A civil society organisation, The Concerned Citizens of Nigeria (CCN), has petitioned US, UK to impose a travel ban and asset freeze on Zamfara Governor Dauda Lawal

Group accused Lawal of complicity, citing his own admissions of knowing bandits’ identities yet failing to act

CCN urged global action, asking the US, UK, EU, and Commonwealth to deny him entry, freeze assets, and send a strong message against leaders linked to terror.…click link for full details 

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has rejected the claim by the Alaafin of Oyo, Akeem Owoade, that he has the exclusive right to appoint the Chief Imam of Oyo town.

MURIC’s founder and executive director, Ishaq Akintola, said on Wednesday that no law gives the monarch such power.

His words: “The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade claimed yesterday that he had the exclusive right to appoint the chief imam of Oyo town.

“The claim was contained in a statement issued by the Alaafin’s director of media and publicity, Bode Durojaiye, on Monday, September 15, 2025.

“We reject this statement. It is false, baseless and without any legal backing. What the Alaafin called his exclusive right is a baseless privilege now being abused by traditional rulers in Yorubaland. Alaafin is being economical with the truth.”

Akintola challenged the monarch to produce a legal instrument backing his claim, describing it as “illogical, irrational and laughable”.

“If he has the power to appoint the chief imam, does he also have the power to appoint the bishop of Oyo?” he asked.

Advertisement

He further stated: “Now, if he has no power to appoint the bishop, he cannot claim the power to appoint the chief imam. If he is relying on tradition, there is a difference between tradition and what the law says.

“By the way, what kind of tradition enslaves Muslims but gives Christians freedom. We reject a tradition that puts Muslims in chains. Muslims are not slaves.”

The MURIC director said Nigeria is a democracy and not a monarchy, warning the Alaafin to “respect himself and know his limits so that he can be adequately respected”.

He added that past practices cannot serve as justification.

“The tradition in the past was to trek to Makkah on foot. That has been abandoned. The incumbent Alaafin should stop clinging to a comatose practice,” he said.

Akintola argued that Owoade, being a pastor, has “no moral right to dictate who should lead the Muslims in Oyo”.

He said the Muslim community of Oyo should consult the Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN) before presenting a candidate for the role, stressing that the Alaafin’s blessing is “not mandatory”.

Advertisement

“To the Alaafin, Kabiyesi, your imperial majesty, you are the king over the whole of Oyo. You are king over the Muslims, the Christians and the traditionalists.

“Each group chooses its own leader. No law gives you exclusive right to choose the chief imam. Otherwise, show us evidence that you picked the Bishop. If you cannot pick the Bishop, how can you pick the imam? Stop impugning our dignity. Respect begets respect,” MURIC said.

The political situation in Nigeria is becoming more intense as accusations arise about who will be the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the 2027 elections.

The current INEC Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, will retire in less than 60 days after managing the presidential elections of 2023. Click link to continue reading.

Tinubu with Marafa

Since assuming office, Tinubu rolled out various policies, including the removal of fuel and electricity subsidies, unification of the forex policy, and naira devaluation, all of which were blamed for the food inflation and high cost of living in the country.

The criticisms come as Nigerians reflect on Tinubu’s performance in office. While the government maintains that its reforms are necessary for long-term recovery.

A former aide to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, has declared that at least 10 miracles are happening under President Bola Tinubu.

One: For the first time in over a decade, Nigeria has overshot its OPEC quota for three consecutive months and is set to do the same for the fourth month, producing an average of 1.71 million Barrels Per Day.

Two: The Nigerian Stock Exchange rises above 130,000 All Share Index for the first time ever.

Three: Food prices have significantly reduced, resulting in a drop in inflation to 20.12% in August 2025, a 1.76% drop from July’s 21.88%.

Four: MTN Nigeria Limited hits a record valuation of ₦10 trillion, the first Nigerian company to do so.

Advertisement

Five: Oil theft has been reduced to less than 10,000 Barrels Per Day, a sixteen-year low.

Six: Nigeria achieved its revenue target for the entire year in August, a first in our history.

Seven: Foreign Reserves are above $41 billion.

Eight: After a record trade surplus last year, Nigeria appears set to beat our 2024 figure. Our trade surplus rose 44.3% in Q2 to ₦7.46 trillion, up from ₦5.17 trillion in Q1.

Nine: Dangote has crashed fuel price to ₦841.

Ten: The Naira has appreciated to ₦1497 to $1, a five-month high.

Advertisement

“We must pray for Wike now,” he said.

The conversation surrounding the health of Nyesom Wike, the Federal Capital Territory Minister, has taken a intriguing turn as a prominent prophet recently shared a prophecy regarding his condition.

The adage “health is wealth” rings especially true in the world of politics, highlighting the necessity for leaders to prioritize their well-being amidst the pressures of public life.

Recent reports from an online news platform suggested that Wike had traveled to the United Kingdom for medical treatment, with allegations indicating a diagnosis of congestive heart failure.

This revelation has stirred concern among his supporters and the general public alike.

In response to these unsettling rumors, Prophet Julius Okonkwo, a well-known cleric and the presiding pastor of Kingdom Seeker Ministries based in the United States, offered reassurance about Wike’s health.

During a recent address, Okonkwo asserted that there is no need for alarm. “Wike is in good health, and he has many more years to live—mark my words,” he declared.

He cautioned that the troubling news circulating about the minister was politically motivated, aimed at instilling fear among Nigerians.

Further emphasizing Wike’s importance to the current administration, the prophet labeled him as “the best minister” in the government and warned that there are adversaries both within and outside his circle.

Advertisement

He urged the public to join in prayer for Wike, underscoring the need for vigilance in the face of potential threats. “We must pray for Wike now,” he said.

The Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun (FUPRE), in partnership with the African Child Foundation (ACF), has fixed Thursday, November 6, 2025, for the much-anticipated FUPRE Oil and Gas Awards.

The ceremony, which has become one of the most prestigious gatherings on Nigeria’s oil and gas calendar, will take place at the University Arena in Effurun, Delta State.

Announcing the date, the Vice-Chancellor of FUPRE, Professor Ezekiel O. Agbalagba, highlighted the institution’s role as Africa’s first petroleum-focused university and one of only six of its kind globally.

Established in 2007, he said the university has consistently driven innovation, research, and manpower development in the petroleum industry, making it a hub of excellence in energy education.

On his part, the Country Director of the African Child Foundation, Olorogun Dr. Donaldson Onosakponome, described the Awards as a platform to raise industry role models by celebrating innovation, efficiency, safety, sustainability, and operational excellence.

“This year’s Awards will not only spotlight outstanding organizations and individuals,” Dr. Onosakponome said, “but also celebrate the resilience of industry players who made possible the recent increase in Nigeria’s oil production.”

Since inception, the FUPRE Awards have recognized excellence across the oil and gas value chain, upstream, midstream, and downstream, while also rewarding corporate social responsibility and environmentally friendly practices.

Advertisement

The 2025 edition, organizers disclosed, will broaden its scope to honor breakthroughs in renewable energy and data-driven innovation, in line with global energy trends.

Nominations and sponsorship opportunities for the event are now open through FUPRE’s media office and the African Child Foundation.