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Prelate Emeritus, Methodist Church Nigeria, Dies At 86

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Prominent religious leader, Prelate Emeritus of the Methodist Church Nigeria and spiritual father of Akwa Ibom State, His Eminence, Dr. Sunday Mbang has died, aged 86.

According to a statement, yesterday, in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State by Secretary of the Church Conference, Rt. Rev. Babatunde Taiwo, Mbang died on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, the church has condoled with the family of the deceased, who hailed from Idua, in Eket Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, and people of the state over the irreparable loss.

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According to the statement, “With gratitude to the Almighty God for benevolence and providence, we announce the transition to glory of His Pre-Eminence Emeritus and His Eminence Emeritus, Dr Mbang.

“He was Emeritus President of World Methodist Council, Christian Association of Nigeria, Incorporated Trustees of Methodist Church Nigeria and Nigeria inter-religious council. He joined the church triumphant on May 16, 2023, after an impactful earthly ministry of 44 years, having enrolled at Trinity College, Umuahia in 1962.

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“He was aged 86 years. His Eminence, Dr. Mbang, embodied the pioneering and path finding spirit of Nigerian methodism as he scored many firsts as follows: “First Patriarch’s chaplain and Bishop of Tinubu (only person to be both patriach and prelate.) Longest serving Head of the Methodist Church Nigeria; first black President of World Methodist Council, and first Methodist leader to be President of Christian Association of Nigeria.

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“He will surely and sorely be missed by his beloved church, Methodist Church, to which he gave spiritual, intellectual and servant-leadership for more than two decades, and the entire body of Christ in Nigeria and the diaspora.

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“He also had the unique and special privilege of being accorded the status of spiritual father of Akwa Ibom State.

“On behalf of His Eminence, Dr. Oliver Aba, Prelate of Methodist Church Nigeria, the people called Methodists in Nigeria and the Diaspora, we condole with the family and the good people of Akwa Ibom State on this irreparable loss. Burial arrangements shall be announced later.”

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Edo NLC Crisis: Caretaker Committee Drags Rival Exco, Govt To Court

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The division in the Edo State Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), took a new dimension on Wednesday as Prof. Monday Monday Lewis Igbafen-led caretaker committee approached the National Industrial Court of Nigeria, Benin Judicial Division, seeking to affirm its authority and restrain a rival executive from parading itself as the council’s leadership.

Joined in the suit are the Edo State Government, the Commissioner for Labour and Productivity, and the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice.

In a suit marked: NICN/BEN/12/2026, and filed before the court in Benin, the claimant, Igbafen, acting for himself and on behalf of the NLC Caretaker Committee in Edo State, is challenging the continued occupation of the union’s secretariat and control of its assets by members of the Bernard Egwakhide-led factional State Executive Council.

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The claimants are asking the court to declare that the caretaker committee (Igbafen-led faction), constituted on August 11, 2025, by the NLC national leadership, remains the only lawful authority to administer the affairs of the Edo State Council pending fresh elections.

They further seek a declaration that the continued occupation of the NLC secretariat located at No. 1 Teboga Road, Benin City, as well as the retention of union assets, financial records, and official instruments by the defendants, is illegal and void.

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The suit also prays for an order of perpetual injunction restraining the defendants from parading themselves as officials of the NLC Edo Council or interfering with the functions of the caretaker committee.

In addition, the claimants are seeking a mandatory order compelling the defendants to immediately hand over the secretariat, vehicles, financial documents, cheque books, and all other properties belonging to the union.

READ ALSO:JUST IN: NLC Begins Meeting With ASUU, Other Unions Over Strike

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The caretaker committee further urged the court to restrain the state government and its officials from interfering in the internal affairs of the union, alleging undue support for the dissolved executive.

The claimants further demand N50 million as general and exemplary damages against the defendants for alleged unlawful usurpation of office and acts prejudicial to the administration of the council.

According to court documents made available to our correspondent, the crisis followed the dissolution of the Edo State Council by the NLC National Executive Council on February 27, 2025, over allegations of misconduct, anti-union activities, and constitutional violations.

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However, the matter has yet to be assigned a hearing date.

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Transfer: Premier League Clubs Scramble For Dele-Bashiru

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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.

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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.

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He has been a regular feature for Lazio this season.

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

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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.

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“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.

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

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