LIST OF REASONS

The kingmakers of Oyo stated that they rejected the appointment of Prince Abimbola Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo because his selection violated the traditional process enshrined in the Registered Alaafin of Oyo Chieftaincy Declaration of 1967, and that there were no such wide consultations as the Governor claimed. In a letter addressed to Governor Seyi Makinde and signed by their legal representative, Adekunle Sobalolu, the kingmakers declared the appointment null, void, illegal, and unlawful. They insisted that the legitimate candidate, Prince Lukman Adelodun Gbadegesin, was selected by the majority of their votes on September 30, 2022, and that his name was forwarded to the governor for approval, which was inexplicably denied. The kingmakers explained that the Alaafin is chosen strictly in accordance with native laws and customs codified in the 1967 declaration, which stipulates that only the Bashorun of Oyo, as the head of the Oyomesi, can summon a meeting to select a new Alaafi...

G overnor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State stated that his decision to appoint Prince Abimbola Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo was because Owoade’s selection followed extensive consultations and divinations carried out by the Oyo kingmakers, the Oyomesi, who presented his name as their preferred candidate. This appointment aims to resolve lingering disputes that have affected the community since the passing of Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III on April 22, 2022.  The announcement of Owoade’s appointment was made public in a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade. He confirmed that due diligence was observed in the selection process, stating, “Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade, after thorough consultations and divinations, has been recommended by the Oyomesi and approved by Governor Seyi Makinde as the new Alaafin of Oyo.” This move, the government believes, will stabilize the traditional institution and foster harmony within the community. ...

The Colombo Magistrate Court stated that it sentenced Galagodaatte Gnanasara, a controversial Sri Lankan Buddhist monk who made derogatory remarks against Islam and inciting religious hatred to nine months in prison because all citizens have right to freedom of belief under the constitution. The case, which highlights the importance of maintaining religious harmony in Sri Lanka, addresses comments Gnanasara made during a 2016 media conference where he openly insulted Islam. Gnanasara’s conviction marks a significant moment in Sri Lankan legal history, as it is rare for Buddhist monks to be prosecuted, let alone imprisoned, for hate speech. Despite this rarity, the monk has been a repeat offender, having faced multiple allegations of hate crimes and anti-Muslim violence over the years. His latest sentence follows a pattern of controversial actions that have put him at odds with the law. In 2018, he was sentenced to six years for contempt of court and intimidating the wife of a disappea...

Donald Trump, the US President-elect, stated that his intention to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin is because of his commitment to ending the war in Ukraine swiftly. Trump explained that the ongoing conflict has become a "bloody mess" and requires urgent diplomatic engagement to prevent further loss of life and stabilize the region. His remarks came during an event at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, where he confirmed that plans for the meeting are in progress, though no specific date has been set. The urgency to resolve the conflict aligns with his broader foreign policy agenda, which prioritizes negotiating peace over prolonged military involvement. Trump’s announcement highlighted the mutual interest between the United States and Russia in pursuing peace talks. "President Putin wants to meet," Trump stated, referencing public comments from Putin that express a willingness for dialogue. However, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov noted that the US had...

Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun stated that his order for an immediate clampdown on the attackers responsible for the explosion at Nganzai Divisional Police Headquarters in Borno State was due to the urgent need to secure justice for the fallen officers and reinforce national security. The deadly assault, which claimed the lives of Inspector Bartholomew Kalawa and Corporal Mustapha Huzaifat, highlighted the ongoing threats posed by violent extremists, necessitating decisive action to safeguard law enforcement personnel and the communities they protect. This response aims to ensure that perpetrators of such heinous acts face swift justice and prevent future attacks on critical security institutions. The tragic incident unfolded in the early hours of January 9, 2025, when unknown assailants suspected to be members of the Boko Haram terrorist group launched an attack on the police station. According to Kenneth Daso, spokesman of the Borno Police Command, the officers o...

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has explained that its recent decision to suspend the extension of export proceeds by authorized dealer banks on behalf of exporters is aimed at enforcing compliance with existing regulations on foreign exchange repatriation. According to the CBN, this action is guided by the provisions of Memorandum 10A (23a) and Memorandum 10B (20a) of the Foreign Exchange Manual, Revised Edition of March 2018, which clearly stipulate timelines for the repatriation of export proceeds for both oil and non-oil exports. The measure is designed to enhance transparency, strengthen the nation’s foreign exchange system, and ensure that export earnings are returned to the country within the required timeframe to support economic stability. In a circular issued to authorized dealers and the public, Acting Director of the Trade and Exchange Department, Dr. W.J. Kanya, outlined the specific terms of the directive. He stated that, effective immediately, the CBN would no longer a...