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Okomu Crisis: Lawrence Yanbor’s Claims, Peace Move, and Its Absurdity – Community

Published

2 years ago

August 28, 2024

Editor

The natives of Okomu community in Ovia South West Local Government Area of Edo State have reacted to Lawrence Yanbor’s readiness to drop his arms and embrace peace in the community and its environs.

The community described Yanbor’s peace move, particularly his narration in an online publication, as the “absurdity of the century.”

Lawrence Yanbor claimed that the denial of natives’ political and indigenous rights by the Edo State government, Okomu Oil Palm Company, Okomu National Park, and others pushed him and his gang to raise arms against these entities and agitate for their rights.

He stated that “perceived neglect and marginalization of our people, among several other reasons, have since 2010 led to our agitation that the relevant authorities – the government and others like Okomu Oil Palm Company, Ose Rubber, and Okomu National Park Service – should address our demands for a better situation for the generality of the people.”

However, reacting to his claims, Chief Edwin Denmene, the Ibe-uyadonwei of Okomu kingdom; Chief Rickson Nanaghan, the Otugbu of Okomu kingdom; and Chief (Dr) Atele Biriodoubrah, the Ibe-bolowoniwei of Okomu kingdom, on behalf of the entire kingdom, described Yanbor’s claims and peace move as an illusion that shouldn’t be taken seriously.

According to them, Yanbor’s claim of fighting for the rights of Okomu is absurd because he can’t be claiming to fight for them while simultaneously terrorizing and burning their properties. The trio, who said they are not against any peaceful resolution of the crisis, warned the Edo government and other authorities to be wary of Yanbor’s peace move.

The Okomu chiefs described Lawrence Yanbor’s peace move as pretentious and dangerous, saying that if he wants a peaceful resolution of the crisis, he should first rebuild the over 40 houses he razed in the community.

They added, “Lawrence Yanbor claimed that neglect and marginalization forced him to carry arms, but we have not seen him carry arms against the Edo government, Okomu Oil Palm Company PLC, or Okomu National Park, rather, he has been raising arms against the Okomu community he claims to be fighting for.

“Well, we are not against peace; we want total peace in that community, but what we are saying is that if Lawrence Yanbor says he wants peace, fine, but we want him to go and rebuild all the houses that he burnt down, and replace all the properties he destroyed. After doing this, he is free to come and drop his arms and embrace amnesty.

“Our point empathetically is that he cannot come from the backdoor after destroying properties and thereafter say he wants peace. Lawrence must face the wrath of the land. What he has been doing is a criminal offence.

“Edo State government should properly investigate this issue before giving amnesty to Lawrence Yanbor. If he is given amnesty without proper investigation, and doing the needful, other groups may come up again.”

On Lawrence Yanbor’s claim of being the Chief Priest of Okomu kingdom, the chiefs refuted: “This is an impersonation by Lawrence Yanbor. We don’t think he even knows the meaning. We have a recognised Chief Priest in our kingdom, not Lawrence Yanbor with his criminal activities.”

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Transfer: Premier League Clubs Scramble For Dele-Bashiru

Published

3 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

Lazio midfielder, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru is a subject of interest from three Premier League clubs, according to Sky Sports.

Lazio reportedly rejected offers from Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth for the Nigeria international in January.

La Biancolesti are bracing for more interest in Dele-Bashiru ahead of the summer transfer window, according to Sky Sports.

The 24-year-old has two years left on his contract with the Serie A club.

The attacking midfielder joined the Rome-based club from Turkish Super Lig outfit Hatayspor in 2024.

He has been a regular feature for Lazio this season.

News

Xenophobic Attacks: Nigerian Students To Picket MTN, MultiChoice, Other Businesses

Published

4 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS South-West Zone D, has announced plans to picket South African companies in Nigeria following the ongoing xenophobic attacks in the country.

DAILY POST reports that some Nigerians were recently killed in South Africa over the violent attacks.

A statement issued to newsmen by Comrade Adeyemo Josiah Kayode, Coordinator, NANS South-West, Zone D, said that the association is mobilizing to take decisive and lawful action by organizing peaceful picketing and mass advocacy against South African business interests operating in Nigeria.

“We categorically state that the continued targeting of Nigerians under any guise is unacceptable and must come to an immediate end.

“This will include major corporations such as MTN Group and MultiChoice Group. It is morally indefensible for businesses to thrive in an environment where the lives of Nigerians are protected, while Nigerians are subjected to fear and violence elsewhere.

“This contradiction will no longer be tolerated,” the statement said.

News

N5m, N10m Zero-interest Loans: SheVentures Opens Applications For Women Entrepreneurs

Published

6 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has opened a new round of applications for its SheVentures proposition, offering zero-interest loans of up to ₦10 million to women entrepreneurs to ease access to working capital and support business growth.

The facility provides loans ranging from ₦500,000 to ₦5 million under a general category, and ₦5 million to ₦10 million for sector-specific businesses, with funding capped at up to 50% of an applicant’s average monthly turnover.

At the centre of the offering is a 0% interest rate, with all charges embedded in a transparent structure.

Repayment is structured over four or six months, allowing businesses to match obligations with their cash flow cycles.

Yemisi Edun, Managing Director and Chief Executive of First City Monument Bank (FCMB), said the initiative reflects a deliberate approach to inclusive growth.

“Inclusive growth requires access to capital and the right conditions for businesses to deploy that capital effectively.

“Women-led enterprises are critical to economic activity, yet they face structural barriers.

This intervention aims to help close that gap by providing financing that supports job creation, business expansion, and long-term sustainability for women entrepreneurs.”

“Access to affordable finance remains a major constraint for women entrepreneurs,” said Nnenna Jacob-Ogogo, Group Head, SheVentures and Impact Segments at First City Monument Bank (FCMB).

“By removing the cost barrier and offering quick, flexible funding, this zero-interest loan is designed to safeguard existing jobs, enable businesses to invest in growth initiatives, and foster resilience in challenging economic conditions.”

Women-owned businesses account for a significant share of Nigeria’s small and medium-sized enterprises but continue to face high borrowing costs and limited access to credit.

Through these efforts, SheVentures tackles persistent financing gaps facing women-led businesses, combining targeted funding with broader support to empower women entrepreneurs, encourage business innovation, and enhance their ability to compete on a national scale.

Applications for the zero-interest loan are now open.Apply now.