Vote counting has officially commenced at Polling Unit 024 in Ward B, Makoko area of Yaba, Lagos, marking the winding down of the 2025 local government election across the state.

However, the conclusion of the poll has been overshadowed by a pervasive low voter turnout, raising questions about the exercise’s overall impact.

“The lack of voter enthusiasm could impact the credibility and inclusiveness of the exercise,” an election observer noted, reflecting a sentiment shared by many watching the democratic process unfold.

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This concern comes as officials at Polling Unit 002, located in the same Ward B, continued to await the arrival of voters even as counting began elsewhere.

Despite a generally peaceful atmosphere reported across various polling units, voter turnout remained significantly low in many parts of Yaba.

At Ward F, 012, situated along Iwaya Road, voting was still ongoing as of press time, with officials describing the turnout as notably lower than anticipated.

READ ALSO: LASIEC Releases Validated Candidates’ List Gor Lagos LG Polls

Similar reports echoed from other sections of Iwaya, where Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission officials observed a sluggish pace of voting activity throughout the day.

In contrast, Ward G at St. Timothy College presented a more active scene, with multiple polling units—including 001, 002, 003, 004, and 005—conducting voting in an orderly manner.

This provided a glimpse of the organised process, even amidst the broader challenges of voter engagement.

Election observers, while commending the largely calm and disruption-free process, reiterated their concerns that the palpable lack of voter enthusiasm could indeed impact the credibility and inclusiveness of the local government elections.

LASIEC officials have continued their efforts to encourage eligible voters to come out and cast their ballots before the scheduled close of voting at 3pm.
(PUNCH)

The traditional ruler of Olomu Kingdom in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, His Royal Majesty, Ovie Macaulay Popo Ovbagbedia, Uhurhie-Osadjere II, also known as the Ohworode of Olomu, has passed away.

The official announcement was made at the royal palace in Ovwor-Olomu by the kingdom’s spokesperson, Olorogun Albert Akpomudje (SAN), who was joined by members of the Olomu Traditional Council and the late king’s family.

As part of the tradition, the announcement was accompanied by cultural rites, including a performance from Ema dancers and the firing of 21 cannon shots to symbolise the king’s journey to the afterlife.

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Following customs, all markets within the kingdom are to remain shut, and no burial or marriage ceremonies will take place during the mourning period. Shops may only open partially.

A one-month mourning period has been declared, from July 12 to August 12, 2025.

During this time, all chiefs of the Olomu Kingdom are required to wear black armbands on their left arms and are not allowed to wear the traditional red Olomu chieftaincy cap, as a sign of respect for the late king.

In remembrance, a five-minute silence was held to honour the monarch, who began his reign on May 20, 2023.

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has ordered the probe and immediate redeployment of security personnel, including the Camp Commandant at government for allegedly preventing jubilant supporters from accessing the government house during the Supreme Court victory celebrations.

Recall that on Friday, July 11, 2025, INFO DAILY reported that jubilant supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) trekked from the airport while the governor was on motorcade, but unfortunately they (supporters ) were prevented from entering the Edo State Government House after governor went in.

INFO DAILY also reports that efforts to convince the security personnel to grant the jubilant supporters access to the government house were abortive as they (security personnel) insisted that it was order from above.

READ ALSO: Supreme Court: Jubilant Supporters Stunned, Locked Out Of Edo Govt House [PHOTOS]

This made many of the supporters felt disappointed as the grumbled to their different designations with insults on the authorities.

But in a shift reaction to the incident, Okpebholo said such an order did not originate from him, describing the action as unacceptable and inconsistent with his leadership style.

the governor who said the action does not reflect his values, noted, “I will never knowingly authorize any action that disrespects our supporters or members of the press”.

He said as a governor elected by the people, he remains committed to openness, inclusion, and respect for every stakeholder.

READ ALSO: Okpebholo Approves N1bn Annual Bursary For Edo Students

Okpebholo, however, constituted an investigative committee to identify all those involved in the unfortunate incident.

He noted that the exclusion of invited guests and supporters was not only unauthorized but also in complete contradiction to the spirit of the celebration.

He emphasized that he remains a people-focused and accessible leader who holds the media and supporters in the highest regard, assuring that anyone found culpable would face appropriate disciplinary action,

He warned that his administration would not tolerate acts that seek to ridicule or alienate the very people who stood by him.