Author: Adejuyigbe Francis

Alaafin Denies Supremacy Clash As Ibadan Leaders Raise Alarm Over Gold Mining Crisis. The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, has firmly debunked claims suggesting he is involved in a supremacy battle with any traditional ruler, describing a viral video alleging such as fabricated and misleading. In a statement released on Tuesday by the palace’s Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, the monarch strongly refuted the assertions made in a YouTube video by Awikonko TV, branding it both “malicious and unfounded.” Durojaiye clarified that Oba Owoade remains on cordial terms with the Ooni of Ife and…

NBA Plateau Branches Demand Action Over Killings As Christian Leaders Raise Funds For Insurgency Victims. In the wake of persistent violent attacks in Plateau State by suspected Fulani militia, the four branches of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in the state have issued a strong call to action, declaring that the time for mere slogans is over. Replacing the often-heard phrase “Enough is enough,” the lawyers now urge citizens and leaders alike to adopt a more assertive stance: “This is enough, and let us stand up and take action.” This bold statement was delivered on Tuesday during a press…

PSG Smash Historic Record With 39-Game Unbeaten Away Run In Europe’s Top Leagues. Paris Saint-Germain have etched their name into football history by setting a new record for the longest unbeaten away run in Europe’s top five leagues, surpassing AC Milan’s longstanding mark from 1993. The French champions achieved this remarkable feat with an extraordinary streak of 39 consecutive away matches without defeat, comprising 30 wins and 9 draws, as confirmed following their latest Ligue 1 triumph on 22 April 2025. Under the stewardship of manager Luis Enrique, PSG have redefined dominance on the road, breaking a record that…

NAHCON Confirms May 9 For Inaugural 2025 Hajj Flight, Pushes For Financial Reforms. The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has confirmed that the inaugural flight for the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage will depart for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on 9 May, 2025. This marks the official commencement of Nigeria’s participation in this year’s holy pilgrimage. As part of its comprehensive preparations, NAHCON has finalised the allocation of 43,000 intending pilgrims across four approved airlines. At an expanded stakeholders’ meeting held at the Hajj House in Abuja, the Commissioner for Operations, Alhaji Anofiu Elegushi, revealed the detailed airlift plan…

Osun Government Vows To Renovate Courts And Strengthen Security After Arson Attack. In response to the recent arson attack on Ilesa High Court 2, the Osun State Government has announced plans to commence the renovation of court premises across the state, while also prioritising the security of judicial facilities and personnel. This development follows Sunday’s incident in which unidentified arsonists set ablaze the Ilesa High Court 2, resulting in the destruction of the court building and the loss of vital legal documents. Speaking during an on-site inspection of the damaged court premises on Tuesday, the Osun State Commissioner…

Nigeria’s Economy Slides To Fourth In Africa. Nigeria, once heralded as Africa’s economic powerhouse, has slipped to fourth place among the continent’s largest economies, according to the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) World Economic Outlook for April 2025. The projections estimate Nigeria’s gross domestic product (GDP) at $188.27 billion for 2025, trailing South Africa ($410.34 billion), Egypt ($347.34 billion), and Algeria ($268.89 billion). Despite the drop, analysts highlight signs of resilience and potential for recovery in Nigeria’s economic trajectory. A decade ago, in 2015, Nigeria held the top spot with a GDP of $494.31 billion, outpacing Egypt ($350.12 billion) and…

Civil Society Coalition Urges National Assembly To Pass Women’s Reserved Seats Bill. A coalition of civil society organisations (CSOs) has called on the National Assembly to urgently pass the Reserved Seats for Women Bill, asserting that Nigeria stands to gain an estimated $22.9 billion by ensuring full political participation for women. The call was made during a media briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, where the coalition launched a nationwide campaign pushing for the passage of the bill. The group emphasised that the proposed legislation is not an act of tokenism, but a necessary corrective policy aimed at dismantling decades…

Edo Government Provides Relief To Farming Communities Affected By Militant Attacks. The Edo State Government has delivered a significant relief package to seven farming communities in Ovia South-West Local Government Area, following recent deadly attacks by suspected Ijaw militants. The relief materials, presented on behalf of Governor Monday Okpebholo, included 3,000 bags of 10kg rice and ₦20 million in financial support aimed at helping affected residents recover and rebuild. The donation was made by the Executive Secretary of the Edo State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Jerry Idahosa, during a visit to the area. The attacks, which took place…

Simon Ekpa To Face Trial In Nigeria As Finnish Court Approves Extradition. In a landmark decision with major implications for regional security and international justice, a Finnish court has approved the extradition of controversial separatist agitator Simon Ekpa to Nigeria. The Päijät-Häme District Court in Lahti ruled on 18 April 2025 that Ekpa should be handed over to Nigerian authorities, with the transfer set to take place on 15 July 2025. Ekpa, a dual Finnish-Nigerian citizen, is best known for styling himself as the “Prime Minister” of the self-proclaimed Biafra Republic Government-in-Exile. His activities, conducted largely from Finland, have…

Ghana’s Chief Justice Suspended Amid Misconduct Investigation. Ghana’s President, John Mahama, on Tuesday announced the suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Torkornoo following multiple petitions calling for her removal over alleged misconduct. The decision comes after three formal petitions accused Justice Torkornoo of tampering with court records and misusing public funds. The President, in consultation with the Council of State, has determined that a *prima facie* case has been established, warranting a full investigation. A statement from the presidency confirmed that Torkornoo would be suspended from her role while a five-member committee probes the allegations. Although specific…

Ohanaeze Ndigbo Urges President Tinubu To Prioritise Full Reconstruction Of Enugu Airport Runway. Ohanaeze Ndigbo has called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently intervene by releasing funds for the comprehensive reconstruction of the runway at Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu. The socio-cultural organisation, in a public statement, criticised the continued use of makeshift repairs and stressed the need for a lasting solution to ensure the safety and functionality of the airport. “We need a lasting solution rather than the makeshift efforts we’ve seen over the years,” stated a spokesperson for the group, Mr Chukwu, who also urged…

NBA Osogbo Condemns Arson Attack On Osun High Court, Offers Legal Support For Prosecution. The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Osogbo branch, has strongly condemned the arson attack on the Osun State High Court in Ilesa, describing it as a grave assault on the rule of law and justice delivery. In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Chairman of the Osogbo NBA branch, Mr Yemi Abiona, labelled the incident as a “heinous attack” and expressed deep concern over its implications for the legal system. The fire, which broke out in the early hours of Monday, completely razed Osun High…