Alaafin of Oyo Denies Consulting Or Endorsing Rotational Chairmanship Claimed by Governor Seyi Makinde

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba (Engr.) Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, has denied being consulted or approving the rotational chairmanship of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs. In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Bode Durojaiye, the Alaafin’s Palace responded to remarks attributed to Governor Seyi Makinde, who reportedly claimed he consulted the Alaafin, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, and the Soun of Ogbomoso before inaugurating Rashidi Ladoja, Arusa I, as chairman of the council. “The attention of the Alaafin’s Palace has been drawn to a statement credited to His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde, that he consulted with the three traditional rulers in the state on the rotational chairmanship of the State Council of Obas and Chiefs,” the statement read. The Palace categorically denied the claim, stressing that no such consultation took place. “There was no time that His Imperial Majesty, the Alaafin of Oyo, held any meeting with either the State Governor or any of the two traditional rulers mentioned on this issue,” it stated. It also made clear that the Alaafin did not endorse the proposed rotational arrangement. “The Alaafin did not tell the Governor nor make any categorical statement endorsing rotational chairmanship among the three traditional rulers in the state,” the Palace added. The statement emphasized that the Alaafin’s stance, alongside that of the Oyo community, had already been formally communicated to the governor. “The position of the Alaafin and the entire Oyo community on the issue of the State Council of Obas and Chiefs has been clearly enunciated in a memorandum delivered to His Excellency by the Oyo Council of Elders,” it concluded.

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Olubadan Inaugurated As First Chairman Of New Oyo State Council Of Obas And Chiefs

Governor Seyi Makinde on Thursday inaugurated the new Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs in Ibadan, unveiling a rotational chairmanship among three of the state’s leading traditional rulers. The ceremony, held at the House of Chiefs Hall, State Secretariat, Ibadan, saw the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, Arusa I, appointed as the council’s first chairman for a two-year term. Notably absent from the event was the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, one of the state’s foremost monarchs. The inauguration follows the passage of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs (Further Amendments) Bill, 2025, by the State House of Assembly, a law designed to strengthen traditional institutions in the state. Explaining the rotational chairmanship, Governor Makinde said, “I called the monarchs and proposed in the law that the chairmanship of the Council of Obas will rotate every two years. This is our tradition. But when we sit down, if we don’t resolve issues and do what is right and proper for our people, then we have failed. “So, I consulted my three fathers—the Alaafin of Oyo, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, and the Soun of Ogbomosoland—and the agreement is that the rotation will start with Kabiyesi, the Olubadan of Ibadan. On that basis, I hereby pronounce the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs inaugurated.” Under the amended law, the council’s chairmanship will rotate every two years among the Alaafin of Oyo, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, and the Soun of Ogbomosoland. Oba Ladoja, a former Oyo State governor, became the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland in September 2025 following the death of Oba Owolabi Olakulehin.

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Fubara Orders Immediate Employment Of Fallen Servicemen’s Children In Rivers

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has approved the immediate employment of children of fallen servicemen in the state. The directive was announced on Thursday during the Armed Forces Remembrance ceremony at Government House, Port Harcourt, held to mark the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day. Fubara said the move reflects the state government’s commitment to the Armed Forces, other security agencies, and the families of personnel who lost their lives in active service. He instructed the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Benibo Anabraba, to ensure the directive is implemented without delay. “I want to emphasise that the Secretary to the State Government has been given marching orders to ensure the promised employment for the children of our veterans is immediately attended to. This is part of our socio-economic support for their families,” he said. The governor noted that Rivers State would continue to partner with military formations by providing logistical and welfare support to enhance their operational capacity. He paid tribute to troops deployed nationwide, particularly those fighting Boko Haram in the North-East, as well as personnel confronting banditry and kidnapping in the North-West and North-Central regions. He also acknowledged ongoing military operations in the South-East and South-South against pipeline vandalism, crude oil theft, and other security threats on land and at sea. Fubara honoured soldiers who died during the First and Second World Wars, the Nigerian Civil War, international peacekeeping missions, and recent counter-insurgency operations. He also commended President Bola Tinubu for strengthening the military through improved welfare, modern equipment, and initiatives aimed at addressing internal security challenges. Earlier, the Chairman of the Nigerian Legion, Rivers State chapter, Kuu Aminkipo Promise, praised the state government’s support, highlighting Governor Fubara’s ₦100 million donation to the 2026 Emblem Appeal Fund as reassurance to veterans, widows, and dependents of fallen heroes.

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Nigeria Inflation Rises To 15.15 Percent In December As Food Prices Ease

Nigeria’s inflation climbed to 15.15 percent in December 2025, up from 14.45 percent in November, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). The CPI data released on Thursday showed that the overall price level increased by 0.7 percent month-on-month. Food prices, however, eased during the period, with food inflation falling to 10.84 percent in December from 11.08 percent in November. Compared to December 2024, food inflation slowed significantly from 39.84 percent. “The Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose to 131.2 in December 2025, up by 0.7 points from 130.5 in November,” the NBS report noted. The bureau added that the December headline inflation of 15.15 percent was lower than November’s 17.33 percent and down 19.65 percent from the 34.80 percent recorded in December 2024. “This indicates a year-on-year decrease in headline inflation in December 2025 compared to the same month last year, though based on a different reference year (November 2009 = 100),” the report explained. The figures come after analysts had projected a rise in inflation for December.

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Taiwo Oyedele Denies Claims That New Tax Law Guidelines Were Halted

Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Tax Reform Committee, has refuted reports suggesting that the Federal Government has suspended the issuance of implementation guidelines for Nigeria’s new tax laws. The clarification came on Thursday via Oyedele’s X account, in response to a report claiming that uncertainty over the final versions of the tax laws had forced a pause in government action. The report alleged that Oyedele had directed the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) and the Joint Revenue Board (JRB) to delay issuing the guidelines, amid doubts about whether the circulating copies of the laws reflected the official final versions. It further claimed that printed copies were withheld after the National Assembly reportedly retained all gazetted copies for internal review, raising concerns about discrepancies between versions. Oyedele dismissed the report outright, writing simply: “Fake news.”

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Abuja Court Strikes Out Criminal Case Against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

An Abuja High Court on Thursday struck out the criminal charges brought by the Federal Government against the senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, ending a high-profile case that sparked widespread national debate. The charges were withdrawn after the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation filed a Notice of Discontinuance, leading the court to formally strike out the criminal defamation and related counts earlier filed against the lawmaker. The case stemmed from comments Akpoti-Uduaghan allegedly made during a televised interview and had drawn significant public attention, with debates focusing on freedom of expression, political accountability, and the limits of prosecutorial powers in a democratic society. The Notice of Discontinuance, dated December 12, 2025, brought proceedings in suit number FHC/ABJ/CR/195/2025 to an end. Justice C. N. Oji, who presided over the matter, acknowledged the notice and struck out the case. In his remarks, the judge said the development highlighted the need for restraint in the use of prosecutorial authority, expressing hope that it would encourage respect for the rule of law and promote healing within the democratic process. Counsel to the Federal Government confirmed the withdrawal of the charges in court, explaining that the decision was taken in line with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act and in the overall interest of justice and public confidence in the legal system. Reacting after the court session, Akpoti-Uduaghan described the ruling as a vindication of her position. She said the outcome reaffirmed her belief in the rule of law and pledged to remain committed to serving her constituents and defending democratic rights. The striking out of the charges follows months of legal controversy and sustained public discourse, with civil society groups and rights organisations previously condemning the case as an attempt to suppress free speech and political engagement.

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Vice President Shettima Represents Tinubu at 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day

Vice President Kashim Shettima represented President Bola Tinubu at the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day (AFCRD) ceremony held at the Cenotaph of the Unknown Soldier, Eagle Square, Abuja. President Tinubu is in the United Arab Emirates attending the 2026 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW). The AFCRD, organised annually by the Ministry of Defence, honours Nigerian military personnel who sacrificed their lives in service to the nation. This includes those who died during the First and Second World Wars, the Nigerian Civil War, peacekeeping missions, and internal security operations, particularly in the fight against terrorism. The event also celebrates living veterans and provides an opportunity to rally financial and moral support for their welfare, as well as for the families of fallen service members. While Remembrance Day is observed worldwide, Nigeria’s commemoration has a unique history. Initially marked on November 11 in line with other Commonwealth nations, the date was later moved to January 15 to mark the end of the Nigerian Civil War and reflect the country’s own historical journey. The 2026 ceremony comes at a time of notable security gains by the Armed Forces in the North-East and other regions. It recognises the courage, professionalism, and sacrifices of officers and soldiers working to maintain peace and security for Nigerians. The Federal Government reiterated its appreciation for these gallant personnel and called on citizens, organisations, and the private sector to continue supporting service members, especially wounded soldiers and families of fallen heroes.

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Nigerians To Pay 7.5% VAT On Mobile Transfers, USSD Transactions From January 19

Starting January 19, 2026, Nigerians will begin paying a 7.5 percent Value Added Tax (VAT) on selected banking services, including mobile transfers, USSD transactions, and card issuance fees, following a government-mandated directive. Moniepoint informed its customers on Wednesday that the new VAT charges would take effect on certain electronic banking services, in line with instructions from the Nigerian Revenue Service (NRS), formerly the Federal Inland Revenue Service. The notice read: “From Monday, 19 January 2026, we are required to collect a 7.5% VAT, to be remitted to the Nigerian Revenue Service (NRS).” Moniepoint clarified that not all transactions would attract the tax, noting that “interest on deposits and savings” would remain exempt. The company also emphasized that this is not a price increase, but a regulatory obligation. “This is not a price increase by Moniepoint. Moniepoint is required to collect and remit VAT to the Nigerian Revenue Service. VAT applies only to banking or service fees, not interest,” the notice said. Customers were assured that all VAT deductions would be clearly itemized on transaction reports and statements. The new VAT policy is set to affect millions of Nigerians who use mobile banking and USSD services for daily financial transactions.

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