Former Governor of Ekiti State, Mr Peter Ayodele Fayose has refuted claims that Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde will be contesting for President in 2027.

Fayose debunked the presidential aspiration rumour during an appearance on ‘Politics Today’ anchored by Seun Okinbaloye on Channels TV.

When asked to choose between President Tinubu and Governor Makinde, both Southerners in the forthcoming general election.

Fayose said, “I saw an advert running on social media, I forwarded it to him and he called me to say he is not running and that he doesn’t know anything about the flyers. He has not said otherwise.

“Let me say to you, I will not put words in his mouth. I will rather believe what he tells me as brother. He told me he is not going to be the person that would be used against a Yoruba man as President” he responded.

Fayose also expressed his views on Peter Obi’s presidential bid, stating that no one would satisfy Nigerians or any other country in the world.

He added that every leader becomes a hero after leaving office citing the example of former President Jonathan. Fayose advised allowing Tinubu to complete his term emphasizing that it is a southerner’s time.

The Director General, Nigeria Chineese Strategic Partnership, Chief Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe has expressed sadness over the passing of Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin.

In a statement made available to the press, Tegbe described Olakulehin’s death as a profound loss to Ibadanland and Nigeria as a whole.

According to him, the monarch’a was distinguished by peace and deep commitment to the growth of Ibadanland.

The statement reads thus;

“It is with profound shock and reverence that I received the news of the passing of our esteemed monarch, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadan.

“Oba Olakulehin embodied the highest ideals of leadership, learning, and service, leaving an indelible mark on Ibadan’s development. As an academic and public servant, he exemplified humility.

“His Majesty’s reign was distinguished by wisdom, peace, and a deep commitment to the growth and unity of Ìbàdànland. His contributions to education, governance, and national development earned him a lasting legacy. His passing is a profound loss to Ibadanland and the nation, leaving a void that will be deeply felt.

“I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Executive Governor of Oyo State, the Olúbàdàn-in-Council, and the entire people of Ìbàdàn especially the family of our departed monarch. May the Almighty grant his soul eternal rest and grant his family and the good people of Ìbàdàn the strength to bear this great loss. Àmín.”

Oba Olakulehin, the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland died in the early hours of Monday, 7th July 2025, few hours after his 90th birthday.

The Akinremi Legacy Forum which comprises of followers, supporters and admirers of late Hon. Olaide Akinremi Jagaban, who until his death was the House of Reps member representing Ibadan North Federal Constituency has finalized plans to hold a one year remembrance programme in honour of the late lawmaker.

This one year remembrance programme is slated to take place on Thursday 10th July 2025 at the Pentonrise Event Centre, Bodija Housing Area, Ibadan starting from 10am.
Distinguished guests, friends, associates and followers of Hon. Olaide Akinremi are expected to attend this solemn occasion.

The late Hon. Olaide Akinremi represented Ibadan North Federal Constituency at the National Assembly from June 2019 until his sad demise on 10th July 2024. He was a representative who prioritized human capacity and community developments, and who availed the opportunity presented through his office to serve his people wholeheartedly.

Widely admired and loved, Hon. Olaide Akinremi transcended ethnic, political and social lines, establishing beneficial relationships with many, while also reaching out and impacting the lives of his constituents in a way that had never been experienced before while his time lasted as the Federal Representative of Ibadan North.

The late Hon. Olaide Akinremi facilitated numerous community projects such as Maternity Centers, Blocks of Classrooms, Boreholes, Solar Streetlights, Transformers, Fire Service Station, Cassava Processing Plant, Road Rehabilitation Works, Distribution of Exercise Books and School Bags to Students in thousands, among other numerous community impacting initiatives.

Several other projects of the above types have also been executed after his demise by Akinremi Legacy Forum across the length and breadth of Ibadan North Federal Constituency, and for the benefit of the people, with some currently set for commissioning to mark this remembrance, thereby cementing a legacy of extraordinary performance for late Prince Akinremi Jagaban.

May his wonderful soul continue to rest in peace, amen.

President Bola Tinubu has received with deep shock the news of the passing of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, who passed away at the age of 90.

The President extends his heartfelt condolences to the royal family, the government, and people of Oyo State, as well as the entire Ibadanland, on the loss of a revered traditional ruler, a statesman, and a symbol of peace, wisdom, and continuity.

President Tinubu mourns the Olubadan and celebrates his remarkable life of service to his people, the state, and the nation.

President Tinubu describes the late monarch as a highly accomplished man of peace, a public servant, and a royal father whose life embodies the highest ideals of leadership, learning, and service.

“Oba Owolabi Olakulehin was not only a custodian of Ibadan’s rich history and culture but also a man of intellect and principle whose contributions extended beyond the palace into education, governance, and national development. His passing is a significant loss to Ibadanland and the nation.

“Just last week, I received an invitation from the late Olubadan to his 90th birthday and first coronation anniversary celebrations. Shockingly, his death came days before the anniversary. He will be remembered for upholding the honour and prestige of his highly revered stool,” the President says.

Born on July 5, 1935, in Okugbaja village, Ita Baale near Akanran in the present-day Ibadan North East Local Government Area of Oyo State, Oba Olakulehin rose through the unique and time-honoured succession system of Ibadanland, which alternates between the civil (Otun) and military (Balogun) lines.

He ascended the throne following the demise of Oba (Dr.) Moshood Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, on March 14, 2024.

A distinguished academic, the late monarch held a master’s degree in administration and economics and pursued doctoral studies. He had a passion for research rooted in integrity and public accountability. He lectured at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and was known for rejecting praise-singing roles, favouring progressive and principle-driven scholarship.

President Tinubu lauds Oba Olakulehin’s legacy as one that bridged tradition and modernity, adding that his wisdom and moral authority served as a stabilising force in Ibadanland and the wider Yoruba nation.

Senator Sharafadeen Alli (APC-Oyo South) has expressed deep sorrow over the death of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakunlehin, Ige Olakunlehin I.

This is contained in a statement he personally signed and made available to newsmen on Monday in Ibadan.

Senator Alli, who is also the Ekarun Balogun of Ibadanland, described the passing of the revered traditional ruler as a monumental loss to Ibadanland, Oyo State and the nation at large.

He described the late Olubadan as a symbol of wisdom, peace and continuity, whose brief but impactful reign brought renewed dignity and strength to the Ibadan traditional institution.

The lawmaker commended late Oba Olakunlehin’s commitment to the service of Ibadanland, noting that the traditional ruler ascended the throne at a critical time, offering fatherly guidance and much-needed stability.

“As the Senator representing Oyo South Senatorial District and Ekarun Balogun of Ibadanland, I join the entire Ibadanland in mourning the departure of a rare royal figure.

“Kabiyesi’s humility, clarity of purpose, and love for his people will remain etched in the memory of those privileged to know and serve with him,” he said.

Alli extended his condolences to the Olubadan-in-Council, Oyo State Government, Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) and the people of Ibadanland.

He prayed to Almighty Allah to grant the late monarch eternal rest and comfort to the bereaved family.

Without any iota of prejudice, the roadmap to accelerated development document by the candidate Seyi Makinde of the PDP is one of the most detailed and data backed manifesto by any politician in recent years. The document simply broke down “the where we were, where we should be and what must be done”. It was simply a roadmap to quality governance for any political office holder.

For local government administration, the biggest challenge is how to implement the three questions on a smaller scale while keeping an open door to everyone irrespective of economic and political status.

One Local government in Oyo state that has being able to effectively implement the roadmap to accelerated development and the subsequent roadmap to sustainable development is the Hon. Ibrahim Akintayo’s Ibadan North East Local Government.

Hon. Ibrahim Akinsola Akintayo, the chairman, Ibadan North east local government’s 5 years governance will be broken down to the pillars of accelerated development as implemented by the state government and cascaded for the people of Ibadan North east.

Ibadan North east Local Government is one of the 5 metropolitan LGs in the ancient Ibadan, while the council area is largely metropolitan in nature it retains a large population of interior Ibadan popularly known as “agbole” in Ibadan.

1. ECONOMY
i. Infrastructure

Under his leadership, the landscape of Ibadan North East local government has undergone a significant transformation. The administration’s commitment to infrastructural development is evident in the numerous projects that have reshaped the face of the local government. From the construction of line drainage/culverts at Forlamol Aderibigbe area, Joseph Owolabi street, Amuda Ojere street and much more while road rehabilitation/asphaltic patching and total construction of roads such as Oloronbo Bashorun, Akinyele to Iyana Agbala, Holiness bus-stop, Akeke road, Oremeji Agugu road, Akaano road and so much more. While not leaving out the creation of new public spaces and security infrastructure, residents are witnessing real progress in their daily lives. Markets across the local government have been modernized through strategic public-private partnerships, with hundreds of lock-up shops and warehouses being constructed in Jonku, Orita Aperin, Oja Basorun and Ogundipe. These developments have provided traders with a more dignified and secure environment to conduct their businesses.

ii. Education
The role of Local governments in Nigeria’s educational sector is largely salaries of primary school teachers and educational support. However, an administrator whose drive is to make impact in the educational sector, will key into the roadmap of the state government and complement the laudable effort of the state government.

Akintayo has consistently supplied learning materials such as whiteboard markers, and other educational materials to secondary school. In one of his proud moments, he fought tirelessly for the WAEC certification of Community Grammer School Iwo-road Ibadan. Academic competitions such as inter-school debates and quizzes have been sponsored regularly to stimulate intellectual engagement and healthy rivalry among students. The Akintayo administration produced a digital compendium of past WAEC questions, which was freely distributed to secondary students.

iii. Empowerment
Beyond the classroom, Akintayo has recognized the importance of empowering youth and women with practical skills. His government has organized numerous training programs in tie and dye, soap making, knitting, and food processing, among others. These initiatives are not only helping people become self-reliant but are also contributing to the local economy. For many families, these empowerment opportunities have been life-changing. The administration has also consistently supported the state governments poverty alleviation programmes by also distributing cash, food and empowerment tools particularly to women within the council area.

iv. Energy
Communities in need of infrastructure and utilities, such as transformers, have benefited from direct cash support from the local government. For instance, Salami Shomade and Akeke Basorun communities received financial aid for the repair of their transformers, ensuring uninterrupted power supply for residents. The light up Ibadan North east has also been implemented, all markets in the council area were also lighted with solar street lights. The administration has provided street lights across all the wards in the council area. This is to reduce crime rate and improve commercial activities in Ibadan North-East Local Government.

2. HEALTHCARE
i. Primary Health-care
Healthcare delivery under Hon. Akintayo has also seen a remarkable boost. The rehabilitation of the Ilupeju Health Centre in Oke-Ibadan and the recruitment of additional health workers reflect a clear focus on improving access to medical care. His support for national campaigns such as the measles vaccination and outbreak response programs shows a dedication to public health. Free medical outreach programs, particularly targeting the elderly and widows, have become a regular feature in the local government, offering health checks, drug distribution, and advice on wellness. The council has also consistently supplied medical drugs to PHCs within the council area. The Akintayo administration has renovated and equipped a mobile clinic for medical and emergency use within the council area. Five PHCs in Ibadan north east have been provided with solar installations to ensure a 24hours medical service in those centers.

ii. Environment and Sanitation
Sanitation and environmental hygiene are other areas where his administration has made significant inroads. Regular refuse evacuation, the clearing of blocked drainage systems, and public education on flood prevention have contributed to a cleaner, safer Ibadan North East local government. The introduction of modern pit latrines in areas prone to open defecation, such as Ogboriefon, has shown a pragmatic approach to improving public health standards.

3. AGRICULTURE
While the Council area is largely metropolitan and lacks arable land, the council has constructed a garri processing factory and procurement of necessary machinery for cassava processing is a commendable initiative that not only boosts food production but also supports local enterprise.

4. CULTURE AND TOURISM
Cultural and religious inclusivity has been another cornerstone of Akintayo’s governance. Festivals like World Egungun Day, Sallah, Ramadan, Christmas, Osun Festival, and Oke Ibadan Festival have all received sponsorship and support from the local government. These engagements have strengthened community identity and cohesion, while also promoting tourism and local culture.

5. SECURITY
Security, communication, and social awareness have not been neglected. Construction of a security outpost for the operation burst at Adekile grammar school area. Renovation of the NSCDC office in Agungu, contributions to the state’s patrol vehicles, and the acquisition of video and communication gadgets all point to an administration that values efficiency, transparency, and accountability. Public enlightenment campaigns focusing on issues like drug abuse, cultism, child abuse, and fire prevention have been carried out regularly in schools and communities, reflecting a preventative approach to social vices. Launching of the Local government voluntary Policing service VPS while uniforms, batons, handcuffs, communication gadgets and security vehicle were provided for the outfit.

In every ward and community within Ibadan North East, the imprint of Hon. Akintayo’s leadership is visible. From markets to schools, from health centres to roads, he has proven that when leaders are focused and accountable, local government can truly work for the people. As residents continue to benefit from his visionary governance, one thing remains clear: Hon. Ibrahim Akintayo is not just building infrastructure; he is building a legacy.

Testimonials
Hon. Umeh Okechukwu Nwabunike, Vice Chairman of the Iwo Road Traders Association.
“Hon. Akintayo has proven to be a unique leader, Under his administration, we’ve started to experience support and recognition that were previously out of reach. He has established a cordial relationship between our people and his office, making himself accessible and attentive to our needs.”
During the EndBadGovernance protests, a period marked by heightened tension and security threats. During the protest, there were hints of a planned attack on our shops. Hon. Akintayo did not stay behind the scenes he was actively involved. He coordinated with security personnel and even invited me to a security meeting in his office. “Thanks to his preventive measures, the attack was successfully averted.

IYA LOJA GENERAL (Ibadan North East Local Government)
Under his administration, several transformational projects have been executed in key markets across the local government area. Hon. Akintayo prioritized the construction and renovation of public toilets in major markets. Water accessibility, often a challenge in densely populated commercial zones, has also been tackled through the installation of solar-powered boreholes in various markets, solar streetlights have been strategically installed in markets, enhancing safety for both traders and customers.

Imam Moshod Adebayo Giwa – Representative of the Imams in Ibadan North East Local Government

We are grateful to the chairman for his commitment to peace and unity among the religious groups in our community. Not long ago, an incident occurred involving a young man who made offensive remarks against Islam. Rather than allowing the situation to escalate, the matter was brought before the chairman. He took swift and wise action by convening a meeting with religious leaders—including the Chief Imam representing the Muslim community and the CAN (Christian Association of Nigeria) leader representing the Christian community.

Apostle Prophet Sunday Oladiti JP – Coordinator, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Ibadan North East Chapter

A remarkable example of his wisdom and conflict-resolution skills came in 2023, when the Egungun Festival coincided with the holy month of Ramadan. Anticipating possible tension, we – the leaders of the respective religious groups – approached Honourable Akintayo. Without hesitation, he facilitated our visit to the Araba of the Egungun and the Chief Imam, where we respectfully presented our concerns. Through dialogue, understanding, and the
Honourable Chairman’s mediation, both religious leaders listened, cooperated, and ensured that the two festivals were observed peacefully without any disruption or conflict.

Oloye Orisakola Oladejo- Head of Traditional Religion, Ibadan North East Local Government

At this moment, I am not feeling too well, and I sincerely appreciate the care and concern shown by our esteemed Local Government Chairman. He has made provisions for quality healthcare, and upon his directive, I have been taken to the council hospital for proper treatment.

I must commend the Chairman for his inclusive leadership. He has never created any divisions between the three major religions in our community. Recently, during our Egungun Festival, leaders of the other two religions were present to celebrate with us. This act of unity and mutual respect is a clear testament to the harmony he promotes among us.

On behalf of all traditionalists and the entire traditional religious institution, I express my heartfelt gratitude to the Chairman.