Landmark

Ijebu Congress, an association of Ijebu sons and daughters at home and in the diaspora, has expressed its firm support for the Ogun State Government’s decision to halt the ongoing process for the selection of a new Awujale of Ijebuland, describing the action as timely, responsible, and firmly rooted in the interest of peace, law, and the preservation of the integrity of the revered Awujale stool. In a statement issued under the leadership of its Chairman, Prince Bunmi Mebude, the Congress noted that the Awujale stool is not merely a traditional institution but a unifying symbol of the identity, heritage, and collective pride of the Ijebu people. As such, the credibility and sanctity of the stool must never be compromised by controversy, procedural irregularities, or undue influence. Ijebu Congress commended the Ogun State Government for acting proactively and within the ambit of the law, particularly the Obas and Chiefs’ Law of Ogun State, 2021, which empowers the government to interve...

Abuja, January 21, 2026 The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP), the umbrella body of all registered political parties and political associations in the country, has described the judgment of the Federal High Court, Abuja, affirming Senator Esther Nenadi Usman as the valid National Chairman of the Labour Party as “a clear victory for constitutionalism, internal party democracy, and the supremacy of the rule of law.” In a strongly worded press statement issued on Tuesday, the CNPP said the ruling, which ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise the Nenadi Usman–led Caretaker Committee as the legitimate authority of the Labour Party pending the conduct of a national convention, represents a major boost for Nigeria’s democratic development. According to the CNPP, the judgment, which it noted was “firmly anchored on the binding decision of the Supreme Court,” sends “an unmistakable signal that no individual ambition, factional interest, or politic...

A socio-professional group, the Committee of Ijebu Professionals (CIP), has commended the Ogun State Government for suspending the ongoing process for the selection of a new Awujale of Ijebuland. The group described the decision, conveyed through a letter issued by the Ijebu Ode Local Government to the Awujale kingmakers and ruling houses, as timely, decisive and in the overall interest of Ijebuland. In a press release signed by Arc. Temitayo Onabule, President of the group, and Prof. Jide Oreoluwa Olabinjo, its Publicity Secretary, the CIP said the government’s intervention was necessary to restore credibility to a process it said had become increasingly controversial. According to the group, the selection process was gradually losing public confidence and risked producing a monarch unbefitting of Ijebuland if it was allowed to continue unchecked. “We feel very grateful that the governor and his team acted promptly to save the situation,” the statement said. “As it is, the entire proc...

The Chairman of Ijebu Ode Local Government Area of Ogun State, Hon. Dare Alebiosun, has directed the Fusengbuwa Ruling House and the Awujale kingmakers to suspend the ongoing process for the selection of a new Awujale of Ijebuland. The directive followed the receipt of petitions, security reports and complaints from concerned individuals, including allegations of irregularities and inducement in the selection process. The decision was conveyed in a letter dated January 20, 2026, addressed to the Awujale Kingmakers’ Council and signed by the Secretary to the Local Government Chairman, Hon. Oke Abiodun Adebanjo. According to the letter, the action was taken after due consideration of the provisions of the Obas and Chiefs Law of Ogun State, 2021, which empowers the government to set aside an appointment where it considers such action necessary in the interest of peace, order and good governance. “In taking this decision, government has had due regard to the provisions of the Obas and Chie...

Wilson Opuwei, a businessman alongside his company, Dateline Energy Services Ltd have been arraigned by The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, before Justice Olubunmi Abike-Fadipe of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos, over an alleged $550,000 fraud. Opuwei was docked on a four-count charge bordering on obtaining by false pretences and stealing. Count one reads: ” Wilson E. A. Opuwei and Dateline Energy Services Ltd sometimes in April 2011 at Lagos within the Ikeja judicial division with intent to defraud obtained the sum of $500,000 (Five Hundred Thousand Dollars) through one Chimaobi Anyast, from Prince Donatus Okonkwo under the false pretence that the money represent payment for allocation of 5000 metric tons of Due Purpose Kerosene (DPK) to him from Petroleum Product Marketing Company (PPMC) which pretence you knew was false”. Count Two reads: “Wilson E. A. Opuwei and Dateline Energy Services Ltd sometimes in April 2011 Lag...

L-R: Chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC), Ogun State Chapter, Chief Yemi Sanusi; Speaker, Ogun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Elemide; Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun; Deputy Governor, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele; Member representing Abeokuta South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Afolabi Afuape; and Head of Service, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya, during the commissioning of the 3.5-kilometre Laderin–Prof. Wole Soyinka Terminal Road on Tuesday. Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, on Tuesday commissioned the Laderin–Prof. Wole Soyinka Train Station Road in Abeokuta, announcing plans to inaugurate 20 additional roads across the state as part of activities marking Ogun State’s 50th anniversary. Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, the governor said construction work was progressing steadily on the Sagamu Interchange–Papalanto–Opele Road, describing the 100-kilometre highway as a critical east-west connector within the state. According t...

The Ogun State Government has dismissed as blackmail and reckless defamation allegations by a Labour Party chieftain, Mr. Arabambi Abayomi, that the administration of Dapo Abiodun is selling government-owned housing assets, including the Ibara Government Reserved Area (GRA). The government described Abayomi as an attention-seeking rabble-rouser with a penchant for blackmail, alleging that his claims were motivated by resentment after he was kept at arm’s length by the administration. In a statement issued on Tuesday in Abeokuta, the Special Adviser on Media and Strategy to the Governor, Hon. Kayode Akinmade, said the allegations were misleading and deliberately aimed at distorting the state’s ongoing urban renewal programme. Akinmade said it was ironic for Abayomi to portray the revitalisation of GRAs across the state as the sale of public assets, noting that the initiative had received commendation from eminent Nigerians. He recalled that former President Olusegun Obasanjo, the Alake ...

The Ogun State Government has confirmed that a medical doctor has been remanded in prison for allegedly issuing a fake medical report to help a popular blogger, Adetoun Onajobi, also known as @justadetoun, evade police arrest. The government also disclosed that the Ogun State Police Command has filed a six-count charge against the blogger, who is currently on the run, following a complaint lodged against her by the state. This was contained in a statement issued on Monday by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Oluwasina Ogungbade, SAN. According to the statement, Adetoun, an internet personality, has for years been accused of bullying, harassment, and using offensive language against individuals online. The controversy escalated after boxing champion Anthony Joshua was involved in an accident in Ogun State. Adetoun allegedly posted videos claiming that there was no ambulance service anywhere in the state and further accused Governor Dapo Abiodun of being in Ghana part...

Aerovessel Group of Schools has scheduled its annual Convocation and Awards Ceremony for Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at Novatel Hotel, New Road off Chevron, Lekki, Lagos. According to the Chief Host of the event and the Director of Studies, Aerovessel Group of Schools, Hon. (Dr) Abolaji Kelani, the 2026 edition of the annual event will feature the graduation of students that have been properly trained trained and prepared for the aviation and tourism industries in the country. He stated that the institution has become notable for churning out graduates that fit into the aviation and tourism industries. Dr Kelani said further that Aerovessel Group of Schools is renowned for its high standards and remains committed to producing graduates who will add value to the aviation and tourism industries. He added in a statement yesterday that his aim is to reduce unemployment in the nation by providing trainings for interested persons in different skills in the aviation and tourism industrie...

Servant of God, Primate Elijah Ayodele has authoritatively and prophetically declared that the Nigerian politicians are very wicked, selfish and greedy. Primate Ayodele made the revelation on Sunday, January 18, 2026 at the international headquarters of his church. He said these politicians have turned thier backs against the masses even if the masses are faced with death. He lamented that it is only a few governors who still have a milk of human conscience in them while others have sold their consciences and cares not who perishes. He said the politicians spend unwisely but do not care for the masses. He said this stands in contradistinction when a godfather others his political son to release money which they do at the speed of light. He said Nigeria cannot move forward when wicked people are on the throne. Primate Ayodele added that time has come when Nigerians should come together and vote for a credible person who will not share money to be voted for. He said corruption will conti...

The Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum and Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has poured glowing tributes on the Super Eagles of Nigeria for their heroic outing and bronze medal triumph at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), describing their performance as a victory of spirit, courage, and national pride. Governor Abiodun saluted the Eagles for playing what many adjudged as the most exhilarating and dominant football at the tournament, noting that the team went unbeaten in regulation time throughout the competition, winning all their matches except the semi-final, which was decided by the lottery of penalties. He noted that Nigeria’s outstanding record—scoring the highest number of goals in the group stage and conceding none in the knockout rounds before the semi-final—was a testament to the team’s quality, discipline, and the enduring excellence of Nigerian football. The Ogun State Governor further praised the Eagles for their resilience and mental strength, parti...

The attention of THE PBAT FORCE has been drawn to a publication titled “REVEALED: HOW OJELABI HELD LAGOS COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS PROCESS TO RANSOM.” We find it necessary to issue this rejoinder in the interest of truth, clarity, responsible journalism, and constructive political engagement. First and foremost, THE PBAT FORCE categorically states that it is NOT aware of, NOT affiliated with and NOT connected to the faceless individuals or anonymous sources behind the said publication. At no time did THE PBAT FORCE author, sponsor, endorse, or brief any individual, group, or media platform to issue such a narrative in its name. THE PBAT FORCE is a structured, disciplined, and responsible support group operating strictly within the ideals and constitution of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and in total alignment with the leadership philosophy of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. We do not engage in anonymous publications, blackmail journalism, sensationalism, or the propagation of unver...

L-R Executive Secretary, Primary Health Care Development Board, Dr Elijah Ogunsola, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr Kayode Oladeinde, Hon Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof Abayomi Arigbabu, Ogun State Deputy Governor and Chairman Task force on Primary Healthcare, Engr Noimot Salako-Oyedele, Hon Commissioner for Health, Dr Tomi Coker, Special Adviser to Governor on Information and Strategy, Mr Kayode Akinmade, Chairman Odeda Local Government,  Hon (Dr) Folasade Adeyemo and others during the Taskforce on Primary Healthcare meeting in Abeokuta. The Ogun State Government has assured residents of adequate funding and logistics support for the forthcoming measles–rubella vaccination campaign scheduled to commence on January 27 and end on February 5, 2026. The Deputy Governor, Engr. (Mrs) Noimot Salako-Oyedele, who also chairs the State Task Force on Primary Health Care, gave the assurance during a meeting of the task force held at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta. I...

The Africa Centre for Democracy and Leadership (ACDL) has issued a strong caution to the Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Simeon Chibuzor-Amadi, on the critical need for judicial independence in the face of the ongoing impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Deputy Governor Prof. Ngozi Odu. The group's intervention comes at a pivotal moment, as the Rivers State House of Assembly, under Speaker Martins Amaewhule, has ramped up its efforts to oust the executive duo. This follows a series of dramatic shifts, including a recent U-turn by four lawmakers who recommitted to the impeachment push after briefly advocating for dialogue, citing alleged media attacks from the governor's camp as evidence of bad faith. The Assembly's latest resolution to forward a request for an investigative panel to the Chief Judge marks a formal escalation, confirming that impeachment notices have been served in line with constitutional requirements. The group warned that the...

As reactions continue to trill the appointment of Senator Abdulaziz Yari as the new Chairman of the Board, Geregu Power Plc; a northern group has dropped a bombshell while lending its voice to the public debate. The group, 'Mai Kare Talakawa' (MKT), majorly based in Sokoto, north western state, said it would never stand for the interest of the people, especially the downtrodden, instead of joining the bandwagon of praise singers of those who unite to enrich themselves. In a statement signed on Monday by the Spokesperson, Mallam Yusuf Mohammed, the group queried the way and manner Senator Yari became stupendously rich, amassing enormous wealth for himself, since presiding over the common wealth of Zamfara, a leading poorest state in north west. According to the group, Senator Yari, aside been a Commissioner, two term Governor and currently, a Senator from Zamfara State, has no known strong business base, apart from the MA'AM Energy and the mining activities he has severally ...

Get ready for the most epic nights of the year at Wild Charcoal Restaurant, Lagos' ultimate hotspot for grill, music, food, and luxury vibes! Lagos, Nigeria - Wild Charcoal Restaurant, the iconic bar and dining located at 37, Oba Akinjobi Way, GRA Ikeja, Lagos, is set to ignite the city's nightlife with its signature monthly LAST FRIDAY LIVE BAND GIGS! Kicking off 2026 with a bang, Wild Charcoal Restaurant presents an unforgettable night with Boye Best, the Juju maestro known for his electrifying performances and infectious energy. On Friday, January 30th, 2026, get ready to be mesmerized by Boye Best's resplendent singing voice, charming accent, and enough personality to make your experience truly unforgettable. But that's just the beginning! Every last Friday of the month, Wild Charcoal Restaurant will be bringing you the best of Nigeria's live bands, top DJs, emerging talents, delicious delicacies and surprise guests! Think state-of-the-art lighting, immersive vi...

  The Executive Chairman of Ikorodu Local Government, Hon. Prince Adedayo Ladega, has felicitated with elder statesman and foremost progressive leader, Chief Adebisi Bamdele Akande, on the occasion of his 87th birthday, describing him as a pillar of integrity and a colossus of Nigeria’s progressive political movement.   Hon. Ladega noted that Chief Akande’s life and political career exemplify principled leadership, courage, and an unwavering commitment to democratic governance. As the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), he has continued to serve as a moral compass for the party and a mentor whose influence spans generations of political leaders across the country.   These were contained in a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary To the Executive Chairman, Ikorodu Local Government, Mr Akeem Mustapha.   The Chairman observed that Chief Akande’s enduring contributions to nation-building and the advancement of progressive ideals remain a sourc...

Ogun State Deputy Governor, Engr Noimot Salako-Oyedele, Laying a wreath at the Memorial Cenotaph of Fallen Heroes during the Special parade and laying of wreath Ceremony to mark the year 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance day celebration held at the Arcade Ground, Governors office Oke-mosan Abeokuta. Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of families of deceased soldiers who paid the supreme price in the service of the nation. The governor made this known during the special parade and wreath-laying ceremony to commemorate the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, held at the Arcade Ground, Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta. Abiodun also pledged the continued support of his administration for veterans of the Nigerian Army in recognition of their selfless service to the country. Represented by his deputy, Mrs Noimot Salako-Oyedele, the governor said fallen heroes and war veterans deserved to be honoured, noting that ...

In line with its commitment to environmental preservation and sustainable development, leading financial institution, Fidelity Bank Plc, has partnered with Greenfingers Wildlife Initiative, to plant trees at Elegushi Beach, Lekki, Lagos. The intervention was implemented as part of the bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, Fidelity Helping Hands Programme (FHHP). It was funded and administered by the newly inducted employees, referred to as the Vault Class, who selected this initiative for their community impact project. The bank provided matching financial support to ensure the project's successful execution. Speaking during the event, Divisional Head, Brand and Communications, Fidelity Bank Plc, Dr Meksley Nwagboh, highlighted the bank’s resolve to consistently champion initiatives that preserve the environment and reduce the impact of climate change. “Environmental preservation is a key CSR pillar for us at Fidelity Bank. We believe that protecting the earth is...

The Ogun State Government under Governor Dapo Abiodun has rolled out several initiatives to boost food production and support farmers across the state, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr Bolu Owotomo, has said. Owotomo, in a chat with newsmen on Thursday,said the administration was implementing programmes such as the Ogun State Economic Transformation Project, OGCARES, the Value Chain Development Programme and the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones to enhance agricultural productivity and reduce post-harvest losses. According to him, the state government has procured 40 tractors, 10 bulldozers and harvesters to promote farm mechanisation, while solar-powered and petrol-powered pumping machines have been distributed to farmers to support dry-season farming. The commissioner said the Abiodun administration had also invested in infrastructure development within farm settlements and estates, including the construction of poultry pens, fish processing centres and storage warehouses....

L-R: Jacqueline Ekpang, Zonal Head, Retail Sterling Bank Abuja; Tunde Akande, Business Executive, Institutional Banking, Sterling Bank Abuja; Omenta Rachael Chineye, Head of Community Sanitation and Education, Environmental Health and Safety Department, Environmental Protection Board Abuja; and Tochukwu Olife, Business Executive, Commercial Banking, Sterling Bank Abuja, at the nationwide Sterling Environmental Makeover(STEM) held in Abuja recently. In a renewed commitment to strengthen environmental protection across Nigeria, Sterling One Foundation, in collaboration with Sterling Bank, Sunbeth, government agencies, community volunteers, and partner organizations, spearheaded a nationwide Environmental Cleanup and Beach Adoption exercise on Saturday, November 29, 2025. The initiative, which is in line with the United Nations Decade of Action, spanned 17 states, including Wuse Market in Abuja, Alpha Beach in Lagos, and communities across 15 other states, reinforcing the need for consist...

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State has commenced the electronic registration and re-registration of members as part of a strategic mobilisation drive to expand the party’s base, strengthen internal cohesion, and prepare the party for future political engagements. Flagging off the exercise on Tuesday, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, described the initiative as a major opportunity for party members and supporters across the state to deepen their commitment to the APC, which he reaffirmed as the largest and most successful political party in Africa. Represented by his Deputy, Engr. (Mrs.) Noimot Salako-Oyedele, the Governor said the e-registration exercise would open the door for new members to proudly join the “winning party,” while also providing a credible, transparent, and technology-driven membership database. According to him, the electronic process will eliminate manipulation and fraudulent practices, enhance accuracy, and ensure efficient data management i...

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has expressed deep condolences to the family of former Governor of Ogun State, Chief Victor Olabisi Onabanjo, over the passing of their matriarch, Chief (Mrs.) Lucia Onabowale Onabanjo, who died at the age of 101. In a statement issued in Abeokuta on Tuesday, Governor Abiodun described the demise of Mama Onabanjo as the end of a glorious era, noting that she lived a highly exemplary, fulfilled, and distinguished life devoted to God, family, and humanity. The Governor said that although the loss of a mother is always painful, regardless of age, Mama Lucia’s transition at 101 is also worthy of celebration, given her impactful life and enduring legacy. According to him, Mama Onabanjo stood firmly by her husband, the late Chief Olabisi Onabanjo, through his historic struggles for democracy, human rights, and social justice in Nigeria. He said: "After a glorious epoch in which she joined her husband, our Papa, Chief Olabisi Onabanjo, in the fig...

Tier-one lender, Fidelity Bank Plc, has reaffirmed its commitment to community development and educational empowerment with the donation of essential learning materials to schoolchildren in Makoko Community, Yaba, Lagos under its Fidelity Helping Hands Program (FHHP). The outreach, which was facilitated by the bank’s Legal Services Division, saw the presentation of school bags, notebooks, mathematical sets, writing materials, and other learning materials to pupils of Makoko Anglican Nursery and Primary School; Aiyetoro Nursery and Primary School, and Adekunle Anglican Nursery and Primary School in Lagos. Speaking during the presentation, Divisional Head of Legal Services, Fidelity Bank Plc, Kingsley Ohiri, explained that the gesture forms part of Fidelity Bank’s broader CSR initiatives centered on empowering young people, supporting education, and enhancing social welfare in vulnerable communities. “The Fidelity Helping Hands Program is our staff volunteer program that enables employee...