News
#OsunDecides : Ooni denies endorsing any candidate, charges EU election observers on objectivity
OONI of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, on Thursday urged the European Union Election observers that came to observe the Osun governorship election not to be bias in their reports as Election Observer.
The foremost African monarch also cleared the air on insinuation that he has endorsed a particular candidate.
“I am a father to everybody, I have prayed for all the candidates and we are hoping that whoever emerges would not betray the confidence reposes in him”.
Oba Ogunwusi gave the charge during the visit of the European Union Election Observers led by European Union Ambassador to Nigeria, Amb. Katil Karlsen, in Ile-Ife.
Speaking further, the custodian of culture, Ooni Ojaja said ” I want to specifically thank the European Union Team for deeming it fit to come to Osun State to observe the Governorship election.
“Your input, support, time to deepen our democracy is highly appreciated because you are committed to good governance which is the essence of a sane society.
“If you can reminiscence, you will know that the democracy you are enjoying in your different countries today was not smooth when it started, because you also had challenges. But, today, you’ve overcome. Therefore, whatever lapses found inherent in our nascent democracy will soon be a thing of the past.
“Nigeria must get it right because we are the centre piece of Africa and once we get it right; surely, the entire Africa countries will get it right as well.
“One of every four black men you see is a Nigerian. God wonderfully blessed us because we are most populous black nation on planet earth.
“As European Union Observers, please write what you see, don’t favour any candidate, surely, a winner must emerge and there must be a loser. I urge the candidates to be magnanimous in victory and be a gallant losers.
The African foremost monarch also admonished traditional rulers in the state to remain unbias as father for all
“Traditional Rulers don’t play politics but we are fathers to all political actors irrespective of where they hail from. Corruption cannot be fought in isolation, for it to be effectively tackle, all hands must be on decks”, he said.
He, however urged European Union to work directly with the government at the centre on how to help repartriate our stolen wealth.
While speaking, the EU Ambassador to Nigeria, Amb. Katil Karlsen said, “I’m highly impressed with the rich culture of traditional display by all here. We are all descendants of Africa and we know we migrated from Ile-Ife.
“Your highness, we are here to pay you a visit to observe tomorrow’s election, what we want is just free, fair and credible election that will make the state a shinning example.
“We appreciate the role you played by sound peace warning to all aspirants because peace is the most cherished commodity we cannot overlook”.
The Envoy noted that Osun State Election is germane to the general elections coming up in 2019.
On the entourage of the European Union Ambassador are: Tarel Charlie, Acting Italian Ambassador to Nigeria; Ida Hockerfelt of Sweden; Otto Stenosis of Finland Embassy; Jacob Jacob Silen of Denmark Embassy.
Earlier, Mr. Larry Ekundayo, an International boxer appreciates Ooni for the honoured bestowed on him in 2017 in London.
He said, in 2017 in London, “I was privilege to meet with my father in London and he asked me what I want and I told him that I want to be world champion. Ooni prayed for me, won my International boxing federation bout and today, I’m number fifteen in boxing hierarchy in the world”.
The Kano State House of Assembly has initiated impeachment proceedings against Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo over allegations of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and breach of public trust.
The notice was presented yesterday during plenary by the Majority Leader, Lawan Hussaini Dala, who said the action follows Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Dala said the allegations stem from Abdussalam’s tenure as Commissioner for Local Government (2023–2024) and his current role as deputy governor. He accused the deputy governor of diverting funds meant for the 44 local government councils.
According to the majority leader, Abdussalam allegedly received N1.5 million monthly from each council between June 2023 and January 2024, totaling N462 million. Between February and July 2024, he allegedly collected N3.255 million monthly from each council under the guise of special assignments, amounting to N726 million.
Dala also accused the deputy governor of abuse of office, claiming he facilitated payments of N10 million from each council to NovoMed Pharmaceuticals Limited, totaling N440 million, in violation of state procurement laws.
“The misuse of official capacity to confer undue advantage constitutes abuse of power and undermines public trust,” Dala told lawmakers, adding that the allegations amount to gross misconduct under the Constitution.
The impeachment notice was reportedly endorsed by 38 lawmakers, meeting the constitutional threshold to proceed. The Speaker has acknowledged receipt, and the House is expected to serve the allegations on the deputy governor.
If approved, a panel may be constituted by the state Chief Judge to investigate the claims.
As of filing, Abdussalam had yet to respond publicly to the allegations.
The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, on Wednesday inaugurated a seven-member committee on the establishment of state police, giving it four weeks to submit its report.
The inauguration was held during his maiden conference with senior police officers at the Peacekeeping Conference Centre, Force Headquarters, Abuja.
Charging members of the panel to discharge their duties with professionalism and objectivity, Disu described the assignment as “both significant and timely,” noting that it would shape the framework through which state policing may operate in Nigeria.
“In carrying out this assignment, your deliberations must be guided by professionalism, objectivity, and a clear appreciation of the unique complexities of policing a diverse nation such as our own,” the IGP said.
He stated that if properly designed and effectively implemented, state policing holds significant potential benefits for the country.
“By bringing law enforcement closer to communities, state police institutions can deepen local knowledge of security dynamics and enable quicker and more targeted responses to emerging threats,” he added.
The committee is expected to review existing policing models within and outside Nigeria, assess community security needs and emerging risks, and propose an operational framework for the establishment and coordination of state police structures.
It will also address issues relating to recruitment, training, standards and resource allocation, as well as develop accountability and oversight mechanisms to ensure professionalism and public trust.
The panel is chaired by Olu Ogunsakin, with Bode Ojajuni as secretary. Other members are Emmanuel Ojukwu, Okebechi Agora, Suleyman Gulma, Ikechukwu Okafor and Tolulope Ipinmisho.
Disu said the committee had about four weeks to conclude its assignment and submit a comprehensive report.
The move marks one of the first major steps taken by the new police chief since his appointment and confirmation a few days ago.
The development comes amid rising security concerns across the country, with several stakeholders advocating state policing as part of measures to tackle insecurity.
President Bola Tinubu had earlier asked the National Assembly to commence the process of amending relevant laws to pave the way for the creation of state police.
President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday swore in Olatunji Disu as the Inspector-General of Police (IGP).
Disu took the oath of office at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, shortly before the commencement of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.
The President also administered the oath of office to six commissioners of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) and two commissioners of the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC).
The ceremonies were witnessed by ministers, senior government officials and family members of the appointees.
The council meeting began shortly after the swearing-in.
In attendance were Vice President Kashim Shettima; the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu; and the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs EsthMrs.Walson-Jack.
Disu was appointed acting IGP on February 25, 2026, by President Tinubu, following the resignation of former IGP Kayode Egbetokun.
His appointment was subsequently endorsed by the Nigeria Police Council (NPC).
The former Assistant Inspector-General of Police assumed office last Wednesday.
He previously served as Assistant Inspector-General in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon, Lagos, after his promotion to the rank last year.
A former head of the Lagos Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Disu has pledged to deliver accountable, modern and professional policing.
-
Politics3 days agoIbarapa East Assembly Hopeful, Ramon Congratulates Ajiboye, Says Emergence Good for Oyo APC
-
Politics7 days agoMakinde: My Successor Must Be Loyal to Oyo, Not Me
-
Politics3 days ago2027: Former Oyo Deputy Governor Adeyemo Emerges APC Chairman (See Full List)
-
Politics7 days agoFintiri Dumps PDP for APC, Moves with Cabinet, 14 Adamawa Lawmakers