Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, is set to perform an age-long Emorọ otherwise known as the ‘New Yam Festival.’

A statement signed by Frank Irabor, Secretary, Benin Traditional Council, said the ceremony which takes place on Tuesday September 30th 2025, is expected to be indoors in the Palace of the Oba of Benin.

Irabor added that the ceremony followed a successful completion of two-weeks fasting and prayer declared by Oba Ewuare II for peace, progress and to usher-in Emorọ.

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Irabor said Oba Ewuare II used the fasting period to pray for the good people of Edo State and Nigeria and other people of goodwill.

The statement reads, “Accordingly, Omo N’ Oba appreciates all Edo indigenes and non indigenes and Edo sons and daughters in the diaspora that participated in the spiritual exercise and urge them to commence the consumption of Emorọ (new yam), while praying God Almighty and his Royal ancestors to answer their prayers.”

It added: “The indoor ceremony of ushering new yam (Emorho) into the Palace, would be performed on Tuesday, 30th September, 2025″.

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“Thereafter, all sons and daughters of Benin Kingdom and, by extension indigenes and non-indigenes living in Edo State who participated in the two weeks fasting and prayer are to commence the eating of the new yam.

“The Omo N’Oba prays to God Almighty to grant us peace and happiness in our individual homes”.

No fewer than 5,000 students of the University of Benin are likely to miss the second semester examination over failure to pay their school fees.

A memo released by the Registrar of the institution, Ademola Bobola, said they are the students who failed to pay their school charges despite repeated reminders, and that they failed to subscribe to students’ loan being provided by the Nigerian Education Students’ Loan Fund (NELFUND).

According to Bobola, to make sure that the defaulting students are bar from writing the second semester examination which has already commenced today, September 29, 2025, the school management has put in place an enforcement team.

The memo reads partly, “With the Second Semester examination set to begin on Monday 29th September, 2025, these students shall be barred from writing the examination if they fail to pay their school charges or subscribe to the students loan by NELFUND.

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“About 5,000 students have been identified in this category of defaulters.

“In compliance with the directive of Senate of the University of Benin, these students SHALL NOT BE ALLOWED to write the forthcoming examination.

“Provost of the College of Medical Sciences, Deans, Directors and Heads of Departments are SPECIALLY required to enforce the directive of Senate without compromise.

“In this regard, the Provost, Deans, Directors and Heads of Departments are to publish the list of ALL DEFAULTING STUDENTS in their respective Colleges, Schools, Faculties, Institutes and Departments not later than 8am on Monday, 29th September, 2025.

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“This is to enable the affected students to know their status as defaulters and afford them the opportunity to remedy their situation before the examination begins.

“Management has, accordingly, appointed an Enforcement Task Force headed by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), to monitor and enforce full compliance with the directive of Senate.

“Management expects full cooperation and compliance by all stakeholders to maintain the University’s high standards.”

A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered Pat Utomi, a professor of political economy, and his associates to halt their plan to establish a shadow government.

In a judgment delivered on Monday in a case filed by the Department of State Services (DSS), the judge, Justice James Omotosho, declared that the idea of a shadow government or cabinet is unconstitutional and incompatible with the nation’s presidential system of government.

The judge held that the idea was inconsistent with the country’s presidential system and could mislead citizens.

READ ALSO:DSS Sues Pat Utomi Over Shadow Government

He ruled that Nigeria’s constitution does not recognise any parallel or alternative government outside the one it provides for.

“Section 14(2)(c) makes no allowance for a shadow government. The defendant cannot use foreign constitutional models to confuse the people. Such a shadow government is hereby declared void,” the judge ruled.