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Akarigbo pledges to work with Ooni on Yoruba affairs
THE Akarigbo of Remo Kingdom, Oba Victor Babatunde Ajayi, Torugbuwa II on Monday pledged to join hands with the Arole Oduduwa and Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi,Ojaja II for the peace, unity and progress of the entire Yoruba race.
The Akarigbo gave the assurance when Ooni Ogunwusi played host to him and other Remo monarchs his Ile-Oodua palace, Enuwa, Ile Ife, for a historical visit and traditional rites.
The paramount ruler of the Remo people in Ogun state described Ooni as the Father of Yoruba race endowed with countless unique human qualities and God given potentials.
Calling on all the descendants of Oduduwa to support Ooni and other kings in Yoruba land for the unity of Yoruba, the Akarigbo confirmed that Akarigbo migrated from Iremo quarters in Ile-Ife, saying that the history of Remo Kingdom cannot be complete without relating it to Ile-Ife, the cradle of Yoruba.
Appreciating Ooni Ogunwusi for his fatherly role in uniting Yoruba people together since he ascended to the stool of his forefathers, the visitting Akarigbo pledged his loyalty to Ooni as the custodian of the Oduduwa’s sacred throne expressing his readiness to support the Ooni at anytime to move Yoruba race ahead.
“I am so happy that Ooni is on a mission to reunite all the descendants of Oduduwa across the world, and I’m committed to this motive.”
“We migrated from Iremo quarters in Ile-Ife and the history of Remo Kingdom cannot be complete without Ile-Ife, the cradle of the Yoruba people.
“He called on all Yoruba monarchs to support Ooni and other kings in Yoruba land on their efforts to unite Yorubas.
“I appreciate Kabiyesi Ooni for his fatherly role playing in uniting Yoruba race together since he ascended to the stool of his forefathers.
“I assure you of our readiness to support you kabiyesi at anytime I am called upon to joining you in moving Yoruba race forward”.
Akarigbo said.
Akarigbo who arrived the Ooni’s Palace with scores of Remo monarchs was received by the Obalufe of Iremo Quarters, Oba Idowu Adediwura and other traditional chiefs who washed his legs with the living diety water (Yeyemolu-Otooro Omi Ale-Ife) before the off shoot of Orisa-gaani-amu (Shagamu of today).
They were later led on a visit to ILE-ASE where Laadin of Ife, Chief Olusegun Arasanmi who is the custodian of the sacred place prayed for Akarigbo, Remo Kingdom, Ile Ife and the entire Yoruba race.
Speaking at the official reception, Ooni Ogunwusi explained that Iremo which is the ancestral home of Remo descendants is highly symbolic to the enthronement of every Ooni. Saying both Remo and Ife are indispensable companions.
The Arole Oodua In a brief history, made reference to an occasion on February 28,1903 which led to the first movement of an Ooni out of his Palace.
“Look at Akarigbo and Elepe who are currently sitting keenly here today, there was a huge battle between them which led to the first movement of an Ooni from Ile-Ife. Ooni Adelekan (Olubuse 1) travelled to Lagos on the invitation of the then colonian government to restore peace between them after several rites were performed. This unusual movement of Ooni from his Palace made all Yoruba kings left their respective thrones and domains to show respect for Ooni on that historic day, this gesture compelled the colonial masters (British) to gazette the occurrence as such have never been recorded anywhere globally.” Ooni Said.
The Co-Chairman of National Council Of Traditional Rulers Of Nigeria however led Akarigbo and other monarchs to the Oranmiyan Groove known as ‘Opa Oramiyan’ where spiritual rites were performed by the Oba Isoro Owa Eredumi of Ife.
In the same vein, the Asiwaju of Remo, Chief Solomon Kayode Onafowokan described the event as a right treat for the rich Yoruba culture, stating that Ile Ife remains home to all descendants of Oduduwa.
The Pro-Chansellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife who is the Aremo-Akarigbo of Remoland and the Omo’lokun Adimula of Ife, Chief Yemi Ogunyemi said the 2-day visit to Ile-Ife will remain unforgettable to the Remo people just the way the 1903 visit of the then Ooni Olubuse the 2nd has remained perpetually remarkable to them.
Alaye-Ode of Ode Remo, Oba Amidu Adetunji, Onijagba of Jagba-Shagamu, Oba S. A. Adesanya, Odemo of Ishara, Oba Albert Adebose, Olofin of Ilisan-Remo, Oba Micheal Deniyan, Ebi of Idena-Remo, Oba Omosanya Abimbola, Alaperu of Iperu, Oba Idowu Basibo and Elepe of Epe-Ishagamu, Oba Adewole Osiberu among others came with the Akarigbo to Ile Ife.
Also, several Ife monarchs, as well as prominent indigenes and chiefs of Ife like, Professor Muib Opeloye, Chief Ishola Awotorebo, Hon. Rotimi Makinde and Sooko Kemade Elugbaju among Others joined Ooni to receive the visitors.
On the second day, (Tuesday) Obalufe of Iremo Quarters, Ife led Akarigbo to Aka compound, the ancestral home the Remo people, where he the king and his entourage were recieved by hundreds of members of the compound with a ram slaughtered as a traditional rite.
In his speech at Aka’ compound, Obalufe of Iremo kingdom, Oba Idowu Adediwura applauded Akarigbo for the historic visit, calling on all sons and daughters of Oduduwa not to forget their homes. He said the Akarigbo’s home coming gesture must be emulated by all other descendants of Oduduwa for the progress of Yoruba nation.
The compound’s head, Pa. Agbo Odewale who presented Akarigbo several gift items on behalf of the Aka compound, described the day as a special day made by Olodumare (God). He congratulated his kinsmen in the compound, Obalufe of Iremo, Ooni Ogunwusi and the visitors for making the event a success.
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.
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