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Impeachment: Aiyedatiwa, Akeredolu’s supporters plan massive protests in Ondo

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The feud between Ondo State Governor, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu, and his deputy, Lucky Ayedatiwa, may take another dimension this week as loyalists to the two political leaders are planning to embark on massive protests in Akure, the state capital, this week.

These plans were being hatched by the two groups supporting the two leaders, while they took to various social media platforms to announce the protest over the weekend by individuals believed to be loyal to the deputy governor.

One of the groups loyal to the deputy governor has threatened that the planned protest will be the mother of all protests in the state and will be worse than the EndSARS protest in the state.

The supporters of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu were said to be warming up to thwart the protest and have also announced their plans to counter the protests against Akeredolu.

Aiyedatiwa’s supporters are demanding that Akeredolu resign from office while his deputy is sworn in as substantive governor.

Prominent among those pushing for a protest is a former member of the House of Representatives, Kolade Akinjo, who has expressed his desire to lead the protest.

Akinjo said the protest will be used to send a strong message and signal to Akeredolu, urging him to return to his seat or relinquish power to his deputy.

Akinjo stated in his social media post: “All the progressives must be ready to join a full-day protest in Akure devoid of party colouration.

“A huge protest will send a message to all these democratic hawks and fools holding the constitution to ransom.

“Ondo State is bleeding, and everything is happening to the state now. Corruption is at its peak, and we don’t know who is in the saddle.

“Let us go there. I am ready to lead. Eight years of legislative experience is not a joke. Dino said, You die once. I am tired of the rubbish happening in Ondo State.”

It was gathered that the protest is being put together following the recent decision of Justice Emeka Nwete of the Abuja High Court to hand off Aiyedatiwa’s case since it was already before the appellate court.

However, the police in the state said the command is unaware of any planned protest by the two groups.

The State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Funmi Odunlami, said the command is not aware of the plans by some supporters to stage protests with the intention of bringing the state to a standstill.

Meanwhile, the Ondo Congress for Progressives Front (OCPF) has called on both Aiyedatiwa and Akeredolu supporters to sheathe their swords and allow peace to reign in the state.

The group, in a statement by its coordinator, Olayemi Oyekanmi, expressed concerns about the adverse effects the planned protests would have on the peace and security of the state.

“We have discovered plans by both Akeredolu and Aiyedatiwa supporters to stage a massive protest in Akure, the state capital.

As much as we recognise protest as a legitimate right of citizens, we are concerned about the security threat it poses to the state.

“We are calling on the security agencies to swing into action and prevent these planned protests from happening. It is in the interest of the peace and security of the state.

“These concerned individuals should be brought to a round table and have meaningful discussions on their agitations. A clash of protests does not serve the interests of peace. We must avoid it.”

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NDLEA warns public against fake auction offers using officials’ names

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The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has warned Nigerians to be wary of fraudsters impersonating its officials to defraud unsuspecting members of the public through fake auction offers for forfeited vehicles.

 

In a statement issued on Friday, the agency’s spokesman, Femi Babafemi, said the scammers have been using the names of senior NDLEA officials, particularly the Secretary to the Agency, Barrister Shadrach Haruna, to circulate fraudulent letters and messages offering cheap forfeited vehicles for sale.

 

Babafemi described the offers as a deliberate scam aimed at swindling people of their money.

“The public is hereby notified that these offers are a complete scam. The Agency wishes to categorically state that these fraudulent offers are a malicious gimmick designed solely to defraud targeted individuals of their hard-earned money,” he said.

 

The agency stressed that no NDLEA official is authorised to privately allocate, sell or offer forfeited vehicles or any other seized assets to individuals.

According to the statement, all forfeited vehicles and assets are disposed of only through public auction processes conducted by government-approved auctioneers in line with legal and public procurement guidelines.

Babafemi added that legitimate auction exercises are always widely advertised in national newspapers and through the agency’s official communication channels.

He urged members of the public to disregard and report any letters, text messages or social media posts claiming to offer forfeited vehicles through Barrister Haruna or any other NDLEA official.

“The NDLEA remains committed to maintaining transparency and integrity in all its operations. Do not fall victim to these criminal elements. If you are approached with such fraudulent offers, please report immediately to the nearest NDLEA command or through our official communication channels,” the statement added.

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Initiators Promise Big As NIGMA Gets August 2026 Date

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The organisers of this year’s Nigeria International Gospel Music Awards ( NIGMA) have announced that the upcoming edition will celebrate the very best of the gospel music industry in an atmosphere of excellence, creativity, and inspiration.

 

The event is scheduled to take place on Sunday, August 9, 2026, at the prestigious Agip Recital Hall, MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos.

Speaking at a media briefing in Lagos, Kingsley Omoefe, Founder and Team Lead of NIGMA and Chief Responsibility Officer of Golden Heritage Limited, said the August event is designed to bring together gospel music ministers, industry stakeholders, fans, and supporters for a memorable celebration of talent, faith, and excellence.

He stated that attendees should expect an unforgettable experience featuring outstanding performances from leading gospel artists, alongside special recognitions for individuals and organisations that have made significant contributions to the industry.

The organisers also revealed that the event will feature meaningful conversations designed to inspire participants, promote collaboration, and foster the continued growth of gospel music.

The organisers said the August gathering would create memorable moments that would leave guests inspired, enriched, and motivated long after the curtains close.

They further called on corporate organisations, media outfits, and well-meaning individuals to take advantage of the opportunities available to support the event through sponsorships and strategic partnerships.

The organisers encouraged interested organisations and individuals seeking sponsorship, partnership, media accreditation, or participation to contact the event management for further information and registration ahead of the highly anticipated August programme.

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Nottingham Forest Sacks 5th Manager In 10 Months, To Wrap Up Oliver Glasner’s Deal

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Oliver Glasner is in advanced talks to replace Vitor Pereira as Nottingham Forest head coach, a move which would see the Austrian become the club’s fifth manager in less than a year.

 

Pereira announced his departure from the club in a statement on Wednesday, saying that it came as a “complete surprise to me and without any warning”.

Glasner is a free agent after leaving Crystal Palace — where he won the FA Cup in 2024-25 and then the Community Shield and Conference League the following campaign — and is set to stay in the Premier League.

The 51-year-old confirmed in January that he would leave Palace at the end of the season after two years in charge.

On Thursday, Forest confirmed Pereira’s coaching staff Filipe Almeida, Luis Miguel, Bruno Moura, Marco Knoop and Pedro Lopes had all left the club alongside the head coach.

Pereira, 57, was appointed Forest head coach in February on an 18-month contract which runs until 2027.

The Athletic reported in May Forest had been planning to show their faith in Pereira by handing the head coach a new long-term contract, but those talks were subsequently put on hold.

“Today marks the end of my journey as head coach of Nottingham Forest,” he said in his statement.

“I want to say a sincere thank you to everyone connected with this incredible football club. Although this decision came as a complete surprise to me and without any warning, I fully respect the club’s right to make the decisions it believes are best for its future.

“Naturally, I am disappointed and saddened. I truly believed in what we were building together, and I leave with a sense of pride in everything we achieved over the past months.

“Together, we enjoyed a memorable end to the season. We secured the club’s Premier League status, reached the semi-finals of the Europa League, and created moments that will stay with me forever. Most importantly, I saw a group of players grow in confidence, belief and togetherness.

“I leave Nottingham Forest with no bitterness or resentment—only respect, gratitude and wonderful memories. Football is full of unexpected moments, and while this chapter has ended sooner than I expected, I will always look back on my time here with pride and affection.”

The Portuguese succeeded Sean Dyche and was Forest’s fourth permanent boss of the season following the departures of Nuno Espirito Santo and Ange Postecoglou.

Nuno had led Forest to Europa League qualification the previous season but he departed in September, less than three months after signing a new deal. Postecoglou was appointed his replacement but was dismissed just 39 days later. Dyche took charge of the team in October before his dismissal in February.

Forest were three points above the relegation zone when Pereira was appointed and he subsequently steered his side to Premier League safety with two games of the campaign remaining.

His appointment marked his second managerial spell in the Premier League after guiding Wolverhampton Wanderers to safety during the 2024-25 campaign.

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