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Ooni, Olubadan task governors to rescue agriculture, research from extinction.
FOREMOST traditional rulers in Yorubaland, the Ooni of Ile-Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi Ojaja II, and the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji, Aje Ogunguniso I, have warned governors of South-West states against extinction of agriculture and research in the region.
The monarchs noted that it was the proceed of agriculture that was used to develop the region in the first republic and pre- independence days, while cautioning politicians to stop doling out motorcycles to youths, but instead, encourage them to go to farm so as to save agriculture from extinction in the region.
The custodian of culture gave the charge on Tuesday at the 30th Annual South-West Research Extension Farmers Input Linkage Systems (REFILS), Workshop organized by Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IAR&T), Ibadan.
Speaking at the event, Oba Ogunwusi said, “we need to talk to ourself, Hausas are not fool, the beans, pepper, tomatoes we are eating are from North, even the cattle they are using it to disturb us is from North. What do we have, we have agriculture and research here. Don’t let them die down. We want this to be done in all the state, our billionaires, let us beg them to support agriculture and research. These are the things we have now.
Ooni continued, “in abroad, the government support research, but now there is nothing like that. We need to support agriculture and research, these are the two things left.
Commenting, Oba Adetunji who was represented by the Ekaarun Olubadan of Ibadanland, High Chief Amidu Ajibade and Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi represented by Oba Adebisi Layade, Alara Oodaye of Araland Ife, admonished those at the realm of affairs in the region to support agriculture and research as one of the two things remaining for people of the region the way it is being supported in developed countries.
Oba Adetunji stressed, “you said graduates are riding Okadas, this is because there is no love. They should stop buying Okada for our youths, tell them to stop that.
“I asked if this institution is getting support from Federal government, they said no, those who suppose to do that are not doing it.
“Our governors must support agriculture and research to prevent them from extinction. Now, all state governments need to stand up and develop agriculture.
“You need to meet traditional rulers and governments to ensure that things get better. If you get to North, they help themselves. It is bad that Yorubas don’t help themselves, look at what the North is going.
“We in Yorubaland, especially in Oyo State, we are usually the first, but now it is like we are backward because those who suppose to support agriculture are not doing so.
“You that are on the top, you don’t help your younger ones, it is important for you to help because most of you that are retiring, you don’t look back at those who succeed you, the other tribes help themselves, this cause the backwardness in Yorubaland.
“Those who you send to Abuja as representatives, most of them are looking for money to fill their own pockets”, Oba Adetunji lamented.
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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