News
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 lawmaker representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Engr. Aderemi Oseni, has mourned the death of a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State and former member of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Akeem Abimbola Oladipupo, popularly known as Able, describing his demise as a painful loss to the progressive family.
Oladipupo, who represented Ibadan North-West Constituency in the Oyo State House of Assembly, was widely regarded as a grassroots politician and committed party loyalist until his passing.
Oseni, who is also the Chairman, House Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency and the APC candidate for Oyo South Senatorial District, said the late politician’s death had created a vacuum within the party and among those who benefitted from his unwavering commitment to public service.
In a condolence statement issued on Monday by his Media Aide, Idowu Ayodele, and made available to journalists in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, the federal lawmaker described the late Oladipupo as a dependable progressive, humble political actor and loyal party stalwart whose impact would remain indelible.
He said the deceased dedicated his life to serving humanity, strengthening the progressive movement and supporting the aspirations of many at the grassroots.
Oseni said, “The death of Hon. Akeem Abimbola Oladipupo (Able) came to me as a rude shock. Oyo State and the progressive family have indeed lost a committed, loyal and selfless leader whose passion for service, humility and dedication to the people stood him out.
“He was not just a politician but a bridge-builder, a dependable ally and a grassroots mobiliser who believed strongly in the ideals of our great party. His contributions to the growth of the APC in Oyo State and his service to humanity will remain unforgettable.”
The APC senatorial candidate noted that the late former lawmaker remained steadfast in promoting peace, unity and political development, adding that his simplicity and accessibility endeared him to many across political divides.
According to Oseni, the late politician’s legacy of service and sacrifice would continue to inspire younger politicians and party faithful.
He, however, urged members of the APC, associates and family members of the deceased to take solace in the remarkable life he lived and the positive impact he made during his lifetime.
Oseni also prayed for the repose of the deceased’s soul and for God to grant his family the fortitude to bear the painful loss.
State governors have proposed a new national minimum wage of N100,000 for Nigerian workers as part of efforts to cushion them from the biting effects of inflation and the rising cost of living.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, who is also the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), disclosed the proposal on Saturday in a post by the state government’s official Facebook page. He said the move aims to improve workers’ welfare while ensuring that government finances remain sustainable.
“State governments recognise the urgent need to improve workers’ welfare in response to the current economic realities facing Nigerians,” AbdulRazaq said.
“We are actively engaging with the Federal Government and organised labour to arrive at a wage structure that is fair to workers and sustainable for government finances.”
The NGF chairman explained that ongoing discussions are focused on balancing the need to boost workers’ purchasing power with the capacity of governments to deliver essential public services and development projects.
“The goal is to improve the living conditions of workers while ensuring that states can continue to meet their obligations and sustain projects that directly impact citizens,” he added.
The proposed N100,000 minimum wage is expected to intensify national debates on salaries, inflation, and broader economic reforms as Nigerians continue to contend with rising food prices, transportation costs, and other living expenses.
Currently, Nigeria’s statutory minimum wage stands at N70,000 per month. Some states, including Lagos, Rivers, and Imo, are already paying above the national benchmark to support workers amid the country’s economic challenges.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has continued to call for a comprehensive review of salaries, insisting that workers deserve a living wage that reflects present-day economic realities rather than merely guaranteeing survival.
The average retail price paid by consumers for Premium Motor Spirit, popularly known as petrol, rose to N1,532.93 per litre in April 2026, representing a 23.69 per cent increase compared to the N1,239.33 recorded in the corresponding period of 2025, findings by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) have shown.
The sharp rise in petrol prices came amid mounting inflationary pressure and worsening living costs, with Nigerians grappling with soaring transportation and food expenses that have continued to shrink household purchasing power.
The NBS disclosed this in its Premium Motor Spirit (Petrol) Price Watch for April 2026, released on Friday.
The report further showed that on a month-on-month basis, petrol prices rose by 18.97 per cent from N1,288.54 recorded in March 2026, underscoring persistent volatility in the downstream petroleum market.
A breakdown of prices across states revealed that Yobe recorded the highest average retail price for petrol at N1,599.05 per litre during the review period.
Edo and Bauchi followed closely with average prices of N1,595.74 and N1,589.07, respectively.
However, Niger residents paid the least for petrol at an average of N1,403.89 per litre, while Sokoto and Katsina recorded N1,404.16 and N1,406.28 respectively.
At the zonal level, the South-South recorded the highest average retail price at N1,566.76 per litre, while the North-West posted the lowest at N1,508.81.
The latest petrol price increase comes as millions of Nigerians continue to battle the ripple effects of rising inflation, with higher energy costs worsening transportation fares and the prices of essential commodities.
Similarly, the NBS said the average retail price for refilling a 5kg cylinder of Liquefied Petroleum Gas, also known as cooking gas, rose by 13.73 per cent month-on-month to N8,706.93 in April 2026 from N7,655.73 recorded in March.
On a year-on-year basis, the price increased by 10.42 per cent from N7,885.60 recorded in April 2025.
Lagos recorded the highest average price for refilling a 5kg cylinder at N9,745.10, followed by Nasarawa at N9,451.70 and Bayelsa at N9,422.74.
In contrast, Anambra recorded the lowest average price at N7,204.76, while Ondo and Ogun followed with N7,239.49 and N7,825.75, respectively.
At the regional level, the North-West recorded the highest average retail price for refilling a 5kg cylinder at N9,025.07, followed by the North-East at N8,847.16, while the South-East posted the lowest average price at N8,224.37.
Also, the average retail price for refilling a 12.5kg cylinder of cooking gas increased by 13.89 per cent month-on-month to N22,382.20 in April 2026 from N19,652.83 in March.
Compared to April 2025, the price rose by 10.43 per cent from N20,268.06.
According to the NBS LPG Price Watch for April, Katsina recorded the highest average retail price for refilling a 12.5kg cylinder at N25,596.71, followed by Kogi at N24,558.25 and Gombe at N24,438.97.
Ogun recorded the lowest average price at N19,564.36, while Bauchi and Anambra followed at N20,178.87 and N20,511.90 respectively.
The North-West recorded the highest zonal average retail price for refilling a 12.5kg cylinder at N23,276.95, followed by the North-Central at N22,865.29, while the South-East posted the lowest average at N21,060.92.
The latest figures signal growing pressure on household energy costs, raising concerns over the implications for inflation and the cost of living in the coming months.
-
News7 days agoEid: Oseni Calls for Vigilance, Lauds Security Operatives
-
News1 week agoEid-El-Kabir: JTF warns of Boko Haram, ISWAP attacks
-
Politics4 days agoAlli, Folarin, Adedeji, Oseni, Dare Named to APC Ekiti Re-election Campaign Team
-
News1 week agoOyo Abduction: SWEGOP Demands Swift Rescue of Pupils, Teachers
