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JUST IN: Oba Olaitan emerges new Afenifere leader

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The Deputy Leader of the Pan-Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere, Oba Oladipo Olaitan, has emerged as the new leader of the foremost Yoruba group.

Oba Olaitan assumed leadership following the death of Chief Ayo Adebanjo, as he was unanimously elected as the new leader.

This was contained in a statement by the Secretary-General of the group, Chief Sola Ebiseni, who said Oba Olaitan would serve as the acting leader until the final burial of the late leader, Adebanjo.

Ebiseni stated that the decision to appoint Oba Olaitan was reached after the general meeting of Afenifere, held at the country home of the late leader, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, in Isanya Ogbo, Ogun State.

He said, ”The meeting considered the recommendations of the National Caucus and approved the appointment of Oba Oladipo Olaitan as the new Leader of Afenifere.

“Oba Olaitan will function as the leader in an acting capacity until after the final burial of Papa Ayo Adebanjo, when he will officially assume office as the substantive leader.

“Oba Olaitan was called to the Nigerian Bar as a lawyer in 1971, served as a Political Adviser to Governor Lateef Jakande, and was a member of the Lagos State Executive Council between 1979 and 1983.

He was also elected as a member of the House of Representatives and served as the Leader of the Alliance for Democracy (AD) in the House from 1999 to 2003.“

He has been a member of Afenifere for over 45 years, serving in various capacities, including as National Financial Secretary under the leadership of Chief Reuben Fasoranti and as Deputy Leader under Chief Ayo Adebanjo.”

In his acceptance speech, Oba Olaitan committed himself to upholding the ideals of Afenifere as a socio-political organization and an unwavering advocate of restructuring and true federalism. He pledged to ensure the unity of the organization.

Ebiseni noted that the meeting formally acknowledged the passing of Chief Ayo Adebanjo, recognizing his immense contributions to nation-building, as reflected in the glowing tributes from various individuals and groups in Nigeria and beyond.

“The meeting commiserated with the children and immediate family members of our late leader and commended them for their tireless and gracious engagement with the large number of people who visit the Lekki, Lagos, and Isanya Ogbo, Ogun State residences to pay their respects.”

Speaking on the country’s security challenges, Afenifere condemned the worsening security situation.

Ebiseni said, “Members received reports of a young man, Prince Eniola Ojajuni, whose ordeal in the den of kidnappers has been circulating on social media for nearly a week.

Others in attendance included Hon. Leke Mabinuori, Olayemi Olajuyinu, Olu Pessu, Chief Olusegun Olawoyin, Chief Sola Ebiseni, and Justice Faloye.

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JUST IN: FG Vows Swift Rescue of Abducted Kebbi Schoolgirls, Reaffirms Duty to Protect Citizens

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The Federal Government has expressed deep concern over the abduction of female students from Government Girls Secondary School, Maga, in Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State, assuring families of its unwavering commitment to securing the safe return of the victims.

In a statement on Monday, the government conveyed solidarity with the affected families, noting that it “shares in their pain” and is working urgently to bring the girls home.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reaffirmed that the protection of every Nigerian—especially schoolchildren—remains a paramount responsibility of the State. He condemned the attack, describing it as a “reprehensible assault on innocent students,” and mourned the school officials who were killed while performing their duties.

According to the statement, security and intelligence agencies have been issued strict directives to locate and rescue the abducted students and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice. The government pledged that it will not relent until the mission is accomplished.

The Federal Government also assured citizens that strengthening internal security remains a top priority, noting that efforts are underway to recalibrate the country’s military, policing, and intelligence architecture to better prevent and respond to threats.

Additionally, Nigeria is intensifying regional cooperation with ECOWAS, the African Union, and the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) to secure borders and disrupt terrorist and criminal networks.

The government urged the public to remain calm and confident as efforts to rescue the abducted students continue.

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Obasanjo, Fayose Trade Bitter Insults as Birthday Message Sparks Public Feud

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A heated exchange has erupted between former President Olusegun Obasanjo and former Ekiti State governor Ayodele Fayose after an explosive “thank you” message sent by Fayose triggered a public confrontation between the two political figures.

The rift stemmed from Obasanjo’s appearance at Fayose’s recent birthday celebration, during which the former governor claims the ex-president made “irresponsible comments.” In a sharply worded SMS released to journalists in Abeokuta on Monday by Obasanjo’s Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, Fayose lashed out at the elder statesman, describing him in scathing terms.

In the message, Fayose wrote:
“Dear Baba Obasanjo, I trust this meets you well. Your coming to my birthday party, I appreciate, except for your very irresponsible comments at your age. You went so low but I am not surprised… someone once said you are supposed to be kept away in the zoo. Sincerely, that’s where you belong.”

Fayose added that he refrained from responding at the event “so that the world will know the difference between a sane and a mad man,” alleging that Obasanjo’s remarks reflected “heightened dementia.” He also demanded a refund of money he claimed to have given the former president, referencing Obasanjo’s public admission during the event.

Obasanjo responded curtly, saying Fayose’s message merely revealed “who and what you are, unchanged and unchangeable.” He confirmed he had returned the money through the individual who delivered it.

“Ayo, thanks for your ‘Thank You’ message… Your money has been sent back through Foluso Adeagbo who brought it and in the same bag as he brought it, unopened by me,” Obasanjo said.

The public spat has stirred widespread commentary, highlighting lingering tensions between the two outspoken political figures.

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BREAKING: Media Icon, Dan Agbese, passes on at 81

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A highly reverred media personality Dan Agbese is dead.According to a statement issued by the Agbese family of Ikpilogwu clan of Agila district, Ado Local Government Area of Benue State, he died on Monday.

“We hereby announce the passing away of our husband , father, grandfather, brother, uncle and mentor: Chief Dan Agbese, the Awan’Otun of Agila.

”“Chief Agbese transited to eternal glory this morning, Monday November 17, 2025. He was aged 81.“Burial arrangements would be announced by the family in due course.

“Born May 12, 1944 in Agila, Chief Agbese was a renowned journalist and author, famous for his seminal contributions to journalism practice in Nigeria and renowned for his satirical columns.

He was editor of The Nigeria Standard and New Nigerian newspapers, and General Manager of Radio Benue, Makurdi.“Chief Agbese was one of the founders of the trail-blazing Newswatch magazine and was until April 2010 its Editor-in-Chief.

“Before his passing, he wrote several books and maintained weekly columns in notable newspapers including the Daily Trust and The Guardian, while running a media consultancy with his friends and colleagues, Ray Ekpu, Yakubu Muhammed and Soji Akinrinade.

“He is survived by his wife , Chief Rose Agbese six children, and seven grandchildren.”

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