Former Governor of Imo State Rochas Okorocha has dragged Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma to court over what he has termed the governor’s inordinate ambition to contest the Imo West Senatorial seat despite his subsisting term in office as governor until 2028.
‎
‎In the affidavit attached to the suit filed before a Federal High Court in Abuja, Senator Okorocha states that Uzodinma’s tenure in office as governor will expire at midnight on January 14, 2028, having taken the oath of office and been sworn in on January 15, 2024.
‎
‎He said Uzodinma, whose tenure would not have expired by the year 2027 when the Senate will be inaugurated after the general election in 2027, also purchased expression of interest and nomination forms for the party’s senatorial ticket.
‎
‎He urged the court to declare that it was unconstitutional for INEC to publish the name of Uzodinma as the APC’s candidate when it was not he who emerged as the winner of the primary election conducted on May 18.
‎
‎Mr Okorocha prayed the court for an order directing INEC to recognise and publish his name as the duly nominated candidate of the APC to contest the poll.
‎
‎He alleged that the direct primary election was conducted on May 18 and that he emerged victorious, having secured 150,780 votes while Uzodinma scored 102,158 votes.
‎
‎He is also asking the court to prohibit Uzodinma, whether by himself or through the APC or anyone however named, from parading himself as the nominated candidate of the party to contest the election.
‎
‎Respondents in the suit are INEC, Uzodinma and the APC.

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has drawn widespread praise after a video emerged showing him prostrating fully before his elder brother, Dr. Adedeji Adeleke, in a traditional Yoruba gesture of respect and gratitude.

The clip, shared on social media by media publisher Dele Momodu, captures the re-elected governor lying flat on the floor before his older brother — the father of Afrobeats star Davido — shortly after Adeleke was declared winner of the August 15, 2026 Osun governorship election. In the footage, the governor is seen thanking his brother for his support during the campaign and asking for his prayers. Dr. Adedeji Adeleke responded by removing his cap and offering prayers for the governor and his administration as family members and associates looked on.

Adeleke secured 511,067 votes to defeat his closest rival, Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress, who polled 444,815 votes. The Independent National Electoral Commission declared him the winner days before the viral moment.

The gesture has sparked positive reactions online, with many Nigerians highlighting the governor’s humility and the strong cultural values of the Adeleke family. Commenters noted that the display of respect for elders remains a hallmark of Yoruba tradition, even for someone holding high office.

Governor Adeleke has previously described his elder brother as a father figure and trusted adviser whose counsel he values highly.

Ogun and Oyo states have joined Lagos in declaring Thursday, August 20, 2026, a work-free day to mark this year’s Isese Day celebration.

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde announced the decision in a memo signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Musibau Babatunde. The governor said the day would allow residents to fully participate in celebrating Yoruba cultural and traditional heritage while praying for peace and unity in the state and the country.

In Ogun State, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy Kayode Akinmade confirmed that the government had declared the day a public holiday. He noted that the move reflects the administration’s commitment to preserving Yoruba culture, heritage and traditional values. August 20 has been observed as a public holiday in Ogun since 2023.

Lagos State earlier declared the day work-free for public servants, political appointees and others. Special Adviser on Tourism, Arts and Culture Idris Aregbe described Isese as “a living expression of our traditions and a celebration of Yoruba spirituality.”

The three southwestern states are among those recognising Isese Day, which celebrates indigenous Yoruba religion, culture and ancestral practices. Residents have been urged to celebrate peacefully and responsibly.