NDLEA officers seize 709.9kg of illicit drugs arrest 129 Suspects
Speaking publicly for the first time since the controversial removal of Mudashiru Obasa as Speaker and the election of Mojisola Meranda on January 13, 2025, the prominent APC leader revealed that while lawmakers hold influence, they do not have the absolute power to appoint or remove their leadership.
He also emphasised that neither the GAC nor the party were consulted in the decision-making process.
The dispute has led to both Obasa and Meranda now staking claims to the Speakership of the House of Assembly, further intensifying the political tension.
As the highest decision-making body within the APC, the GAC has held multiple meetings with the lawmakers involved in the crisis, seeking to resolve the matter amicably.
Speaking with newsmen, Olusi said, “Members of the GAC are not members of the Lagos State House of Assembly to allegedly be behind the removal of Obasa. It can’t be true.
“We read it also that morning. The lawmakers carried it out without consulting the party and those of us in the GAC. That is our position.
“We invited all of them and insisted that all of them are products of the party. They lodged their complaints and we listened to them.
“I blamed them for one thing and that is for not lodging the complaints earlier before the party. It is for the party to decide, they (lawmakers) have no absolute power to remove and install their leaders.
“Nobody can become a member of the House of Assembly unless sponsored by a political party and the sponsors are the inspectors.
“The problem is the speaker (Obasa) and his colleagues which had led to his removal. It is a disputer among them.
“Currently, there is a high powered committee of the party led by Chief Bisi Akande and members, including Aremo Olusegun Osoba, and former APC National Vice Chairman, South-west, Chief Pius Akinyelure and others,
“They are working and making efforts to resolve the matter. I know they are in consultation with the House of Assembly, Obasa and the other Speaker, Mrs Mojisola Lasbat Meranda.
“Those of us in the GAC and the Chairman of the Party, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi are doing all within our power to assist the committee.”
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NAHCON approves Hajj registration during Ramadan fast
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has approved a grace of Ramadan fast period to enable intending pilgrims to register for the 2025 Hajj exercise.
This is contained in a statement by the Chairman of the commission, Prof. Abdullahi Usman, on Saturday in Abuja, to mark the 2025 Ramadan fast.
He congratulated the Muslim faithful on the commencement of the Ramadan fast, sressing that, “it is a time of profound spiritual reflection, self-discipline, and renewed devotion to Allah (SWT).
“It is a period when the doors of mercy and forgiveness are wide open, and the rewards for good deeds are multiplied.”
Usman reitrated commitment of the commission to meet the need of the Muslim faithful, and ensure successful conduct of the Hajj exercise.
“It is in the light of this that a period of grace is given to enable intending pilgrims register and make payments for their participation in the 2025 Hajj.
“We pray that Allah grants us the strength and wisdom to fulfill our responsibilities for the betterment of our communities,” he said.
According to Usman, Ramadan is not only a time for fasting and prayers, but also an opportunity for us to strengthen our bonds, show compassion to the less privileged, and also seek Allah’s guidance in our endeavors.
“Let us use this month to purify our hearts, renew our intentions, and strive for excellence in our worship and daily conduct.
“I enjoin us all to rid ourselves of negativity that may hold back our progress as a nation, and to fast with all sincerity, seeking increased blessings for our nation and its leaders.
“Let us also pray for the success of this year’s Hajj operation, and for the safety and wellbeing of all pilgrims.
“May Allah bless us all and grant us the strength to maximise the blessings of this holy month.” (NAN)
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Father captured in viral video violently abusing his Son arrested by Police
Father captured in viral video violently abusing his Son arrested by Police
Odukaye Kunle, a father suspected of violently abusing his son Boluwatife in Otta, Ogun State, has been taken into custody by the Ogun State Police Command.
Kunle was arrested after a terrible video of him kicking his little son went viral, causing a great deal of public outcry and driving law authorities to act quickly..
Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, confirmed the arrest in a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter).
The police have confirmed that Kunle is now in custody and will face charges in court on Monday. Meanwhile, Boluwatife and his mother are receiving medical care at the police medical center in Otta. Authorities continue to investigate the incident as the community reels from the shock of the abuse.
The statement read: “Update on Ogun Child Abuse: Odukaye Kunle, the father who brutalised his son, Boluwatife, in Otta area, Ogun State, has just been arrested by the police.
“The mother of the boy and the boy will be taken to our police medical centre Otta for further medical assessment and attention. The OC Medical, Ogun State has been ordered to proceed to otta on this mission.
“Kunle will be charged to court on Monday. We commend the CP Ogun State, CP Lanre Ogunlowo, and his team for their commitment and ensuring that the boy gets justice. We appreciate you all for your concerns as well. Thanks.”
Kunle’s arrest follows a manhunt launched by the Ogun State Police Command after a Facebook user, Adelere Rasaki, posted the distressing video on Thursday. The footage quickly went viral, drawing widespread condemnation and calls for justice.