News
Olubadan Declaration Review: Memoranda requests for beaded crowns.
THE Oyo State Government has stated that the massive attendance and response by various stakeholders to the ongoing Olubadan Declaration Review panel has justified and vindicated its action revealing that 91 out of the 118 memoranda received during the open sessions requested for additional beaded crowns while the remaining 27 hinged on the review of ascendancy into the Olubadan stool.
The government reiterated its position that the proposed review is not targeted at any individual or group of people, saying that it is for the development, modernization as well as growth of the traditional council of Ibadan, Ibadanland and the state in general.
It noted that change is the only constant in life, stressing that all parties will eventually be convinced of the sincerity of government’s proposition.
The government equally said that its action is within the ambit of the law of the Olubadan Declaration of 1957, assuring that it will be just and fair in examining the recommendations of the Justice Boade’s panel and align with the wishes of Ibadan people.
The State Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr. Toye Arulogun stated in a statement on Sunday that the action of the government has precedence and it is in tandem with the aspirations of the people, saying, “It is high time we reiterated our earlier position and put issues in proper perspective. The action of the government is backed by law, there are precedents, the governor has the power to review the declaration and most importantly the government is fulfilling the yearnings of the people.
“We are not being political with this issue and not targeting any individual. The purpose is to elevate the status of the Olubadan title and pave the way for the development and modernization of Ibadan chieftaincy and Ibadan towns and city. We are running an all inclusive government and our government believes in collective responsibility in the Ajumose spirit. Our decision to review the Olubadan Declaration of 1957 was a response to several calls by stakeholders and we will follow the principles of openness, fairness and justice,” Arulogun explained.
The government spokesman further disclosed that members of the Olubadan in Council, many high chiefs in Ibadan, stakeholders including Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, Ibadan Elders Forum, Ibadan Progressive Union, Association of Recognised Mogajis, All the War Lords’ families in Ibadan and eminent individuals attended the sitting of the panel which lasted three weeks, pointing out that the panel received 118 memoranda during its sitting.
The commissioner, however explained that the panel, which finished its sitting on Friday June 23, 2017 and requested for four weeks extension, received 91 chieftaincy memoranda requesting for beaded crowns in Ibadan land, while the remaining 27 memoranda hinged on the review of ascendancy into the Olubadan stool.
According to him, “the support and participation the Justice Boade’s panel received shows that the government is on course with its action. We are not doing this unilaterally, all stakeholders are involved and they have showed their support. This does not give any indication to the recommendations of the panel’s reports and we are not interested in pre-empting what the report will be. We want the people to also wait for the outcome of the panel’s recommendations and we promise to be fair and just.”
He urged the people to see the government’s action from modernization and developmental view points rather than the political, emphasising that the yearnings of the people will always be superior to individual opinions and aspirations assuring that the government will not renege on its principles of openness, fairness, justice as well as the collective responsibility and all inclusiveness it is known for.
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.
-
Politics3 days agoIbarapa East Assembly Hopeful, Ramon Congratulates Ajiboye, Says Emergence Good for Oyo APC
-
Politics1 week agoMakinde: My Successor Must Be Loyal to Oyo, Not Me
-
Politics3 days ago2027: Former Oyo Deputy Governor Adeyemo Emerges APC Chairman (See Full List)
-
Politics1 week agoFintiri Dumps PDP for APC, Moves with Cabinet, 14 Adamawa Lawmakers