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Obas, Masquerades defy rain as Balogun of Ibadanland receives Omoloju Okugbaja
The Oyo State Government on Sunday commended Obas in Ibadan for the peaceful conduct of the traditional homage by the masquerades in the city.
The State Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr. Toye Arulogun and the Special Adviser to Governor Ajimobi on Community Relations, Alhaji Bidemi Siyanbade stated that the Masquerades’ traditional homage to the Chiefs in a peaceful and non-violent manner as preached by the state government through the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism and the Office of the Special Adviser on Community Relations to the Governor has upheld the traditions and norms of the celebration of the 2018 Egungun festival in the state.
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The government said that the resilience of the Ibadan Obas to uphold these norms and tradition of paying homage by masquerades despite the heavy rain on Wednesday and Saturday, June 20 and 23 respectively at Alli Iwo and Ita Baale Olugbode is worthy of commendation and exemplifies the commitment of the traditional institution to the preservation of our culture and tradition, assuring that it will continue to preserve the culture, norms and the traditions of the people of the state.
As this year’s egungun festival gathered momentum in Ibadan, some masquerades have continued to pay traditional homage to various Obas in the city.
The Balogun of Ibadan land, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin received some masquerades at his Labiran Ita Baale compound amidst singing, drumming and high level festivies. The leading masquerade, Omoloju Okugbaja from Okugbaja family in Ibadan, who was accompanied by his followers, arrived at the Ita Baale compound around 2:15pm despite the heavy downpour.
In his message at the traditional rite, Oba Olakulehin called on all sons and daughters of Ibadan land to continue to live in peace and harmony irrespective of their religious and political differences, saying, “I express our appreciation to God for the peaceful conduct of the 2018 Egungun festival. I implore our people to uphold the tradition and cultural values of the founding fathers of Ibadan land and thank them for their support.”
The Balogun of Ibadanland had company in other traditional rulers such as the Otun Olubadan, Oba Lekan Balogun, the Eekerin Olubadan, Oba Biodun Kola-Daisi, the Asipa Olubadan, Oba Eddy Oyewole, the Eekarun Olubadan, Oba Amidu Ajibade, the Eekarun Balogun Olubadan, Oba Kola Adegbola who were also joined by notable Mogajis in Ibadanland led by their Chairman, Mogaji Ariori and the secretary Mogaji Isiaka Raji.
In their separate remarks, the Otun Olubadan, Oba Lekan Balogun and Eekarun Olubadan, Oba Amidu Ajibade also prayed for the continued development and unity in Ibadan land as well as the peaceful conduct of the forthcoming general elections in Nigeria.
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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