Olubadan Dares Makinde, Leaves Ibadan For Lagos As Coronation Boycott Deepens Crisis

A major constitutional and traditional crisis is unfolding in Oyo State as the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has reportedly taken a firm and defiant position against the state government, directing a boycott of the coronation ceremony of three prominent Ibadan High Chiefs.

In a dramatic twist, credible palace sources confirm that the monarch has also left Ibadan for Lagos, a move widely interpreted as a strong signal of his resolve amid the escalating standoff.

Sources indicate that the Olubadan is prepared for a direct confrontation with the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde, signaling his intention to stay away from the ceremony and urging the affected chiefs to do the same — a development that has significantly heightened tension within both the traditional institution and the political space.

At the centre of the crisis are three senior chiefs — High Chief Kola Babalola (Ekaarun Olubadan), High Chief Akeem Bolaji Adewoyin (Ekerin Balogun), and High Chief (Senator) Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli (Ekaarun Balogun) — who are reportedly set to boycott the coronation scheduled for Friday, April 3, 2026, in defiance of the Oyo State Government’s directive.

Insiders reveal that the boycott is partly aimed at shielding Senator Sharafadeen Alli, who is said to be at the centre of the controversy surrounding the coronation and its political undertones.

More revealing, a highly placed source disclosed that the Olubadan, himself a former governor, is fully aware of the powers vested in an Executive Governor and believes that the current political configuration in the state could shift significantly in the near future.

The development has effectively drawn a clear battle line between the Olubadan and Governor Makinde’s administration, raising concerns about a potential and unprecedented clash between traditional authority and state power.

Observers warn that the standoff could severely strain relations between both institutions, with far-reaching implications for governance, political stability, and the delicate balance of authority in Oyo State.

Analysts further caution that the growing overlap between politics and traditional leadership — particularly the perceived involvement of the Olubadan in political alignments — may heighten tensions and trigger wider instability if not carefully managed.

As of press time, neither the Oyo State Government nor the Olubadan Palace has issued an official statement confirming or denying the development, further fueling speculation and anxiety across the state.

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Ondo PDP Holds SEC Meeting, Dismisses Illegal Congress, Reaffirms Loyalty To Turaki-led NWC

The Ondo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has once again reaffirmed its unalloyed loyalty and total commitment to the Barr. Taminu Turaki-led National Working Committee (NWC), while dismissing in strong terms the purported “new congress” being bandied about by a handful of misguided elements parading themselves outside the constitutional structure of the Party.

This position was made clear at the meeting of the State Executive Committee (SEC) of the Party held on Thursday at the Party's State Secretariat, Akure, the Ondo State capital.

In a statement issued by the Director of Media and Public Communications of the Ondo State PDP, Wándé T. Àjàyí, the State Chairman, Barr. Victor Modupe Aisida, made it abundantly clear that the so-called congress being promoted by some desperate individuals remains a nullity, a charade, and a political exercise in futility.

According to the State Chairman, the Peoples Democratic Party is a party guided by rules, due process, and constitutional order, and no valid congress can be conjured out of illegality, confusion, or personal ambition.

Barr. Aisida noted that those behind the sham exercise have once again demonstrated a poor understanding of the Party’s constitution, processes, and internal democratic mechanisms, stressing that you cannot build something on nothing.

He further emphasized that no legitimate State Congress can stand where there have been no valid Ward and Local Government Congresses, and no authentic delegate structure recognized by the lawful leadership of the Party.

The SEC meeting was attended by all Local Government Chairmen of the Party, members of the State Executive Council, and major stakeholders across the State, in a clear demonstration of the unity, strength, and legitimacy of the Ondo State PDP under the recognized Party leadership.

Among leaders present at the meeting were Dr. Eddy Olafeso, Member of the Board of Trustees (BoT) and former National Vice Chairman (South West), former State Chairman, Engr. Clement Faboyede, as well as Chief Tunde Akindehin and other prominent stakeholders of the Party.

Speaking at the meeting, Dr. Eddy Olafeso and Engr. Clement Faboyede reassured members that the PDP remains intact, united, and fully prepared for the future, stressing that the Party will be on the ballot and duly elected candidates will emerge under its platform.

Dr. Olafeso urged all Party faithful across the State to actively key into the ongoing PDP membership registration exercise, describing it as a vital step toward strengthening the Party’s base and repositioning it for the tasks ahead.

The leaders also encouraged all aspirants to remain steadfast and continue their grassroots consultations and mobilization, expressing confidence that the PDP remains the most viable political platform in Ondo State and that victory is not in doubt.

Dr. Olafeso further appreciated the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, for his steadfast leadership, courage, and consistency in providing direction for the Party at a critical time.

The Ondo State PDP therefore urges its members, supporters, and the general public to disregard the noise and distractions being orchestrated by those who have chosen the path of illegality and confusion.

The Party remains united, focused, and fully aligned with the recognized national leadership, and will not be distracted by the antics of political merchants seeking relevance through illegitimate means.

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Tinubu Pledges All Salaries To Support Wounded Military Personnel, Fallen Heroes’ Families As Birthday Gift

 President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Sunday marked his 74th birthday with a significant gesture of solidarity and support for Nigeria’s Armed Forces, announcing the establishment of a special fund for serving military personnel wounded in the line of duty, as well as the families of fallen heroes.

In a personally signed statement, the President disclosed that he had directed the Accountant-General of the Federation to establish a dedicated account for the initiative, which is aimed at complementing existing insurance and welfare schemes for officers and men of the Armed Forces.

As a personal demonstration of commitment, Tinubu said all his salaries since assuming office as President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces would be paid into the special account as seed funding.

The President said the fund would provide direct support for military personnel who have suffered life-altering injuries in active service, particularly those who have lost limbs, as well as widows, widowers, and children of officers and soldiers who paid the supreme price in defence of the nation.

“Today, I have directed the Accountant-General of the Federation to establish a special account for a fund dedicated to those who serve, those wounded in the line of duty, and the families of those who have paid the ultimate price,” Tinubu stated.

“As a personal commitment, all my salaries since assuming office will be paid into this account as seed funding, irrespective of existing insurance and welfare schemes for members of our armed forces,” he added.

The President used the occasion of his birthday to salute what he described as the valiant men and women of the Armed Forces, stressing that the country owes a permanent debt of gratitude to those who daily put themselves in harm’s way to safeguard Nigeria’s peace, unity, and territorial integrity.

He said the initiative must not be seen as an act of charity, but as a solemn obligation owed by the nation to those who bear the burden of its defence.

“This is not charity. It is duty. And we will fulfil it,” the President declared.

Tinubu also called on state governors, members of the National Assembly, the private sector, friends of the administration, and other patriotic Nigerians to support the initiative once details of the account are formally unveiled.

“I call on our Governors, members of the National Assembly, the private sector, my friends and all well-wishers to support this initiative. Details of the account will be made available in due course,” he said.

The President further underscored the need for the country to continually honour the sacrifices of military personnel and the burdens borne by their families, especially those who have lost breadwinners or continue to live with the physical and emotional scars of war and internal security operations.

“We must never forget those who stand in harm’s way for our peace, nor the sacrifices borne by their families,” Tinubu said.

The announcement is expected to resonate widely across the country and may open a fresh chapter in efforts to strengthen post-service welfare, rehabilitation, and long-term support for wounded servicemen and women, as well as the dependants of those who died in active service.

President Tinubu’s gesture comes at a time when calls have continued to grow for more robust support structures for military personnel and their families amid persistent security operations in different parts of the country.

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