Olubadan Of Ibadanland Clears Air On Peter Obi, Says “He Is My Brother And Friend”

Olubadan Of Ibadanland Says “Am I Not His Brother and Friend?” While Quashing Rift Rumours With Peter Obi

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has dismissed claims of any tension between himself and former Anambra State governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi. Speculation arose after Obi congratulated Oba Ladoja on his installation as the 44th Olubadan, referring to him as “my dear brother.” Critics, including Oriyomi Hamzat, Reno Omokri, and Lere Olayinka, argued that such a phrase was inappropriate when addressing a traditional monarch. In a phone interview confirmed by Prof. Pius Abioje, Oba Ladoja clarified there was no ill feeling. “No, who said that? Why should I be angry with Peter Obi calling me his brother and friend? Am I not his brother and friend?” he said. Peter Obi had congratulated the Olubadan on 26 September 2025, describing him as “my dear brother, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, Arusa I,” a gesture he said reflected goodwill and respect. Oba Ladoja’s response confirms he was not offended, reaffirming the friendly relationship between the two leaders and putting rumours of discord to rest.  

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Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno Orders Dissolution Of All State Boards And Commissions

Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has dissolved all statutory and non-statutory boards and commissions in the state with immediate effect. The Secretary to the State Government, Enobong Uwah, announced the decision on Thursday in Uyo, explaining that it was made under the Statutory Boards (Special Provisions) Law, 2023. “The governor wishes members of the dissolved boards and commissions success in their future endeavours and commends them for their contributions to advancing the ARISE agenda,” Uwah said. Chairpersons of the affected agencies have been instructed to hand over all government property in their possession to the most senior officer in their respective organisations. Governor Eno had earlier hinted at the move during a media briefing marking the 37th anniversary of Akwa Ibom State in 2024, assuring that commissioners and board members would not be caught off guard. He also announced plans to hold a valedictory session to honor their service and contributions to the state’s development.  

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EFCC Arrests 42 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Gashua

Operatives of the Maiduguri Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested 42 suspected internet fraudsters in Gashua Local Government Area of Yobe State. They were arrested in a sting operation on Wednesday, October 1, 2025 at different locations within Gashua, following credible intelligence on their involvement in computer-related crimes. Items recovered from them include seven motorcycles, one Mercedes Benz car, fifty-five (55) phones and laptops, as well as playstation 5 (PS5) and playstation 4 (PS4) consoles respectively. Intelligence available to the Commission linked the suspects with various forms of internet-related fraud. They will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.  

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Remi Tinubu Honored As Warrior Queen Of Akko Emirate In Gombe State

Remi Tinubu Honored As Warrior Queen Of Akko Emirate In Gombe State

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Remi Tinubu, has been named Sarauniyar Yaki (Warrior Queen) of Akko Emirate in Gombe State. The Lamido Akko, Alhaji Umar Muhammad Atiku, bestowed the title on Thursday in recognition of her tireless efforts to protect the vulnerable and champion the welfare of women and children across the country. During her two-day working visit, the First Lady will also inaugurate the Renewed Hope Initiative’s ‘Flow With Confidence’ programme, a landmark menstrual health project that provides schoolgirls with disposable sanitary pads to improve hygiene and reduce absenteeism. After receiving the honor, Mrs. Tinubu described it as both inspiring and humbling. She promised to strengthen her interventions for the girl-child, especially in education and health, and called on traditional leaders to support her initiatives and help expand their reach to local communities. The ceremony in Akko Emirate was attended by Gombe State Governor Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya, Chief Whip of the House of Representatives Hon. Usman Bello Kumo, and other prominent dignitaries.  

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BBNaija Disqualifies Faith After Clash With Sultana

Big Brother Naija has removed housemate Faith from the ongoing season 10 following a physical confrontation with fellow contestant Sultana. The decision was announced by Biggie on Thursday after an emergency meeting in the main lounge, with Faith immediately asked to leave the house. The incident occurred Thursday morning during a rehearsal for a skincare task. Sultana accused Faith of being controlling and trying to take over the group, despite the task not being related to his medical expertise. The disagreement escalated when Faith pulled a basket containing task materials, causing Sultana to fall and injure her ankle and hand. Housemate Kaybobo intervened briefly by taking the basket from Faith, but tensions remained high. Frustrated by the situation, Sultana said she could no longer work with Faith in the same group. How can faith do this to sultana Is he okay?#BBNaija @BBNaija pic.twitter.com/7vC7IOxgh3 — sultana baby🪖 (@officialehii) October 2, 2025

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Atiku Denies Intention To Step Aside From 2027 Presidential Race

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has rejected claims that he would step aside for any candidate in the 2027 presidential election. In a statement released Thursday in Abuja by his media aide, Paul Ibe, Atiku said his comments during an interview with BBC Hausa Service had been misrepresented by some media outlets. “After reviewing both the video and transcript of the interview, in Hausa and English, it is clear that at no point did the former Vice President indicate, suggest, or imply that he intends to step down for anyone,” the statement said. It explained that Atiku had emphasized that young aspirants and other prospective candidates are free to contest the election. “He also made it clear that if a young candidate emerges through a competitive primary, he would support that candidate without hesitation,” the statement added. The press release further criticized misleading reporting, noting that while interpretation is part of journalism, exaggerating statements for sensational effect is unacceptable.

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Zidane’s Son Gets First Algeria Call-Up for Crucial World Cup Qualifiers

French soccer great Zinedine Zidane´s son Luca was called up by Algeria for the first time Thursday, with the team close to qualifying for the 2026 World Cup in North America.   Luca Zidane, a 27-year-old goalkeeper, represented France at youth level but never for the senior national team and is eligible for Algeria through his father´s family ties.   FIFA approved a change of national eligibility two weeks ago for Zidane, who once played at Real Madrid when his father was coach there. He is now with Spanish second-division team Granada.   Algeria coach Vladimir Petkovic picked Zidane in a 26-player squad for qualifying games against Somalia on Oct. 9 and Uganda five days later.   Algeria leads the qualifying group by four points and a win in either game would send the team to the World Cup being co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.   Algeria has played at four men´s World Cups and reached the round of 16 at its last appearance in 2014.   Zinedine Zidane played at three World Cups for France, winning the 1998 title at home and losing the final in 2006. His red card in extra time of the 2006 final for headbutting Italy defender Marco Materazzi is part of World Cup lore and was his final game as a player.

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Two Planes Collide in New York With One Wing Ripped Off

Two Delta Air Lines planes have collided on a taxiway at LaGuardia Airport in New York on Wednesday night. A “low-speed collision” took place between one plane arriving from Charlotte, North Carolina, and another that was scheduled to depart for Roanoke in Virginia. The crash between Endeavor Air Flight 5047 and Endeavor Flight 5155 – Endeavour is a subsidiary of Delta – took place just before 10 pm Eastern Time, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey told The Independent.   One flight attendant injured her knee in the collision and was later taken to the hospital after being treated by medics at the scene, according to the Port Authority. The pilot of 5047 radioed the ground controller in audio, which was recorded by the website LiveATC.net, according to CNN. “We have two CRJs on (taxiway) M that collided. Their right wing clipped our nose and the cockpit wind screens.”   “Delta will work with all relevant authorities to review what occurred, as the safety of our customers and people comes before all else. We apologize to our customers for the experience,” Delta said. The Federal Aviation Administration has told The Independent that it is investigating the incident.   There were 32 people on board Flight 5155, including 28 passengers and four crewmembers, while Flight 5047 contained 61 people, including 57 passengers and four crewmembers.   A video published by CBS shows a pilot telling passengers over the intercom that it “seems as though there’s an aircraft that collided with us”. “There was no impact to airport operations,” the Port Authority told other outlets. Delta Air Lines said in a statement to other outlets: “Delta teams at our New York-LaGuardia hub are working to ensure our customers are taken care of after two Delta Connection aircraft operated by Endeavor Air were involved in a low-speed collision during taxi.

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