Metro
Drama in Lagos as monarch unmasks masquerade in physical combat
An annual festival that features a masquerade called Jigbo ended in a fracas in Araromi area of Ibeju, Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area, Lagos State penultimate Wednesday as the masquerade and a monarch in the area engaged in physical combat
The clash resulted in pandemonium as policemen invited from the Elemoro Area Command and Akodo Division stormed the community, firing teargas and gunshots to contain the situation.
In footage of the incident circulating on the social media, some masquerades were seen shouting Jigbo, Jigbo when the monarch in question, Oba Lukman Gbadewolu, who emerged from a building in a t-shirt on a pair of black trousers halted the procession and accosted one of the masquerades.
The monarch had queried the masquaraders’ decision to embark on a procession in his Araromi domain, following which the masqueraders and replied that “Araromi is inside Ibeju”.
An altercation ensued and later resulted in a brawl as the two parties engaged in an affray.
In one of the videos, armed policemen were seen breaking into some houses in a bid to arrest the supporters of the masqueraders as residents deserted the streets and ran for dear lives.
Two young men were seen dragged out of the building and arrested by the policemen assisted by some youths. A policeman was seen hitting one of the people arrested before they were later handcuffed.
In another video, Oba Gbadewolu is seen holding a cane, beating and running after some of the masquerades and their supporters before he was held back by bystanders, while another footage showed two camps of youths in the community armed with machetes and sticks locked in a fight on a street.
To get Oba Gbadewolu’s side of the incident, our reporter sent him an inquiry via Whatsapp on Thursday, but the monarch replied asking the reporter to visit his palace for his response.
“Come to my palace,’’ he said.
In his reaction, however, the Onibeju of Ibejuland and paramount ruler of Ibeju-Lekki, Oba Olasunkanmi Waliu Rasaki, said the masquerade festival is held annually, noting that Oba Gbadewolu’s action amounted to a desecration of Ibeju’s culture and tradition.
He said: “Oba Lukman Gbadewolu had participated in the Jigbo masquerade festival in the past, especially when he was Baale and after his elevation to a coronet monarch.
“Suddenly, he started saying that he would not allow the celebration of the festival in Araromi, which is part and parcel of Ibeju-Agbeland.
“Jigbo masquerades are not violent as they usually embark on peaceful processions to cleanse the entire communities in Ibejuland, and they would not enter any house as they are restricted to the road and streets alone.
“It was while the masqueraders went on their procession that he attacked them and asked them to go back home. He unmasked the face of the deity while his secretary also attacked the masqueraders as seen in a video.
“I was having a meeting in the palace with some monarchs and I asked Oba Ogunfayo to invite him and other monarchs to a forthcoming special meeting only for him to start raising the alarm on the phone that he was being attacked by my boys.
“Policemen later came to contain the incident, although the policemen overreached themselves by shooting indiscriminately into my palace instead of going to Araromi to contain the situation.
“We saw how the Jigbo masqueraders were going about their procession peacefully far off from Araromi until Oba Gbadewolu tried to interdict them.
“We were invited to the Police Area Command at Elemoro, for a truce but Oba Gbadewolu refused to attend.
“Nevertheless, I still took my time to address the people of Ibeju to let go of the matter and forgive the indiscretions of Oba Gbadewolu because he is an indigene of Ibejuland.
“I was joined by other monarchs like Oba Kayetoro, Oba Ogunfayo, Oba Elepia, Oba Onisolu and Prince Bayo Balogun at the place where I addressed Ibeju residents.
“It was while we were there that we heard that there were sporadic gunshots in Araromi and some youths were shot.”
He added: “Jigbo festival is held annually in the entire Ibejuland. The masquerade is our deity and is never to be seen by a woman. But Oba Gbadewolu desecrated our land and culture by allowing his secretary to see and unmask the deity.
“A monarch has to protect and uphold culture and tradition in a society, so one wonders why the spiritual festival of a people would be disrupted by the very person that is supposed to be the chief custodian of the cultural values.
“For now, the tension has not abated at all following the attack on the festival procession.’’
Contacted, the Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Lagos State Police Command, Mr. Benjamin Hundeyin, promised to revert to our reporter.
He had, however, not done so at press time.
The Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, has cleared the air on the ongoing debate surrounding the Olomoro–Igbide Road, following reports suggesting that the project was a Federal Government intervention under the National Directorate of Employment (NDE).
Aniagwu, in a statement on Friday, said contrary to claims circulating on social media, the project was neither conceived nor funded by the Federal Government but was duly approved and executed by the Delta State Government under Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.
He explained that the State Executive Council approved the construction of the Olomoro–Igbide Road in August 2024 as part of Governor Oborevwori’s MORE Agenda on rural infrastructure, and the site was handed over to Lebtech Construction on November 24, 2024.
According to him, the project has since been fully funded by the state government, completed to specification, and now awaits formal inauguration.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the Olomoro–Igbide Road is a Delta State Government project. It was approved by the State Executive Council on August, 2024, under the leadership of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.
“The state government provided full funding, and the project has been delivered to the people of Olomoro and Igbide communities in line with specifications,” Aniagwu stated.
The Commissioner recalled several supervisory visits he personally undertook to the project site, including joint inspections with Governor Oborevwori and the State Commissioner for Lands, Surveys and Urban Development, Chief Emamusi Obiodeh, an illustrious son of Igbide Kingdom.
“I personally supervised the project at different stages of construction to ensure standards were upheld. On different occasion, His Excellency, Governor Oborevwori, and the Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme led members of the state’s project monitoring committee on inspection to ascertain progressive milestones on the Olomoro-Igbide road project”.
“We saw firsthand the quality of work delivered, and I can confidently say this is a state-driven project ready for inauguration,” he added.
Aniagwu was reacting to a report by Tracka, a civic group known for monitoring projects nationwide, which had in a recent Facebook post claimed to be tracking the Olomoro project as a federally funded intervention under the NDE.
The group also alleged that while the Olomoro–Igbide stretch had been asphalted, drainage works were yet to be completed at the Olomoro end.
While commending Tracka for its efforts in promoting accountability, the Commissioner urged the organization to verify facts more diligently before publication to avoid misinforming the public.
“We appreciate Tracka’s role in tracking projects across Nigeria, but in this case, their claim was misleading. The Olomoro–Igbide Road has nothing to do with the Federal Government or the NDE.
“It is purely a Delta State Government initiative under Governor Sheriff Oborevwori. Going forward, I urge them to exercise greater caution and courtesy in their reporting so that citizens are not misled,” he cautioned.
Aniagwu reassured residents of Olomoro and Igbide that the road, which has been fully delivered, will soon be inaugurated even as road users are already enjoying smoother motoring on the road.
The Olomoro-Igbide road and many of such across the state are part of the state government’s ongoing commitment to rural development and inclusive infrastructure growth.
The Trans-African Youth Development Initiative (TAYI), has conferred the Nelson Mandela “Africa Patriot Award of Excellence” on Delta State Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze for his visionary leadership and contributions to nation building.
The award, which recognizes Izeze as an African Patriotic Leader, was presented in Asaba on Monday.
The group described the commissioner as a “golden fish with no hidden habitat,” whose visionary leadership and commitment to humanity have distinguished him among African public office holders.
In his address, TAYI’s country representative in Nigeria, Amb. Bakare Luqman, said the organization, which represents the voices of 1.2 billion young people in the Commonwealth, closely monitors the contributions of public office holders and honors those who positively impact their communities.
He praised Izeze’s role in ensuring adequate security, promoting community development, upholding the rule of law, advancing education, empowering youths, and fostering religious tolerance.
“Sir, you have demonstrated indelible commitment to the transformation of good governance in Nigeria through your office and selfless service to humanity,” Luqman said, noting that Izeze’s work aligns with the development agenda of President Bola Tinubu and Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.
He added that Izeze’s dedication to youth emancipation and nation-building has earned him respect across Africa. “Indeed, the recipient has won the heart of African youths by his conduct and credentials as a distinguished leader, dogged fighter, bastion of hope and a statesman par excellence,” Luqman stated.
The ceremony also served as a platform for TAYI to highlight its forthcoming continental conference themed “A Holistic Approach to Quality Assurance in African Higher Educational Institutions, Pragmatic Interventions by Supply and Demand Actors.”
The summit, scheduled for September 11–13 in Kigali, Rwanda, will bring together stakeholders from across Africa to chart pathways for educational development.
TAYI further called on governments, entrepreneurs, and public office holders to support its initiatives aimed at youth empowerment, skills development, and peacebuilding.
Concluding the ceremony, Luqman expressed hope that the recognition bestowed on Izeze would inspire other leaders to emulate his people-centered approach to governance and national development.
Responding, Comrade Izeze expressed deep gratitude for the recognition, dedicating the award to God, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, and the supportive people of Delta State.
He described the honor as both humbling and inspiring, noting that it would serve as a call to even greater service. “This award is not just about me; it is about the vision we share as a people, that governance must be about the people, their well-being, and their future,” Izeze said.
The commissioner praised TAYI for its steadfast commitment to youth development across the continent, commending its programs that tackle social ills, promote education, and empower young people with leadership and entrepreneurial skills.
“This recognition is a reminder that the work we do in public office is constantly being observed, measured, and evaluated. It challenges me to redouble my efforts in ensuring that our roads and infrastructure projects translate to real opportunities for our people, particularly the youths who are the heartbeat of our nation,” he added.
Izeze further assured that he would continue to work in alignment with the MORE Agenda of Governor Oborevwori, which emphasizes meaningful development, opportunities for all, realistic reforms, and enhanced peace and security.
He called on Nigerian youths to remain committed to the values of patriotism, integrity, and hard work, urging them to see themselves as partners in nation-building.
“The future of Africa lies in the hands of its young people. If we channel our energy positively, there is no limit to what we can achieve as a continent,” he said.
The commissioner concluded by dedicating the award to God, Governor Oborevwori and all Deltans whose resilience, faith, and support make the work of governance not only possible but impactful,” assuring them that the recognition would only strengthen his resolve to deliver on his mandate.
Delta State Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, has paid glowing tribute to the late former President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Comrade Moses Oisakede, on the 26th anniversary of his passing.
Oisakede, who died on September 1, 1999, was remembered by Izeze as “a rare breed of student leader whose life of service was marked by courage, integrity, and an unyielding commitment to the welfare of his fellow students.”
Recalling Oisakede’s 1997 handover speech as Students’ Union President of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Izeze noted that the late activist stood out as the only union leader who boldly invited a probe of his own administration, leaving behind a financial surplus and disciplining corrupt executives.
“His moral courage and transparency remain exemplary to this day,” he said.
The Commissioner described Oisakede as a visionary who championed affordable education, resisted exploitative practices, improved students’ accommodation and welfare, advanced transportation options, and ensured uninterrupted academic calendars through constructive, non-violent resistance.
He also recalled Oisakede’s role in hosting the 14th NANS Convention and honouring fallen comrades with monuments.
Izeze, who was an acolyte of Oisakede during their NANS years, disclosed that he and other friends remained close to the late leader’s family in Otuo, Edo State, ensuring that his mother has never lacked care since his passing.
“Twenty-six years after his death, Moses Oisakede remains not just a leader of his time but a timeless symbol of selfless service, visionary unionism, and ethical leadership.
“His memory will forever inspire generations of Nigerian students and leaders to come,” Izeze declared.
•He starves me, our children, beat leave me, left me almost naked in public —Wife
A minibus driver complained before a local court in Lusaka, Zambia, that his wife sleeps in leggings to prevent him from making love to her.
Richard Makura, 48, of Kanyama compound was testifying in a case in which his wife, Patricia Mulenga, 40, a business woman sued him for divorce on allegation that he was violent.
According to the Zambian Observer, the two got married in 1996 and have three children.
Patricia told the senior court magistrate, Lewis Mum, sitting with two other magistrates, Abbyshine Michelo and Esther Mulomba at Kanyama Local Court that Richard has been beating her over petty issues since her father in 2004.
She explained that in 2006, he threatened to burn her clothes and was forced to seek refuge at her parents’ home.
She told the court that he once beat her until she fainted.
Patricia stated that in 2015, Richard started working for APG Milling in Mansa but still failed to provide for the family because he only sent home K50 or K100 per month.
She further said that Richard joined her in June 2016 when his contract was terminated but she never saw the benefits he was given.
“When I asked for our children’s school fees, he beat me in public and removed the chitenge material I was wearing.
“I was left in the short skirt I was wearing and in the confusion, he beat a man who wanted to rescue from his hand,” Patricia stated.
In defense, Richard denied being violet but admitted that problem started in 2006 when he had a girlfriend.
He explained that when he came from Mansa, his wife started sleeping in leggings to prevent him from making love to her.
The magistrate, Mumba stated that there was violence in their marriage and since Patricia wanted divorce, the court had no power to continue to live with Richard.
He granted the couple divorce, ordering Richard to compensate Patricia with K6,000 with initial payment of K1,000 followed by monthly installment of K400.
Property acquired together was ordered to be shared equally.
Nigerian Tribune
A man named Hassan has brought his wife, Zainab, before the Grade A Customary Court located in the bustling area of Mapo, Ibadan, Oyo State, in a dramatic bid to end their nine-year marriage.
He attributes his decision to Zainab’s alleged infidelity, which has shattered the trust between them. raising doubts about the child’s lineage.
Zainab, while consenting to the divorce, firmly asserts that Hassan is indeed the biological father of their child, standing her ground amid the turmoil. Click link to continue reading.
In court, Hassan recounted their journey, explaining, “Zainab and I began our relationship in 2017,” shedding light on their earlier, happier days before the cracks in their marriage appeared.
“We later cohabited, and I never asked her hand in marriage.
“We ran our relationship this way for a few years, and I got fed up with it.
“I told her I was no longer interested in our relationship, and she accused me of using and dumping her.
“She insisted I must rent an apartment for her, set her up in a business, and rent a shop to carry out the business.
“I obliged her request and gave her N400, 000 to settle all that she demanded for.
“We parted ways as agreed, but she back not too long after this to inform me that she was pregnant with my child.
“Although I was sceptical about her claim, I took her back.
“I have been responsible for our child’s upkeep till date, making feeding, clothing, her education and health care a priority.
“My lord, Zainab has extorted so much from me by the reason of her claim that the child is mine.
“I do not want to invest all my love and resources in her, only to find out later that she is not my child.
A housewife, Hassana Adamu, has urged a Upper Area Court, Gwagwalada, Abuja , Federal Capital Territory (FCT), to dissolve her 10-year-old marriage to her husband, Danjuma Ali, on the grounds of lack of love and interest.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Hassan told the court that her marriage with Danjuma is blessed with three kids.
“I have lost interest in our marriage and no longer love my husband.
“My husband has abandoned me. He does not enter my room again, and he is no longer interested in me.
“I want the court to dissolve our marriage because of lack of love and interest.”
Danjuma in his response , however, said that he still loved his wife.
The judge, Malam Abdulkarim, advised the couple to explore some means of settlement.
Abdulkarim asked the complainant if she was willing to accept back her husband if he did all she wanted, but she answered in the negative.
He then adjourned the case.
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