News

Osun APC, Ataoja Of Osogbo Trade Words Over Alleged Illegal Directive

Published

3 years ago

February 12, 2023

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State has accused the Ataoja of Osogbo land, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji of issuing directives to non-indigenes to vote for all the candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the forthcoming general elections.

The allegation was contained in a statement signed by Tajudeen Lawal, the Osun APC acting Chairman and obtained by DAILY POST on Saturday.

In the statement, the Osun APC noted that the posture of the Ataoja towards the APC was undemocratic and absolutely an act of illegality.

The party frowning at the alleged directive said a palace source had disclosed that the royal father had summoned the leaders of the Hausa, Igbo, Fulani and Ebira communities where he warned them against voting for any other political party.

According to the party, at the meeting, the Ataoja also directed attendees to switch off their telephones to ensure the video and audio versions of the meeting are not captured.

The party also stated that the absence of the Igbo community leader in the meeting drew the irk of the monarch who angrily maintained that it has become his habit to exclude himself from such meetings.

The statement said, “It is on record that the monarch has never hidden his dislike for the APC as he celebrated the loss of the party as announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC on July 17, 2022.

“It is this despisement that the Ataoja has for the APC and Mr Gboyega Oyetola that has not made the Oba Oyetunji congratulate Oyetola since the governorship tribunal sacked his preferred candidate, the embattled Governor Ademola Adeleke, and withdrew his certificate of return to be given to Oyetola, the winner of the governorship election.”

While maintaining that the alleged directive from the traditional ruler breached the fundamental human right of association of those in attendance, Lawal urged the affected non-indigenes to resist all illegal directives that might be coming from any quarters to infringe on any of their fundamental human rights.

“Such directive from the Ataoja wasn’t within the purview of his constitutional roles and it’s capable of precipitating avoidable violence among the inhabitants of Osogbo.”

The Osun acting APC chairman advised Oba Oyetunji to be a father to all politicians irrespective of their political leanings.

Reacting on behalf of the palace, Wasiu Bello, the Secretary to Oba Oyetunji described the APC allegations as mere exaggeration and politicking.

Bello also maintained that the Ataoja never warned anybody from the communities.

In his words, “I convened that meeting as directed by His Royal Majesty, Ataoja of Osogbo.

“Even though I was not privy to the topic of the invitation, the usual topic is pertaining to Osogbo and its security. The Igbo, Hausa, Ebira and Fulani community representatives were in attendance.

“On Wednesday, the day of the meeting, other community representatives were in attendance except for the leader of the Igbo community

“I called the Igbo community leader to inquire why he was absent and he made me understand that he did not get any invitation and I assured him that I’d communicate with him whatever was discussed at the meeting.

“Ataoja only discussed matters pertaining to the security and welfare of Osogbo and appealed for calm with regard to the general elections. He also encouraged them to vote for any candidate of their choice.

“I was with the Ataoja and I never heard him issue any directive for phones to be switched off.”

Also, a rejoinder signed by the wife of the monarch who also doubles as his spokesperson, Kafayat Adedoyin Oyetunji stated that the statement by the APC sought to discredit the Ataoja and dent his reputation as a father to all irrespective of political leanings.

According to her, “The Ataoja of Osogbo has never been known to engage in any political activity that would breach the constitutional roles of his office. The directive given to some non-indigenes was in no way illegal or undemocratic as portrayed by some politicians. The Ataoja, in his capacity as the traditional ruler of Osogbo, has always sought to promote peace and unity among the people living in Osogbo and the recent directive was aimed at maintaining that peace.”

While reiterating that it was imperative for politicians in the state to desist from using the Ataoja for their political gains, she added that the monarch’s position as a monarch should not be taken for granted, and his role as a mediator and peacekeeper should be respected by all.

“The Ataoja should not be used as a political tool for settling scores and advancing personal interests.

“The Ataoja of Osogbo is a patriotic traditional ruler who has always acted in the best interest of his people. The statement by the Osun State chapter of the APC is not only an affront to the Ataoja, but it is also a disservice to the people of Osogbo who have always held the Ataoja in high esteem.”

She also advised the politicians not to drag the monarch into their political mudslinging and show respect for the Ataoja stool as he remained a father to all and a symbol of unity, peace, and stability in Osogboland.

News

Migration Agency Warns Migrants Against Irregular Travel Routes

Published

2 hours ago

May 28, 2026

Editor

The International Organisation for Migration (IOM), in collaboration with Giving is Healing Foundation, has sensitised residents of Ayobo in Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State on the dangers of irregular migration and the need to embrace legal travel procedures.

Speaking during a sensitisation programme held at Megida Ifelodu Community Development Association in Ayobo, the founder of Giving is Healing Foundation, Mr. Gbolahan Ayediran, warned intending migrants against using illegal travel routes.

Ayediran said many Nigerians desire to migrate abroad in search of better opportunities but often ignore proper procedures, thereby exposing themselves to several dangers.

“Lots of people want to migrate and most of them do it in the wrong direction. The reason for the programme is for us to advise people on how they can migrate in the right way. As much as migration is their right, they should do it correctly,” he said.

He advised intending travellers to obtain the necessary travel documents before embarking on any journey, noting that such documents include international passports, visas, flight tickets and yellow cards, depending on the destination country.

According to him, migrants should also gather adequate information about their destination countries to enable them make informed decisions before travelling.

Ayediran further highlighted some of the dangers associated with irregular migration, including abuse, exploitation, discrimination and forced labour.

Also speaking, the Chairman of Megida Ifelodu Community Development Association, Elder Mathews Amusan, commended the organisers for enlightening members of the community on safe migration practices.

He urged residents planning to travel abroad to always follow legal migration procedures to avoid falling victim to human trafficking and other migration-related challenges.

One of the participants, Mr. Kolawole Adenoko, said the programme enlightened him on the dangers of irregular migration and the importance of travelling through the proper channels.

He added that he would also educate his relatives and friends on the risks associated with illegal migration.

News

Shatta Wale Bailed Burna Boy From Ghana Prison After Arrest For Smoking Weed – Captan

Published

5 hours ago

May 28, 2026

Editor

Ghanian singer, Captan, has claimed that his former record label boss, Shatta Wale, once bailed Nigerian singer Burna Boy out of prison in Ghana after he was allegedly arrested for smoking weed.

Speaking in a recent podcast interview, Captan claimed that Shatta Wale sent him and others to free Burna Boy from police custody.

He also claimed that Shatta Wale and his group once accommodated Burna Boy when he was being hunted by some dangerous men.

Captan said, “I once bailed Burna Boy out of prison in Ghana when he was arrested for smoking weed. Shatta Wale sent me and some guys to go and free him from police custody.

“There was a time we also accommodated him when some people were after his life. We helped him settle the case.”

He added that he and Burna Boy are no longer in good terms after the Nigerian artist’s fallout with his mentor, Shatta Wale.

He, however, said he and Shatta Wale are open to reconciling with Burna Boy if he asks for it.

Watch the video here

News

Children’s Day: Chaos At Ogbe Stadium As Dozens Faint

Published

20 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

Chaos erupted on Wednesday during the Children’s Day celebration as dozens of students reportedly collapsed following a stampede triggered by the use of pepper spray.

The event,
organised by the Edo State Ministry of Education at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium was disrupted after some male students of Ihogbe College allegedly made uncompromising advances towards female students at the venue.
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‎ A parent who identified himself as Oboh Emmanuel said, “the behaviour of those uncultured students attracted the attention of bouncers stationed at the stadium as they rebuked the male students.”
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‎Oboh said the affected students later regrouped and attacked the bouncers, leading to a confrontation within the crowded arena.

READ ALSO:Children’s Day: Edo Commits To Child Protection
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It was gathered that in the ensuing confusion, the bouncers were reported to have deployed pepper spray in an area occupied by a large number of students.
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‎Several students, particularly female students, reportedly fainted after inhaling the substance, while others sustained injuries after being stepped on during the ensuing melee.
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‎The panic was said to have spread across the stadium as students, teachers and parents scampered for safety.
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‎Many of the affected students were reportedly rushed to the Edo Specialist Hospital for medical attention.

Reacting to the incident, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Dr Patrick Ebojele, said the security personnel that fired the tear gas had been detained.

He said all the students, except two, that were rushed to the hospital have been discharged.

Ebojele stated that doctors wanted to observe the students till tomorrow before allowing them to go home.

“The two students are not seriously injured. Doctors want to observe them overnight. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education is still at the hospital. The man who used pepper spray has been detained.

“The incident did not happen the way it is being exaggerated. All modalities were put in place to ensure the children enjoyed their day.”
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