening as a practical step toward improving household food security after harvesting fresh vegetables from her garden at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. According to information shared by the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), the First Lady visited the vegetable garden on Monday for another round of harvest from the plot established about two years ago under the Every Home A Garden initiative. The garden reportedly continues to produce a variety of vegetables, including spinach, waterleaf, and fluted pumpkin, demonstrating the sustainability of small-scale home farming. Following the harvest, Senator Tinubu shared part of the fresh produce with members of her staff, while encouraging Nigerians to cultivate the habit of giving and supporting one another. The Villa vegetable garden was unveiled in J...

ONDO APC COUNCILLORS APPEAL TO PRESIDENT TINUBU OVER NWC REVIEW OF PRIMARY ELECTION RESULTS The Forum of All Progressives Congress (APC) Councillors in Ondo State has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene in the dispute arising from the decision of the party's National Working Committee (NWC) Appeal Committee, which reviewed the outcomes of the 2026 National and State Assembly primary elections in parts of the state. Addressing journalists during a press conference in Akure on Monday, the Chairman of the Ondo State APC Councillors Forum, Rt. Hon. Adeniyi Adetoye, said the President's intervention would help strengthen confidence among party members, promote reconciliation, and preserve unity within the APC. According to Adetoye, the primary elections conducted between May 16 and May 23, 2026, were credible and reflected the wishes of party members across the affected constituencies. He maintained that the councillors remained committed to the All Progressives Con...

FORMER APC SENATORIAL ASPIRANT, HON. ADEJORO ADEOGUN, URGES PARTY MEMBERS TO ACCEPT TINUBU'S DECISION, MOVE ON FROM ONDO PRIMARY CONTROVERSY Former All Progressives Congress (APC) Ondo North Senatorial aspirant, Hon. Adejoro Adeogun, has called on members of the party in Ondo State to put the controversies surrounding the 2026 National Assembly primaries behind them and embrace reconciliation in the interest of the party's future. In a lengthy statement titled "Que Sera Sera," Adeogun reflected on his political journey and the realities of internal party politics, urging fellow aspirants and their supporters to accept the outcome of the APC nomination process and avoid actions capable of deepening divisions within the party. Recalling an encounter with former Edo State lawmaker, Hon. Patrick Obahiagbon, popularly known as Igodomigodo, in 2018, Adeogun said he was advised to understand that political contests often involve complex realities beyond competence and popula...

ONDO POLICE DEPLOY MASSIVE SECURITY, ISSUE TOUGH WARNING AGAINST JULY 7 CULT ACTIVITIES The Ondo State Police Command has intensified security measures across the state and warned cult groups and other criminal elements against engaging in any unlawful gathering, procession, initiation or celebration linked to the annual "7/7" cult activities. In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, CP Felix Ohagwu, the Command disclosed that intelligence reports indicate that some cult groups may be planning activities capable of disrupting public peace and endangering lives. To prevent any security breach, the Commissioner of Police has directed the immediate deployment of personnel and operational assets to identified flashpoints and other strategic locations across Ondo State. The operation involves officers from the Special Anti-Cultism Squad, Anti-Kidnapping Unit, Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), State ...