The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Rasidi Ladoja, has made it clear that the antecedents and popularity of politicians aspiring to contest the 2027 Oyo State governorship election will determine their victory, not the mere invocation of his name.

Speaking with journalists at his Bodija residence after leading prayers for Eid-el-Kabir, Oba Ladoja noted that many aspirants had been campaigning using his name.

However, he stressed that the final choice rests with the people.

“Let them use my name to promote themselves if it is meaningful to them. But at the end of the day, it is the people who will decide who rules them, not my name,” he said, describing all politicians in the state as his children.

The monarch also expressed deep concern over the abduction of 39 pupils and teachers in communities in Oriire Local Government Area.

He assured that security agencies and government officials were working behind the scenes to secure their release.

“Government and security agencies are doing their best. It’s just that they cannot reveal their operations for security reasons,” Oba Ladoja added.

On the issue of land disputes, the Olubadan warned that land grabbing in Ibadanland will no longer be tolerated. He urged residents to respect traditional laws and desist from illegal acquisition of land.

As Muslims across Nigeria and the world celebrate Eid-ul-Adha, Hon. Aderemi Oseni, Member of the House of Representatives representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency, has urged Nigerians to exercise heightened community vigilance.

In a statement issued by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, the lawmaker, who also chairs the House Committee on the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), tasked security operatives at all levels to ensure peace and safety during the festive period.

Oseni, who has emerged as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Oyo South Senatorial District in the 2027 general elections, noted that Eid is a time for joy, spiritual reflection, and renewal.

The federal lawmaker added that the period is also an opportunity to recognize the critical role of security personnel in protecting lives, property, and public spaces.

“Eid-ul-Adha reminds us that peace and security are shared responsibilities,” the statement read.

“As we celebrate with our families and loved ones, let us remain vigilant and supportive of the men and women in uniform, whose courage, dedication, and professionalism make it possible for citizens to enjoy this festive season safely.”

Oseni commended security agencies across Oyo State and Nigeria, noting their unwavering commitment, discipline, and resilience, often under challenging conditions. He further urged citizens to partner with security operatives, report suspicious activities, and strengthen neighborhood cohesion, emphasizing that national security is a collective responsibility that transcends political, local, or individual interests.

The APC chieftain also highlighted the importance of responsible citizenship, calling on Nigerians to reflect the values of compassion, integrity, and communal solidarity that the Eid festival embodies.

“Our collective vigilance, cooperation, and commitment to the common good are what sustain peace and foster sustainable development,” he added.

The legislator extended warm Eid-ul-Adha greetings to all Nigerians, praying that the season brings joy, unity, and renewed hope for peace across the nation.

The South West Guild of Online Publishers (SWEGOP) has urged the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government to intensify efforts to secure the immediate release of pupils and teachers abducted in the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The media group described the incident as heartbreaking and traumatising, warning that it had deepened fears over worsening insecurity in Oyo State and the wider South-West region.

In a statement jointly signed by its Chairman, Bisi Oladele, and Publicity Secretary, Remi Oladoye, SWEGOP said the abduction was not only a painful attack on the victims’ families and affected communities but also a direct assault on the peace and stability of the region.

The guild lamented that many residents were gradually losing confidence in the safety of their environment, noting that the growing wave of insecurity had continued to inflict fear and psychological trauma on citizens.

According to the group, the continued captivity of the victims further exposes the fragility of Nigeria’s security architecture and underscores the urgent need for more coordinated and proactive responses to insecurity.

“The unfortunate abduction of innocent pupils and teachers in Oriire is deeply disturbing and unacceptable. Beyond the immediate pain inflicted on affected families and communities, this incident has heightened anxiety and fear among residents across Oyo State and the South-West,” the statement partly read.

While commending security agencies for ongoing rescue operations, SWEGOP urged the Federal and Oyo State governments not to relent until the victims were rescued unharmed and reunited with their families.

The guild also called for stronger collaboration between government and relevant stakeholders capable of supporting rescue efforts, stressing that all necessary resources must be deployed to secure the victims’ freedom.

It further appealed to security agencies to strengthen intelligence gathering, improve surveillance across vulnerable communities and adopt preventive measures to forestall future occurrences.

SWEGOP maintained that protecting lives and property remained the foremost responsibility of government, urging authorities to take decisive actions capable of restoring public confidence in the nation’s security system.