Connect with us

News

Alli Set for Coronation as Ibadan Oba Amid Government Bid

Published

on

Spread the love

The Oyo State Government has approved the elevation of Senator Sharafadeen Ali, who represents Oyo South Senatorial District, along with High Chiefs Bolaji Adewoyin and Kola Babalola, to beaded crown-wearing Obas in Ibadanland.

 

They are promoted to Ekerin Olubadan, Ekaarun Balogun and Ekarun Olubadan.

Following their promotion, the high chiefs will ascend to obaship status and attain an elevated rank within the state traditional council.

According to reporte agthered that Alli was being considered as a consensus candidate of the All Progressives Congress for the 2027 governorship election.

Other APC aspirants eyeing the Oyo governorship seat on the APC platform include the 2023 governorship candidate of the party, Teslim Folarin; senator representing Oyo North, Abdulfatai Buhari; Minister of Power, Bayo Adelabu; former Oyo Deputy Governor, Rauf Olaniyan; lawyer, Akeem Agbaje; former Minister of Communications, Adebayo Shittu; former Oyo Health Commissioner, Azeez Adeduntan; Saheed Oladele, Gbenga Adegbola, and Kunle Busari, the son of the late Ibadan strong politician in the First and Second Republic, Chief Busari Adelakun, popularly known as Eruobodo.

On Thursday, the government approved the promotion of Alli in a memo authorised by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Ademola Ojo, titled: “Re: Request for the list of High Chiefs who are due for elevation to wear beaded crown in Ibadanland,” with registration number CB,211/10Vol IT/67 dated March 26, 2026, a copy of which was obtained by Journalists.

The letter was addressed to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja.

The letter read, “I have the directive to refer to Your Majesty’s correspondence ref no L/ADV/Co/1242/843 dated 23rd March, 2026, in respect of the above and to inform Your Majesty that while making arrangements for the compilation of the High Chiefs and Baales who are due for beaded crown wearing in Ibadanland as requested.

“It is traditionally necessary and very essential at this point in time that the newly elevated Chiefs in Olubadan in Council, i.e. High Chief Akeem Bolaji Adewoyin, Ekeerin Olubadan, High Chief Sharafadeen Ali, Ekaarun Balogun and High Chief Kola Babalola, Ekaarun Olubadan, should be immediately conferred with beaded crowns in order to avoid unnecessary insinuation that the delay is deliberate and political.

“This is necessary in order to protect the Ibadan traditional institution. To this end, Your Majesty is hereby informed that the coronation/crown-wearing programme for the above-mentioned High Chiefs has been fixed for Friday, April 3, 2026, at the Mapo Hall, Ibadan.

“The promotion of the affected High Chiefs is in line with the 2024 Chieftaincy law as amended. With the promotion, the affected High Chiefs have become members of the Olubadan Advisory Council,” the letter stressed.

The PUNCH reports that in 2024, the Oyo State Government gazetted the new Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration, showing the new amendment.

The new Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration, which was passed by the state House of Assembly and signed into law by Governor Seyi Makinde in 2025, revised Section 4 of the 1957 Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration.

The original version stated: “The person who may be proposed as a candidate by the line whose turn it is to fill a vacancy in the office of the Olubadan shall be the most Senior (High) Chief in that Line.”

Section 4 of the amendment, titled “New Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration,” replaced “the most Senior (High) Chief in that Line” with “the most Senior Beaded Crown Oba in that Line.”

Section 4 of the new law states: “The person who may be proposed as a candidate by the line whose turn it is to fill a vacancy in the office of the Olubadan shall be the most Senior Beaded Crown Oba in that line.”

When contacted the media aide to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Adeola Oloko, on Thursday, he confirmed the receipt of the letter from the state government.

He said, “The palace has received the letter confirming the promotion of the three high chiefs to the status of the beaded crown-wearing Obas.

“The letter has been forwarded to the beneficiaries, and we are expecting their responses at the appropriate time.”

When also contacted, the Public Relations Officer of APC, Wale Sadare, said, “It is not party affairs. The media aide to the senator will respond accordingly.”

Reacting to the development, a legal practitioner, Muideen  Olagunju, said there was no constitutional provision barring a traditional ruler from contesting elections.

“In my opinion, this is unprecedented in Oyo State. There is no express provision in the law that stops a monarch from contesting elections. It is more of a moral issue rooted in tradition than a legal restriction.”

He added that while traditional rulers were expected to be politically neutral, history has shown instances where monarchs participated in politics without legal consequences.

A close ally of Senator Alli, however, told The PUNCH that the lawmaker would not attend the coronation as fixed by the government.

The ally, who preferred anonymity because he was not authorised by the governorship aspirant to respond, said efforts by the Makinde-led government to stop the governorship aspiration of the senator would end in futility.

He said it was clear that Oba Ladoja was not ready for the promotion, as the palace was still compiling a list of other chiefs due for promotion.

Borrowing from the English poet, William Shakespeare, he said: “No amount of water in the rough, rude sea can wash the balm off from a man on whose shoulders it will please God to place the mantle of leadership of the state come next year.”

“Makinde can go ahead with the coronation. By the grace of the Almighty God, Alli will attend his coronation on May 29, 2027, when he will, Deo Volente, be crowned the governor of Oyo State.”

 

International News

Maguire: Tuchel Told Me By Video Call I Was Out And I Said I Was Very Disappointed

Published

on

Spread the love

 

On “The Rest is Football” podcast, Manchester United center-back Maguire discussed how Tuchel informed him via video call that he had not been selected for the World Cup squad.

 

Maguire revealed: “He (Tuchel) video-called everyone. It was quite an awkward call. I first received a message asking if he could talk to me around 4 PM. It was quite a unique approach, and certainly difficult, because he could see everyone’s reactions.

“I said directly that I was really very disappointed. I felt I had done well enough to deserve to be in the squad, and I felt I could have helped the team, playing a role on and off the pitch. He said he couldn’t give me any excuses, but he chose the four players who had helped him through a difficult period last autumn.

“It was hard to accept. After being called up by him for the first time in the March training camp, I did think I would be in the squad. I performed well in both games and then returned to Manchester United, finishing the season with a very strong performance.”

Tuchel ultimately chose to take Stones, Guehi, Konsa, Quansah, and Dan Burn to the World Cup.

No Plans to Retire from England Duty
Furthermore, even with Tuchel’s contract extending to Euro 2028, Maguire is unwilling to close the door on playing for England.

He added: “I don’t think I’ll retire from England duty. I still feel I can shine. Sooner or later there will be a time and a point where I no longer deserve to be selected for England, but even then, I most likely won’t proactively step out and announce my retirement. If I can play for England one more time, it will all be worth it.”

Maguire will use the off-season to fully recover and prepare for Manchester United’s return to the Champions League in the 2026-27 season. While his England teammates face the immense pressure of a major international tournament, the experienced defender will strive to maintain his excellent club form. If he is to earn a recall to the England squad later this year, proving his endurance in the Premier League remains crucial.

Continue Reading

News

Questions, Applause Trail Baba Ijesha’s New Baby Report

Published

on

Spread the love

 

Controversial actor Olanrewaju Omiyinka, popularly known as Baba Ijesha, has sparked widespread online discussion after announcing the birth of his child, a baby boy named King Kagar Omiyinka, with celebrity fashion designer and stylist, CEO Luminee.

 

The couple shared the joyful news on social media on Monday, accompanied by maternity photos and heartfelt messages.

Baba Ijesha expressed deep gratitude, describing his wife as his “strong Jagaban” and “Abikese de mi owo,” while Luminee called him her “one in a million” with a “pure heart.”

The announcement came roughly seven months after Baba Ijesha’s release from prison on November 14, 2025.

Many social media users have pointed to the relatively short period, questioning the exact conception timeline and pregnancy details, with some speculating it may have begun before or around his release.

Oyindamola wrote, “I have a question: are conjugal visits allowed inside prison? I’m asking because it hasn’t even been 9 months since Baba Ijesha was released from prison… just curious how this came”.

Deyola_a wrote, “Baba Ijesha just revealed that he is the father of CEO luminee’s son. Congratulations to the couple”.

She added, “You guys don’t know how crazy that thing is. As in Baba Ijesha??? wtf????”

Vampz wrote, “I love men so much; they know what they want. A man would never marry a woman who was convicted of the crimes Baba Ijesha committed. Alchemy of Shämë !!!!!!!”

Ezinne questioned the timing: “Which day did Baba Ijesha get out of prison that you’re already heavily pregnant for him? Some women are the problem. You didn’t even wait for him to wallow in the aftermath of his atrocities before you followed him? Tufia”.

Uche added, “Baba Ijesha! Baba Ijesha! Baba Ijesha went to prison for molesting a minor. He got released in November last year. Now a woman has given birth to his child.

“How did it happen? Was he allowed to knock in prison? Was he ever in prison? Why will you spread your legs open for such a person? Women will never cease to amaze me”.

This has added to the polarised responses, as the actor’s 2021 conviction for the sexual assault of a 14-year-old foster child remains fresh in public memory for many Nigerians.

Some users and celebrity platforms offered straightforward congratulations, celebrating the new addition and highlighting themes of redemption, second chances, and private family matters.

Bobrisky wrote, “Congratulations, my love”

Yomi Fabiyi wrote, “The sound of joy and congratulations. Aya wa aku ajaiye. Thank you”.

Lizzy Anjorin wrote, “Congratulations”.

Moyo Lawal wrote, “Congratulations hun. God bless your new journey”.

A significant portion of reactions expressed disbelief, scepticism about the timeline, and strong disapproval of Luminee’s decision, particularly as a mother to an older daughter.

Critics raised concerns about the message this sends, given Baba Ijesha’s conviction, with phrases like “Women Dey marry sha” and debates over forgiveness versus accountability trending.

As of now, neither Baba Ijesha nor CEO Luminee has directly addressed the backlash.

The couple appeared focused on their new bundle of joy, with the internet divided between well-wishers and vocal skeptics.

– Additional Report – The Nation

Continue Reading

Entertainment

Headies 2026 Moved To Canada

Published

on

Spread the love

 

Organisers of The Headies have announced that the 18th edition of Nigeria’s premier music awards ceremony will take place in Toronto, Canada.

The announcement was made on Monday by Headies founder, Ayo Animashaun.

Although the exact date for the ceremony has yet to be unveiled, Animashaun confirmed partnership with another organisation to enhance the experience for attendees travelling from Nigeria to Canada.

Explaining the rationale behind taking the awards ceremony abroad, Animashaun stressed the need for The Headies to diversify its revenue streams in line with leading international award platforms.

“Most of the awards in the world that you see that are big, that you talk about, they have four or five sources of revenue. Here we have only one, everybody talks about sponsorship,” he said.

Drawing parallels with the Grammy Awards, he added, “They have state funding. During COVID, Grammy left Los Angeles and went to Madison Square in New York because LA was shut down.

“LA fought to bring Grammy back because it does something to their economy and it is part of their DNA. What events would you say are part of our DNA as Nigerians?”

The move signals a new direction for The Headies, which returned to Nigeria in 2024 after staging two consecutive editions in the United States.

The 15th and 16th editions of the awards were both held at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre in Atlanta, Georgia.

Since its launch in 2006, The Headies has evolved into one of Africa’s most prestigious music award ceremonies, recognising outstanding achievements in the Nigerian music industry.

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2026 TheColumn NG