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Oyo: Orile-Igbon Stands Still as Oba Alao’s Mother Gets a Grand Farewell
Orile-Igbon, a historic town in Surulere Local Government Area of Oyo State, came to a standstill on Thursday as dignitaries, traditional rulers, politicians, captains of industry, and well-wishers, among others gathered to bid farewell to Yeye Oba Margaret Oyeronke Alao, the mother of Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Oba Francis Olushola Alao, and Vice Chairman of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs.
The late matriarch, who passed away on November 15, 2024, at the age of 81, was celebrated for her remarkable life, unwavering faith, and devotion to family and community.
A Fitting Tribute to a Life Well Lived
The funeral service, held at Majesty Natural Resort, Orile-Igbon, was an emotional yet grand occasion that saw an outpouring of love and respect from family, friends, and dignitaries from across Nigeria.
Delivering a powerful sermon, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo, Senior Pastor of Trinity House, Lagos, urged attendees to reflect on the brevity of life and the importance of spiritual fulfillment.
“What will it profit a man if he gains the whole world yet loses his soul? Everything we acquire on earth, we will leave behind. The most important thing is to make it to heaven.”
He described Mama Alao as a devout Christian, a dedicated mother, and a woman who instilled strong moral values in her children, adding that her legacy of faith and love will endure.
Dignitaries Pay Glowing Tributes
The funeral attracted an array of top personalities, each sharing heartfelt tributes to the departed matriarch.
Prince Dapo Abiodun (Governor, Ogun State):
“Mama was an entrepreneur with a humble beginning, trading between Nigeria and Ghana. She was a polyglot who spoke English, Hausa, Yoruba, and Ghanaian dialects fluently. Despite her limited formal education, she raised a successful family. Her legacy speaks for itself.”
Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Governor, Lagos State, represented by Chief of Staff, Tayo Ayinde):
“Mama Alao was a devoted Christian, a pillar of strength in her family, and a source of wisdom. Her impact will forever be cherished.”
Olugbon’s Emotional Eulogy
For Oba Francis Olushola Alao, his mother’s passing was a deeply personal loss. In his tribute, he described her as a disciplinarian, a hardworking woman, and a devoted wife who stood by her husband through thick and thin.
“She was a great mother who ensured that her children turned out well. She was never rigid but always courageous, strong-willed, and ready to face life’s challenges head-on.”
He also praised her unique fashion sense, recalling how she always coordinated her outfits with elegance and style.
Olori Alao’s Tribute: A Bond Beyond Words
In her emotional message, Olori Olushola Adedoyin Alao, wife of the Olugbon, reflected on the close relationship she shared with her mother-in-law.
“She loved her children unconditionally, especially Brother Femi and Kabiyesi. Whenever we spoke, she would reminisce about their childhood mischief, always defending them. She was a loving and caring mother, full of wisdom and patience.”
King Sunny Ade Serenades the Audience
The grand farewell was not just about solemn reflections; it was also a celebration of a life well lived. Music legend King Sunny Ade took to the stage, lifting the spirits of guests with his timeless juju tunes, turning the event into a blend of mourning and joyful remembrance.
A Gathering of Nigeria’s Elite
The funeral drew an impressive lineup of dignitaries, including:
Engr. Seyi Makinde, Governor, Oyo State, Dauda Lawal, Governor, Zamfara State, Kayode Alabi, Deputy Governor, Kwara State, Senator Yunus Akintunde (Oyo Central Senatorial District), Senator Ajagunla Olubiyi Fadeyi (Osun Central Senatorial District, Engr. Aderemi Oseni, the Chairman, House Committee on FERMA and member representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Chief Lere Paimo (Veteran Nollywood Actor), and a Business Mogul, Dr. Tunde Ayeni,
Others are former First Ladies: Mrs. Florence Ajimobi (Oyo), Dame Abimbola Fashola (Lagos), Mrs. Toyin Saraki (Kwara), Mrs. Funso Amosun (Ogun), Minister for Power, Bayo Adelabu, Special Adviser on Public Communication and Orientation, Sunday Dare, Madam Esther Ajayi, Iyalaje Oodua, Yeye Toyin Lolade,
Major Gen. Dayo Olupoki, General Dayo Owonibi, Eletu Odibo, and Chief Waheed Gbadamosi
Also in attendance were traditional rulers, state lawmakers, and top business leaders.
Final Resting Place
As Yeye Oba Margaret Alao was laid to rest, her family, friends, and well-wishers bade a tearful goodbye, cherishing her legacy of love, sacrifice, and faith.
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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