Author: Admin

Democracy is not tested when power is comfortable. It is tested when power feels threatened. Across Nigeria’s political landscape, there is a growing perception that the space for opposition is shrinking, not naturally, but deliberately. Allegations of institutional interference, internal sabotage within parties, and the quiet weakening of dissenting voices have become too consistent to ignore. Whether proven or not, the pattern itself is enough to raise alarm. Because democracy does not die only through coups. Sometimes, it fades quietly, through manipulation, through fear, through the slow erosion of competition. At the center of this concern is a simple question:…

The Mapo Hall event in Ibadan sparked debate, not for its activities, but for its shortcomings, as a planned grand ceremony turned subdued with absent traditional figures and a visibly sparse crowd. The absence of three High Chiefs, despite formally requesting postponement, shaped public perception, as their reasons were reportedly genuine, but ignored by authorities who proceeded with the event regardless. Observers described the decision as a miscalculation, exposing a widening gap between government and traditional institutions, while raising concerns about respect for due process and stakeholder engagement. The low turnout at Mapo Hall, known for attracting massive crowds, stood…

The Seyi Makinde administration has reaffirmed that the coronation of three Ibadan high chiefs as beaded-crown Obas remains legally binding, despite their absence at the official ceremony held at Mapo Hall in Ibadan. Governor Makinde, represented by his deputy, Bayo Lawal, performed the formal crowning of Senator Sarafadeen Alli, Oyekola Babalola (SAN), and High Chief Akeem Mobolaji Adewoyin. He stressed that due process was strictly followed, making the elevation valid regardless of their physical absence. The government explained that the exercise was conducted in line with Section 20 (1) and (4) of the Chiefs Law, Cap 28, Laws of Oyo…

The Oyo State Government has formally elevated three Ibadan High Chiefs, including a serving senator, to the status of crown-wearing Obas, conducting their coronation and presentation of Staff of Office in absentia at Mapo Hall on Friday, April 3, 2026. The ceremony, held in Ibadan, marked a significant development in the evolution of the traditional institution in Ibadanland, as the state proceeded with the rites despite the physical absence of the beneficiaries. The newly elevated monarchs include Oba Sarafadeen Abiodun Alli, who is also a serving Senator of the Federal Republic; Oba Oyekola Babalola, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria; and…

Senator (Dr) Sharafadeen Alli (APC–Oyo South) has felicitated Christians in Oyo State and across Nigeria on the occasion of Good Friday. Alli, in a statement issued on Friday in Ibadan, described Good Friday as a solemn reminder of Jesus Christ’s sacrifice for humanity’s redemption and the triumph of love over hatred. He urged Christians to reflect deeply on the virtues of humility, compassion, forgiveness and selflessness exemplified by Christ, stressing the need to imbibe such values in daily living. The senator called on Nigerians to use the period to pray fervently for peace, unity and stability of the nation, especially…

Oyo Central Senatorial hopeful, Alhaji Ademola Wasiu Alli (AWA), has declared that he is the most qualified aspirant to deliver the much-needed dividends of democracy to the people of the district. Alli made this assertion during a courtesy visit to the Chairman and Executive members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council, at the NUJ Millennium Press Centre, Iyaganku, Ibadan. The Fiditi-born chartered accountant and philanthropist stated that the senatorial district requires purposeful leadership capable of addressing its developmental challenges. He emphasised that his wealth of experience in grassroots representation and progressive politics uniquely positioned him to…

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called for the immediate removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mahmood Yakubu, accusing the electoral body of actions aimed at weakening opposition parties and steering Nigeria toward a one-party system. The demand follows INEC’s decision to delist the names of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) members from its official website—an action the ADC described as illegal, provocative and capable of destabilising its internal structure. Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, the party’s national leadership alleged that the commission was being influenced by interests seeking to create an…

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has dismissed reports of a strained relationship between the palace and the Oyo State Government, clarifying circumstances surrounding the postponement of a scheduled coronation ceremony. In a statement issued through his Media Aide, Adeola Oloko, the monarch refuted speculations suggesting a rift between him and the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, whom he described as the “Olori Omo Oba of Ibadanland.” The palace maintained that the reports were unfounded and reaffirmed that cordial relations between the traditional institution and the state executive remain intact. Addressing claims linked to the postponed coronation…

The Oyo State Government has formally announced the coronation and presentation of Staff of Office to newly elevated crown-wearing Obas in Ibadanland. in a ceremony that underscores the administration’s commitment to strengthening traditional institutions and preserving cultural heritage. The event, which is scheduled to be held on Friday, 3rd April 2026, at the historic Mapo Hall Grounds, Ibadan, will commence at 10:00 a.m. The ceremony will witness the official coronation of three distinguished traditional rulers. They are His Royal Highness, Oba Akeem Mobolaji Adewoyin, the Ekerin Balogun of Ibadanland; His Royal Highness, Oba Oyekola Babalola, SAN, the Ekarun Olubadan of…

Senator (Dr) Sharafadeen Alli has called for stronger collaboration with the European Union to boost agricultural development, stressing the need to leverage bilateral strength and goodwill to achieve sustainable agricultural objectives. Alli, the Senate Committee Chairman on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions, made the call on Wednesday during his courtesy visit to the EU Embassy in Abuja. The lawmaker said that the visit was to brief the EU on the committee’s programmes and seek strategic partnership. He said that the collaboration would focus on the First National Legislative Summit and Expo on Agricultural Colleges and Research Institutions scheduled for May 11…