News

Akeredolu: Timeline Of illness, Death Hoax, Politics

Published

2 years ago

December 28, 2023

The death of Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, on December 27, 2023, has shocked and saddened many Nigerians, especially the people of his state.

Akeredolu, who was 67 years old, had been battling health challenges for months, amid rumours of his demise and political intrigues. Here is a timeline of the events that marked his final days:

– June 7, 2023: Akeredolu embarked on a 21-day medical leave, citing the need to undergo routine check-ups and rest. He wrote to the state House of Assembly, informing them of his absence and delegating some of his powers to his deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

– June 30, 2023: Akeredolu announced that he had tested positive for COVID-19, the respiratory disease caused by the novel coronavirus. He said he was asymptomatic and had gone into self-isolation. He urged the people of the state to adhere to the preventive measures against the virus.

– July 6, 2023: Akeredolu was expected to resume his duties after his medical leave, but he did not return to the state. His spokesman, Segun Ajiboye, said the governor was still in Abuja, receiving treatment for COVID-19. He dismissed the rumours that Akeredolu had died or was incapacitated.

– July 13, 2023: Akeredolu’s wife, Betty, accused a woman named Olubunmi Ademosu of poisoning her husband and plotting to take over his position. She made the allegation in a voice note that went viral on social media. She claimed that Ademosu, who was a former commissioner and a close associate of Akeredolu, had been having an affair with him and had given him a substance that made him sick. She also alleged that Ademosu had the backing of some powerful politicians in the state and at the federal level, who wanted to remove Akeredolu from office. Ademosu denied the allegations and threatened to sue Betty for defamation.

– July 20, 2023: Akeredolu returned to the state, after spending 43 days away. He said he had recovered from COVID-19 and thanked the people for their prayers and support. He also dismissed the rumours of his death, saying he was alive and well. He said he had handed over the affairs of the state to his deputy, Aiyedatiwa, who had been loyal and competent.

– August 10, 2023: Akeredolu travelled to Germany for further medical treatment, without informing the state House of Assembly. He said he had the permission of President Bola Tinubu to travel and that he had delegated his powers to his deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, again. He said he would be back in a few weeks.

– September 12, 2023: Akeredolu, relieved the media aides attached to Aiyedatiwa of their appointments amid an alleged rift between the two leaders. The governor also disbanded the press crew assigned to the deputy governor’s office.

The affected aides included Press Secretary to the Governor, Kenneth Odusola; Special Assistant to Governor (New Media) Okunniga Oladipupo; and Special Assistant to the Governor (Photography) Abayomi Samson Adefolalu.

Sources within the government revealed that the aides were sacked as a result of insubordination and flagrant disregard to the appropriate authority.

– September 15, 2023: Akeredolu’s absence sparked a political crisis in the state, as his deputy, Aiyedatiwa was declared as the acting governor, even as he dissolved the state executive council. He said he had not heard from Akeredolu for over a month and that he had the constitutional right to assume full authority as the governor. He accused some of Akeredolu’s loyalists of sabotaging his administration and plotting to impeach him.

– October 8, 2023: The state House of Assembly moved to impeach Aiyedatiwa as the deputy governor, on the grounds of gross misconduct, abuse of office and disloyalty to Akeredolu. The lawmakers said they had received a letter from Akeredolu, dated September 30, 2023, in which he denied handing over power to Aiyedatiwa and accused him of usurping his authority. They said they had verified the authenticity of the letter and the signature of Akeredolu. They also said they had received a video message from Akeredolu, in which he said he was recovering well in Germany and would soon return to the state. They said Aiyedatiwa had acted in violation of the constitution and the oath of office he took.

– November 2, 2023: Akeredolu returned to Nigeria but remained in his Ibadan residence, after spending 84 days in Germany. He said he had undergone a successful surgery and was in good health. He thanked the people for their support and solidarity.

– November 25, 2023: President Bola Tinubu intervened in the rift between Akeredolu and Aiyedatiwa, in a bid to save the state from chaos. Tinubu met with Aiyedatiwa and other stakeholders from Ondo State at the State House in Abuja and urged them to embrace peace and maintain the status quo.

– December 27, 2023: Akeredolu died in Germany according to the state government. His death was confirmed by the state government in a press statement, who said he had suffered from prostate cancer. They said the governor had died peacefully and had left behind a legacy of service and development.

News

Former Delta North senator Peter Nwaoboshi Dies

Published

9 hours ago

December 19, 2025

Editor

Peter Nwaoboshi, the former senator representing Delta north, is dead.

Details of the circumstances surrounding his death were unclear at the time of this report, but according to reports, the former senator died in Abuja on Friday, aged 68.

In a statement, Sheriff Oborevwori, governor of Delta, expressed “profound grief” over the demise of the former lawmaker.

The governor described his demise as a monumental loss to the state, the Anioma nation, and Nigeria.

In a condolence message signed by Festus Ahon, his chief press secretary (CPS), Oborevwori hailed the late Nwaoboshi as a dedicated son of Delta and a bold champion of Anioma interests, whose legacy in nation-building will endure.

The governor said the late senator’s distinguished tenure in the national assembly, particularly as chairman of the senate committee on Niger Delta affairs.

“Nwaoboshi lived a life of service to his people, his party, and the country, bequeathing a heritage of bravery, loyalty, and commitment to public duty,” Oborevwori said.

“On behalf of the Delta State government and people, I mourn my dear friend, Senator Peter Onyelukachukwu Nwaoboshi.

“I extend deepest condolences to his family, the Anioma people, members of the All Progressives Congress, and everyone touched by his life.

“May God grant his soul peaceful rest and comfort to all who grieve this irreplaceable loss.”

News

Grassroots To Global Podium: Edo Sports Commission Marks Enabulele’s First Year In Office

Published

23 hours ago

December 19, 2025

Editor

The Indoor Sports Hall in Benin City came alive on Wednesday as the Edo State Sports Commission rolled out the drums to celebrate the first anniversary in office of its Executive Chairman, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele. Management, staff, coaches and athletes gathered in an atmosphere charged with pride, reflection and optimism.

The colourful ceremony drew executives and members of various sports associations, officials of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), coaches, athletes and other key stakeholders in Edo sports.

In her welcome address, the Acting Permanent Secretary of the Commission, Mrs. A. P. Amenze, praised Hon. Enabulele for what she described as focused and purposeful leadership. She said the past year had seen renewed confidence, discipline and energy return to the state’s sports ecosystem.

Adding excitement to the event were exhibition bouts and demonstrations by the Kung Fu, Karate, Taekwondo and Judo associations, staged in honour of the Executive Chairman.

Speaking for SWAN Edo State, Chairman Comrade Kehinde Osagiede commended Hon. Enabulele’s open-door leadership style and consistent support for sports development. He noted that the Commission had effectively driven Governor Monday Okpebholo’s “Catch Them Young” policy through practical grassroots programmes that identify and groom young talents across the state.

In recognition of his contributions to sports development and media relations, Comrade Osagiede conferred the Patronship of SWAN Edo State on Hon. Enabulele and presented him with a special anniversary card.

Goodwill messages followed from Executive Directors of the Commission, including Hon. Frank Ilaboya (Edo North), Coach Baldwin Bazuaye, MON (Edo South), Barr. Anthony Ikuenobe (Edo Central), and Mrs. Sabrina Chikere, Executive Director, Sports Development and Operations. Representatives of coaches, athletes and sports associations also took turns to acknowledge the progress recorded under the current leadership.

In his stewardship address, Hon. Enabulele expressed gratitude to Governor Monday Okpebholo and Deputy Governor Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa for the trust placed in him, noting that their backing and shared vision had driven the Commission’s achievements.

He highlighted Team Edo’s third-place finish at the 9th National Youth Games in Asaba, where the state recorded its best-ever outing with 79 medals—33 gold, 18 silver and 28 bronze—reinforcing Edo’s reputation as a national sports powerhouse.

The Chairman also pointed to the impact of inclusive and grassroots sports programmes, citing Favour Ojeabu, a visually impaired para-cyclist who won three gold medals to emerge Africa’s champion at the African Track Para-Cycling Championship in Egypt.

Other milestones listed included outstanding performances by Edo para powerlifters on the international stage, historic achievements in cricket, weightlifting, cycling, judo and deaf athletics, as well as structural reforms such as the repositioning of Bendel Insurance FC and deeper investment in grassroots sports development.

Cultural performances added colour and tradition to the celebration, as stakeholders closed the event united in their assessment of the past year as a truly transformative period for sports development in Edo State.

News

Otuaro Tasks Media On Objective Reportage

Published

1 day ago

December 18, 2025

Editor

The Administrator, Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) Dr. Dennis Otuaro has charged media practitioners particularly members of the Ijaw Publishers’ Forum to promote ethical journalism through their reportage.

He gave the charge in Warri on Wednesday during the 2nd Annual Ijaw Media Conference organised by the Ijaw Publishers’ Forum (IPF).

Represented by Princewill Binebai, spokesman, Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide, Otuaro while stating that the Niger Delta stories have been told in such a way that is quite different from what is obtainable in the real sense, said this, IPF must do everything possible to correct.

The administrator added: “I am happy that Ijaw journalists have boldly come out together to champion the Ijaw struggle in a very dynamic perspective”.

“The Ijaw story was misrepresented over the years, but IPF’s emergence had corrected this error and the story is gradually changing for better.”

Otuaro, however, challenged Ijaw media practitioners to be objective, truthful, accurate and fearless in their reportage to correct many years anomalies of the Ijaw struggle.

He admonished members of IPF to see themselves as brothers and love one another in the discharge of their activities to achieve a common goal.