News

Ibadan Explosion: How Oyo Oba Escaped Death

Published

2 years ago

January 20, 2024

What appeared like a little misunderstanding between an Ibadan Oba and his wife later turned out to be a victory song for them following an explosion that rocked Ibadan, the Oyo state capital last Tuesday .

It claimed some lives and several property. Governor Seyi Makinde, who visited the scene of the explosion confirmed that illegal miners who stored explosive devices in their houses were responsible for the explosion. A relation of the Oba, Mr Akerele Alabi Ogun who narrated the king’s story to Saturday Vanguard said, “before the unpleasant explosion on Tuesday, the wife of one of the Obas crowned by the Olubadan, had prepared rice for dinner, expecting her husband to arrive home. But, when the Oba arrived home, he disappointed his wife who had prepared a delicious meal of rice and tasty stew for him by saying he didn’t want rice but would prefer beans instead.

“Both the Oba and the wife dragged the issue for a long time. The wife who is aged reportedly appealed to him saying, ‘please manage this rice for tonight, it will be a little bit late for me to be preparing beans now’. This still didn’t go down well with the Oba who insisted on having his request obeyed. The wife, not wanting to annoy her husband then agreed to cook beans and they were both sitting in the living room”.

“When the beans was half done, the Oba had started dozing off but the wife managed to keep him awake by engaging him in discussion and requested for more time for the beans to be done. But when the Oba could no longer keep himself awake, he told his wife he was going to bed and would not eat again. The wife bluntly refused, complaining why he would make her suffer for nothing despite the fact that she advised against cooking beans.

“She then said she would never allow the Oba to go to bed without eating the beans she had taken pains to prepare. As they were dragging this, there was a deafening blast which sent them to different directions. Both however managed to escape.

“When the dust settled, it was later discovered that a very large broken concrete had fallen on the same bed the Oba was to have slept on if his wife had not fought to stop him from going to bed. It then dawned on them that the insistence of the wife to ensure that her husband did not go to bed had saved his life”.

Mr Ogun, however, did not disclose the name of the Oba who is one of the Obas within the 11 local government areas of Ibadan. He said, “I was not granted permission to share the story but I think no harm has been done since I didn’t mention the Oba’s name or his local government”.

The Oba is said to be preparing for a special thanksgiving to appreciate God for sparing his life.

PDP Governors condole govt, people of Oyo

Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party Governors’ Forum (PDP-GF), under the Chairmanship of Senator Bala Mohammed, the Governor of Bauchi State, has extended its heartfelt sympathy to the government and people of Oyo State over the explosion in Ibadan, the state capital which led to loss of lives and destruction of property. This was contained in a statement signed by the Director General of the PDPGF, Hon. C.I.D. Maduabum, in Abuja, on Friday.

The governors described loss of lives and property as a result of the incident as regrettable.

They said, “The Forum is saddened by this painful loss, impacting not only the Government and the people of Oyo State but also the entire country. “Our heartfelt condolences go to the families of victims who lost their beloved ones, and we pray that all who sustained various levels of injuries would have a speedy recovery.

“We commend Gov. Makinde’s swift response to the incident and are confident that he will deliver on his promise to bring justice to victims by ensuring that all parties indicted in the investigation into the matter are brought to book.

“To this end, we urge the security agencies and regulatory authorities in charge of mining and explosives to step up action to ensure that this type of incident does not reoccur.

“Governor Makinde’s actions so far, especially in ensuring that those in need of medical attention receive it at no cost, demonstrate the Governor’s love and resolute interest in the welfare and well-being of the entire people of Oyo State. “The Forum assures the Government and people of Oyo State of its unwavering support.”
VANGUARD

News

Christmas: Otuaro Preaches Peace, Unity In N’Delta, Hails Tinubu’s Support For PAP

Published

7 hours ago

December 25, 2025

Editor

The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr Dennis Otuaro, has extended warm Christmas greetings to the people of the Niger Delta, calling for renewed commitment to peace, unity and communal harmony as the region prepares to enter the New Year.

Otuaro, in a message issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Mr Igoniko Oduma, thanked stakeholders, traditional rulers, ex-agitators, youths and communities across the Niger Delta for their sustained support for the PAP and for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He described peace and unity as the bedrock upon which sustainable development in the Niger Delta must continue to be built, urging the people to remain steadfast in protecting the hard-earned stability currently enjoyed in the region.

“Peace and unity remain the strongest foundations for sustainable development. As a people, we must continue to reject violence and embrace dialogue, cooperation and mutual respect as we work collectively for the progress of our region.

“I also express my profound appreciation to all stakeholders and the people of our region for your sustained support for the administration of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR,” he said.

Otuaro noted that the PAP recorded significant milestones in 2025, including improved welfare for beneficiaries, enhanced educational and vocational opportunities, and strengthened reintegration outcomes, all aimed at empowering Niger Delta youths to contribute meaningfully to society.

He attributed these achievements to the visionary leadership of President Tinubu and the institutional support of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), which provides strategic guidance for the effective implementation of the programme.

Reflecting on the meaning of Christmas, the PAP boss described it as a season that embodies love, sacrifice, compassion and reconciliation, values that resonate deeply with the communal culture and shared heritage of the Niger Delta people.

“Christmas reminds us of the power of love, sacrifice and togetherness. These values align naturally with the communal spirit of the Niger Delta, where collective responsibility, mutual support and shared progress have always defined our identity,” he added.

He urged beneficiaries of the Programme and residents of the region to celebrate the season with moderation and a renewed sense of responsibility to their communities.

Otuaro wished the people of the Niger Delta a Merry Christmas and expressed optimism that the New Year would usher in greater opportunities, peace and prosperity for the region and the nation at large.

“As we step into the New Year, I am confident that with continued unity, peace and collaboration, the Niger Delta will record even greater progress. I wish our people a Merry Christmas and a Happy, Prosperous New Year,” the PAP Administrator stated.

News

Okpebholo Slams ₦25bn Libel Suit On Edo PDP Chairman

Published

7 hours ago

December 25, 2025

Editor

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has given Dr. Anthony Aziegbemi, a seven-day ultimatum to pay ₦25 billion in damages over alleged defamatory statements.

In a letter by the governor’s counsel, Ray Okezie, and addressed to Aziegbemi, the PDP State Chairmen was also requested to publish a public apology in three national dailies over the alleged defamatory statements.

Aziegbemi was said to have allegedly accused the governor of using thugs and non-state actors to carry out official duties.

“In the letter dated December 22, 2025, and titled ‘Demand for Damages and Apologies for Defamation of the Character of the Executive Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo,’ the PDP Chairman was said to have in a press statement of December 7, 2025 portrayed Okpebholo as an unintelligent, dishonest, and, lawless person.

“Accordingly, we have the instructions of our client to demand from you the sum of N25, 000,000,000.00 (Twenty Five Billion Naira only) being compensation for the damage you have inflicted on his reputation through your said press release.

“The above stated sum must get to our client within seven (7) clear days from the date of this letter. In addition, you are required within seven (7) days to publish a retraction of the said press release in three (3) National Newspapers which must include the Guardian and the Vanguard newspapers,” the letter partly reads.

The governor’s counsel threatened to proceed on legal action in any Nigerian court should the PDP State Chairman fail to comply with the demands

News

YULETIDE: UBTH CMD Charges Nigerians To Be Hopeful In Coming Year

Published

10 hours ago

December 25, 2025

Editor

The Chief Medical Director of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Prof. Idia Ize-Iyamu has urged Nigerians to remain optimistic about the upcoming year, despite current challenges.

Prof. Ize-Iyamu expressed optimism that the coming year would bring improvements for everyone.

The CMD made these remarks during the Nine Lessons and Carol night /End of Year Party organized by UBTH for staff and students held in Benin.

Prof. Ize-Iyamu encouraged everyone to place their trust solely in Christ to overcome the numerous challenges facing the country.

She expressed her gratitude to the hospital community for their support during her first four months in office.

Prof. Ize-Iyamu assured them that the coming years hold many opportunities and that hope in Christ would transform lives daily, just as Christ’s birth brings joy and is the reason for the season.

She also extended her appreciation to everyone in the spirit of the season.

“I want to appreciate everyone in the spirit of the season. Our commitment to excellence and professionalism remains at UBTH.

“UBTH CARES and just like Christ cares. As we celebrate Christ and the season. Let’s hope on him. When you have Christ, you have hope.We are hopeful that the coming year will be better as a people and institution,” Ize-Iyamu said.

The ceremony’s highlight featured a visit to the hospital wards where the CMD distributed gifts to patients and newborns, with management, staff, and students in attendance.