Category: News

The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, has praised the burial process of the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, describing it as a landmark step toward restoring the dignity of the Yoruba traditional institution. Oba Akanbi lauded the decision to bury Oba Adetona according to Islamic rites without subjecting his remains to traditional practices such as mutilation, which he likened to “acts done by butchers.” The Awujale, who passed away on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at the age of 91, was laid to rest on Monday in accordance with Islamic customs. Soldiers were deployed during the burial to prevent traditionalists from disrupting the process after Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, affirmed that the late monarch had clearly expressed his burial wishes. In a statement by his Press Secretary, Alli Ibraheem, the Oluwo commended the Awujale’s family, Governor Abiodun, and the state’s Attorney General, Oluwasina Ogungbade (SAN), for ensuring the monarch’s wishes were honored. He described their stance as a “victory for the Yoruba race.” “The courage demonstrated by the late Adetona’s family, Governor Abiodun, and the Attorney General is commendable and a blessing to restore the glory of Yoruba stools. Any town willing that its king be butchered after death should rather appoint an herbalist or Ogboni as their ruler,” Oba Akanbi said. He stressed that Oba Adetona had set a new standard for how Yoruba monarchs should be buried, emphasizing that traditional rulers should be treated with dignity even in death. “Honour doesn’t die with the king. They should be honoured to the grave and beyond, not butchered like an animal,” the Oluwo stated. Oba Akanbi further advocated that the burial of monarchs should follow the instructions left by the king before death or his family’s decision afterward, condemning the forceful seizure of royal corpses by secret societies. The Iwo monarch reaffirmed his stance against idol worship and traditional cult practices, noting that he had liberated the Oluwo stool from such influences since ascending the throne a decade ago.

GOMBE, Nigeria – July 15, 2025Thousands of mourners across Gombe State gathered on Tuesday to offer Salat al-Gha’ib (funeral prayer in absentia) for former President Muhammadu Buhari, who died in a London hospital at the age of 83. The largest prayer gathering took place outside the Pantami Township Stadium, where Islamic clerics led the faithful in solemn prayers, invoking Allah’s mercy and seeking eternal rest for the late president in Jannatul Firdaus. Speaking at the event, Sheikh Usman Bello praised Buhari’s legacy: “We are here to seek Allah’s mercy for our former president. He served this country with dedication. May Allah forgive his sins and grant him the highest level of paradise.” Many residents expressed a deep sense of loss, despite Buhari’s passing occurring far from home. “He may have passed away in London, but we in Gombe feel the pain. He was a father figure to many of us,” said Ibrahim Adamu, a local trader who attended the prayer with his children. Fatima Yakubu, a student at the Federal University, Kashere, said Buhari’s leadership motivated many young Nigerians to consider public service. “He stood for discipline and integrity. Whether you agreed with all his policies or not, his presence on the national stage was powerful. We pray Allah accepts him and comforts his family.” According to reports from local mosques and community groups, similar prayer sessions were held across various neighborhoods and open spaces in Gombe, all conducted peacefully in an outpouring of respect for the late president. Muhammadu Buhari, Nigeria’s former military ruler from 1983 to 1985 and later a democratically elected president from 2015 to 2023, was known for his austere lifestyle, anti-corruption agenda, and conservative governance style. His death has triggered nationwide mourning, with tributes pouring in from citizens, religious leaders, and international dignitaries.

The Nigerian Senate has refused to reinstate Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, despite a Federal High Court ruling declaring her six-month suspension unconstitutional. Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, was suspended by the Senate in March 2025 for alleged misconduct. However, in a ruling delivered by Justice Binta Nyako on July 4, the Federal High Court held that her suspension was “excessive and violated her constitutional rights.” Following the judgment, her legal team, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Michael Numa, formally notified the Senate of her intention to resume legislative duties on July 15, 2025. The notification was sent via a letter dated July 11 and addressed to the Clerk of the National Assembly. But in a reply dated July 14, the Senate rejected the move, stating there was no explicit court directive mandating her recall. The letter, signed by Charles Yoila, Director of Litigation and Counselling on behalf of the Clerk, stated: “There’s no order made on the 4th day of July, 2025, by Hon. Justice Binta Nyako, for the Senate, President of the Senate or National Assembly to comply with.” The Senate argued that the court merely offered a declaratory judgment, suggesting that the chamber may choose to exercise its power to recall her but was not compelled to do so. Senate spokesperson, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, reinforced this stance, saying: “The judgment did not include any express or mandatory order directing the recall or reinstatement of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.” Despite this, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal team insists that the judgment is binding under Section 318 of the 1999 Constitution and demands her immediate reinstatement, citing the court’s finding that the Senate’s action violated her constitutional rights. As of now, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan remains suspended, with the Senate maintaining that she lacks legal standing to resume her seat pending a formal decision from the chamber. The standoff raises constitutional questions about the limits of legislative authority in the face of judicial intervention.