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Mum’s death shows that life is truly ephemeral – Makinde
Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, said, on Sunday, that the death of his mother, Madam Abigail Omojolagbe Makinde, has further confirmed to him that human beings’ stay on earth is truly temporary.
Governor Makinde, who was giving his vote of thanks at the Thanksgiving Service in honour of his late mother, who was buried on Friday, said that no matter how long a human being lives, the reality of death was unmistakable.
A statement by Mr. Taiwo Adisa, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Makinde, indicated that the Thanksgiving Service, which was held at the Cathedral of St. Paul, Yemetu, Ibadan, had in attendance the deputy governor and his wife; the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), other top government functionaries as well as friends and political associates of the governor and his siblings.
Siblings of the governor in attendance include Engineer Sunday Makinde; Mr. Kayode Adedeji; Chief Muyiwa Makinde and Pastor Omololu Makinde. The last child of the family, Iyabo Muyiwa (nee Makinde) was unable to make the trip from the United States.
Governor Makinde said: “I really want to appreciate you all for what you did at the funeral service of my late mother at Aremo Cathedral. I thank God for the kind of life my mother lived.
“I sat down after my mum passed away to do some calculations to know the number of days she spent on earth. And I discovered she spent exactly twenty-nine thousand, five hundred and nine days (29,509). We can think the days are long; but it will end one day. That’s just the truth.
“Even, if anyone will spend 100 years on Earth, such person will spend about thirty-six thousand (36,000) days. So, it will end one day. The word of the Lord would not go without being fulfilled on any of us.
“We really appreciate your support and thank you very much.”
He thanked the clergy and everyone who contributed to the successful burial of his mother, declaring that every support was well recognized.
The governor, who also led the congregation in singing two of his mother’s favourite songs, said that his late mother had a way of getting things from him, even if he was determined not to yield.
The service also saw the inauguration of the governor’s brother, Chief Muyiwa Makinde as a member of the Youth Wing of the Church, while his wife, Olabisi Muyiwa Makinde was inaugurated as a direct replacement of the late Madam Abigail Makinde in the Imole Ayo Society.
In his sermon, the Assistant Priest of St. Pauls Anglican Church, Yemetu, Rev. O.J. Alo, called on the congregation to always remember that death could come any time, adding that every living soul shall taste death one day.
He said that Mama was a devout Christian, whom he said the Church will greatly miss.
He added, however, that the late Madam Abigail Makinde lived a fulfilled life.
Those who graced the service include the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Engineer Rauf Olaniyan and his wife, Prof. Bolanle; the SSG, Mrs. Olubamiwo Adeosun and her husband Akinjide; the Chief of Staff to Governor Makinde, Chief Oyebisi Ilaka; and other top government functionaries.
The service also had in attendance top clergies including the Prelate Emeritus, Methodist Church of Nigeria, Prelate Sunday Ola Makinde, and the Venerable Dr. Samuel Osungbeju, who oversees the Yemetu Church, among others.
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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