Metro

Makinde Presents Staff Of Office To New Oyo Monarch

Published

2 years ago

July 9, 2024

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Monday, presented staff of office and instrument of office to the newly crowned Elempe of Tapa, Oba Titiloye Oyekanmi.

The event took place at the Elempale Community High School in the town.

Makinde, who was represented by his Deputy, Bayo Lawal, emphasized the importance of Elempe’s role in promoting unity, peace, and development in the community.

He commended the selection process that led to Oba Oyekanmi’s ascension to the throne as a testament to the community’s commitment to tradition, transparency, and the rule of law.

The governor advised the new monarch to collaborate with the government in addressing pressing issues, including security and economic development.

Makinde said, “I charge you, Oba Oyekanmi, to embrace the responsibilities that come with this exalted position.

“I implore you to work closely with the government to address the pressing needs of this community, including education, healthcare, security, and economic development.”

He also stressed the need for the monarch to tackle kidnapping, banditry, and land grabbing that has plagued the community, calling for the Elempe’s cooperation and support in eradicating these menaces.

“As you begin your reign, I remind you that leadership is a sacred trust that requires wisdom, compassion, and integrity. Your reign should be characterised by grace, humility, and a deep commitment to the well-being of all,” he advised.

The governor, therefore, praised the community for its support throughout the selection process and underscored the importance of maintaining the traditional values and principles of the Elempe lineage.

“The selection process that led to Oba Oyekanmi’s ascension to the throne was a testament to our commitment to tradition, transparency, and the rule of law. This is a great day for Tapa and for all those who believe in the enduring power of our customs and traditions,” he added.

In his acceptance speech, Oba Oyekanmi thanked God and Makinde for the gesture.

“This event of today is unprecedented in our community. What we are witnessing here today is a testimony of your commitment to the sanctity and preservation of our traditions and ethos, on the one hand, and your unflinching regard for those vested with upholding of our customs and culture.

“Tapa Land under my watch will witness tremendous development, peace and unparalleled growth in the name of God, the very King who governs the affairs of men with truth and without bias. This instrument of office will further accentuate the place of our great land in the comity of communities,” he promised.

Earlier, the state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ademola Ojo, said the event served as a pivotal moment in the chronicles of Tapa, signifying the passage of authority and leadership to a new era under the reign of our revered Oba.

Metro

AAU Postpones Resumption Date

Published

5 hours ago

January 10, 2026

Editor

The management of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, has approved, on behalf of the university’s Senate, the postponement of students’ resumption and commencement of academic activities.

In a statement,
Otunba Mike Aladenika,
Head, Information, Public Relations & Protocol, AAU, said the decision became necessary to enable the university to complete ongoing renovation works on student structures and facilities, aimed at enhancing the overall teaching and learning experience.

“According to him, the management is committed to providing a conducive environment for academic excellence and believes that this temporary adjustment will ultimately benefit our students.

“While the university management intends to announce a new resumption date, any student(s) still in our hostels are advised to vacate with immediate effect to allow for effective ongoing renovation works

“In light of this development, the university regrets to announce that the 140th Inaugural Lecture, originally scheduled for Thursday, 15th January 2026, and ongoing examinations have been postponed.

“A new date for the lecture and the completion of the examinations will be communicated to all stakeholders in due course.

“The university appreciates the understanding and cooperation of students, parents, and guardians on this matter.

“We urge all students to adhere to the new resumption date and prepare for a productive academic session.

“Parents and guardians are kindly requested to ensure their children/wards are aware of and comply with the revised resumption schedule.”

Metro

Protest Rocks Ekpoma Over Incessant Kidnapping

Published

7 hours ago

January 10, 2026

Editor

Residents of Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State on Saturday protested against incessant kidnappings in the area.

Ekpoma, in recent times has been under attack by kidnappers who snatched residents from their homes.

The protest grounded commercial activities as students of the Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, also joined in the protest.

The protesters, in anger, also pulled down campaign billboards for the 2027 general elections mounted in the university hosting town.

Speaking on the protest, Principal Security Officer to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Austin Eigbiremolen, assured that adequate security would be deployed to Ekpoma.

According to him, the kidnappers would be chased away from the area in no distance time.

Also reacting to the protest, Edo State Police Command Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, dismissed was top of the security situation in Ekpoma, adding the state Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, was already in Ekpoma.

Ikoedem said nine persons who were kidnapped on Friday were rescued unhurt after the Eagle Combat Drone Unit was deployed to the forest alongside local hunters.

“In the heat of the rescue operation, the kidnappers’ camp was located through real-time aerial intelligence.

“The ground troops stormed the camp, forcing the kidnappers to flee and abandon two locally fabricated AK-49 rifles.

“The victims, including five children were rescued unhurt. This landmark deployment underscores the transformative role of technology in modern policing and sets a new benchmark for operational enhancement in Edo State,” she said.

Metro

Man, 49, Arrested For Allegedly Defiling 13-year-old Girl In Oyo

Published

9 hours ago

January 10, 2026

Editor

Oyo State Police Command has announced the arrest of a 49-year-old man, Peter Adubi, in connection with the alleged defilement of a 13-year-old girl.

The arrest was disclosed in a statement issued on Friday in Ibadan by the Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade.

According to the statement, the suspect was apprehended after the victim’s guardian reported the incident to the police on January 8, 2026, at about 8:50 p.m.

Ayanlade explained that the guardian became concerned after observing unusual sexual-related behavioural changes in the minor.

Upon gentle questioning, the girl disclosed that she had been sexually abused in 2022 while living with her mother in the Molade area of Ibadan.

He said, “Upon receipt of the report, preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect (Adubi) allegedly committed the offence during that period. This disclosure provided the basis for immediate medical intervention to establish the facts of the case.

“Consequently, the minor was taken to the hospital for a medical examination, which confirmed sexual abuse. This medical evidence strengthened the case against the suspect and guided the next steps in the investigation.

“As a result, the suspect (Adubi) was taken into custody. The crime scene was visited, and the case has since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Gender Desk, for a discreet and thorough investigation.”

The Police Command assured residents that justice would be diligently pursued and urged them to remain vigilant, reporting any incidents of sexual abuse promptly, as community cooperation is vital in safeguarding children and ensuring a safer society.