News
Exclusive: Makinde’s aides in cold war
A cold war is brewing among political aides of Oyo state governor, Mr. Seyi Makinde, Mega Icon Magazine has been reliably informed.
It was gathered that the cold war has festered to an extent that it’s now having serious implications on administration, such as dampening team spirit, divided loyalty and further threatening the camaraderie among some of the governor’s aides.
Inside sources, who spoke to Mega Icon Magazine but pleaded not to be mentioned, disclosed that circle of Governor Makinde’s top aides , especially the Special Advisers, Special Assistants are currently having strain relationship with the Chief of Staff, Hon. Segun Ogunwuyi.
Ogunwuyi, a former Director-General, Oyo State Investment and Public and Private Partnership Agency (OYSIPA) replaced Chief Bisi Ilaka, who was relieved of his appointment recently.
The row, as learnt, started immediately when Ogunwuyi assumed office as the Chief of Staff to Governor Makinde.
“When he (Ogunwuyi) assumed office, some of them went to congratulate him, but instead gave them cold hand. Despite various efforts made by these aides to identify with him, Ogunwuyi would not bulge but rather giving flimsy excuses that he’s busy or occupied”, the sources alleged.
The sources noted that the governor deserves a strong character that can stand the Oyo politics in terms of coordinating other aides and activities “towards ensuring that Makinde succeeds, rather than encouraging a divided house”.
In a related development, some of the governor’s aides alleged that the Chief of Staff had always refused to approve most of the memos brought before him, which is a clear departure from the cooperation they enjoyed during his predecessor’s stint in office.
The cold war brewing between them, according to one of our sources, an influential political leader in Oyo PDP, played out recently when Ogunwuyi instructed the Executive Assistant to the Governor on Administration and General Services, Mr. Idowu Ogedengbe, who is the WhatsApp Group Admin housing political appointees to remove Chief Bisi Ilaka, the erstwhile Chief of Staff and other former appointees from the platform, adding that since they are no longer in the government they have no reason to remain on the platform.
It was, however gathered that, while Ogedengbe was feeling reluctant, Ogunwuyi exited the WhatsApp group in annoyance.
The source further disclosed that some government appointees also left the group in solidarity with the Chief of Staff, Hon. Ogunwuyi.
“To them, whatever might be his shortcomings, they have to honour him since it was the governor, in his wisdom , that appointed him (Ogunwuyi) as the Chief of Staff”.
The source added that it was later suggested that the Admin should delete the WhatsApp group permanently and create a new one.
Our correspondent learnt that the suggestion however did not go down well with other aides who are silently grumbling as they lament an alleged abuse of power, ego, lack of team trust and cohesion by Ogunwuyi.
Some insiders who spoke with our correspondent, however revealed that if the ongoing deteriorating relationship persists, it may inhibit good governance that Makinde’s administration promised to showcase.
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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