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Ooni urges Nigerians in Canada to remember home
The Arole Oodua and Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Ogunwusi has charged Nigerians residing in Canada to in the spirit of patriotism come together to join the government and the people of Nigeria in proffering solutions to the economic challenges facing the country.
The foremost African monarch gave the admonition on Monday during a ceremony of Proclamation Day, Flag Exchange presentation of city key done in his honour by the government of the City of Brampton in Toronto by the Mayor of Brampton Patrick Brown, his wife Genevieve, cabinet members and members of Nigeria community led by His Excellency, Ambassador Adeyinka Asekun alongside senior officials of the embassy of Nigeria in Canada.
Welcoming the visiting Ooni and his entourage in his speech, the 41 year old Mayor expressed delights at hosting the epoch event describing himself as being lucky receiving such a revered African king.
“Your Imperial Majesty, I feel so delighted to be your host today. The city of Brampton is humble to be your host for this great event because you are one of the greatest kings in the world.
I visited Nigeria in 2006 and I was in love with the country. It is a great country of great people and great cultures.
“We know you, you have been preaching peace and harmony all over the world and that is why we have decided to honour you today”. Mayor Brown said.
According to the Mayor, the city of Brampton hosts over 60, 000 Africans and Caribbeans with Nigerians standing out contributing immensely to the socioeconomic development of the city and Canada in general.
“This city have over 60, 000 Africans including Caribbeans residing here. This population has more Nigerians doing very great.”
“Your majesty, I feel great everyday to see these great Nigerians contributing to the development of Brampton and Canada socially and economically.”
“I look forward to visiting Nigeria soon for productive collaboration and my first point of call will be Ile-Ife because I have read and heard about the cultural richness of Yoruba people who have you as the overall head”,he added
Ooni Ogunwusi in his speech proclaimed Brampton as the city of love, appreciating the warm reception and honour given him.
“I proclaim this city as ‘city of love’ because you have so welcoming and receptive. I could feel in your spirit what is called love through this warm reception.
“You have been good to Nigerians and I feel so proud of the positive roles Nigerians are also playing in the economic life of this city which is the fattest growing city in Canada. I confirmed this during my meeting with the cabinet members of this government who told me how Nigerians have impacted positively. It is now evident that good things can actually come out of Africa”.
Admonishing Nigerians in Canada to be patriotic ambassadors in the country, the Spiritual father of Yoruba race worldwide said
“If everyone can be like Canada. We know what country of Canada “man must be kind to one another. Canada is doing this.
“We as Nigerians should always think of how to benefit our country for the goodness of our unborn generations. I appeal to you Nigerians living here never to write off your country.
“This proclamation doesn’t go to me alone, it goes to all of you from Nigeria. These are the ways we should be portraying Nigeria to the world
“I hold this honour of proclamation flag exchange dear to my heart and I will carry it with pride.
“In appreciation of this honour, I also bring u a gift of bronze cast which emanated from our land in Africa”.
The Co-chairman of National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN) accompanied to the event by his beautiful queen, Olori Silekunola Ogunwusi (Yeyeluwa), the Nigerian ambassador to Canada, H.E, Adeyinka Asekun, the Zaki of Arigidi-Akoko, HRM Oba Yisa Olanipekun, the Oloba of Oba-Ile, HRM Oba Adekunle Oyeyemi, Reverend Mother Esther Ajayi(Iya Adura), Coordinator of Imperial Awards and CEO of Hope4Sure Initiatives, Miss Peju Oke, Toronto based Pharmaceutical business giant, Prof Isa Odidi, Chairman of Okey Equipments, Mr Okey Eze, members and leaders of Nigerian community in Canada.
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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