Oba Abimbola Owoade installed as the Alaafin of Oyo, President Tinubu speaks
Oba Abimbola Owoade installed as the Alaafin of Oyo, President Tinubu speaks
President Bola Tinubu has restated his commitment to preserving Nigeria’s diverse cultures by supporting initiatives that promote the country’s rich cultures.
Tinubu stated this on Saturday during the official coronation of Oba Abimbola Owoade, the Alaafin of Oyo, held at Olivet Baptist High School in Oyo.
The President, who was represented by the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, said such support would ensure that Nigeria’s diverse cultures remain a source of strength.
According to him, Alaafin stool is a symbol of cultural pride, unity, and the enduring legacy of one of Africa’s most powerful empires.
Underscoring the significance of the Alaafin coronation, President Tinubu said that Oyo Empire was once the political and military stronghold of the Yoruba people.
“Renowned for its administrative sophistication, military prowess, and cultural
influence.
“The Alaafin, as the paramount ruler, has always been the custodian of its traditions, the unifying force of the Yoruba people, and a bridge between the past and the future,” he said.
The President added that the Alaafin’s throne was not just a seat of authority, but a living institution that embodies Yoruba history, values, and aspirations.
According to Tinubu, the ascension of Oba Owoade to the Alaafin throne comes at a critical time in the history of the nation.
He urged the traditional ruler to use his wisdom, leadership, and dedication to further strengthen the unity and progress of Oyo Kingdom and Nigeria at large.
“May your tenure also witness unprecedented development and peace in Oyo, Oyo State.
“As you mount the throne of your forebears, we recognise that the Alaafin of Oyo is not just a traditional ruler, but also a key figure, who expectedly should serve as a bridge between traditional institutions and modern governance.
“The Alaafin is expected to play a mediatory role in conflicts and various communal disputes.
“Most importantly, as the Alaafin, you are more than a king, you are also a symbol of Yoruba resilience, wisdom, and pride,” he advised.
The President further urged the people of Oyo Kingdom to rally behind the new Alaafin,
“support his vision, and uphold the values of peace, tolerance, and development.”
In his address, Gov. Seyi Makinde emphasised that his administration gave priority to traditional institution for promotion of culture and tourism.
Makinde, who promised to continue placing traditional rulers in high esteem, urged the people of Oyo kingdom to rally round the new Alaafin for the growth and development of the ancient town.
He charged Alaafin Owoade to work toward rapid development of his kingdom and Oyo State as a whole.
In his acceptance speech, Oba Owoade pledged to promote cultural heritage of his kingdom.
He solicited for the support of the Oyomesi (chiefs), and sons and daughters of Oyo Kingdom for the progress of the ancient time.
The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that highlights of the event was the official presentation of Instruments of Office to Oba Owoade by Gov. Makinde.
The presentation confirmed his ascension to the throne as the 46th Alaafin of Oyo town.
Among dignitaries present at the coronation include Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar, Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi and Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Olaoye.
Others include the deputy Governor of Osun state, Mr Kola Adewusi; the Portuguese Ambassador to Nigeria, Paulo Santos and the leader of Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC) Chief Gani Adams. (NAN)
News
President Tinubu returns to Nigeria after Abu Dhabi outing
President Tinubu returns to Nigeria after Abu Dhabi outing
President Bola Tinubu has returned to Nigeria after participating in the 2026 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW 2026).
Presidential spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja.
The president attended the summit alongside some members of his cabinet.
On the sidelines of the summit, Nigeria signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The agreement is aimed at deepening economic cooperation, boosting bilateral trade and investment, and enhancing technology transfer.
It will also expand collaboration in key sectors, including energy, infrastructure, agriculture, mining and renewable energy.
In his address at the summit, Tinubu announced that Nigeria and the UAE would jointly host INVESTOPIA in Lagos in February.
The initiative is designed to attract global investors and accelerate sustainable investment inflows into Nigeria.
Tinubu also said Nigeria targets mobilising up to $30 billion annually in climate and green industrial finance.
He said the funds would support energy transition reforms and expand nationwide access to electricity. (NAN)
News
APC clears air on receiving letter of defection from another State Governor
APC clears air on receiving letter of defection from another State Governor
The Zamfara chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has denied receiving a letter from Gov. Dauda Lawal seeking to defect to the party.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that there were speculations across the state over Lawal’s move to defect to APC.
A statement issued in Gusau on Saturday by the state APC Publicity Secretary, Malam Yusuf Idris, described the speculations as fabricated.
“The party came across a fabricated report purported to have emanated from one Tambarin Gusau claiming that Go Dauda Lawal has sent a letter to the party wanting to join the APC.
“The report is malicious, unfortunate, unfounded, mischievous and showed the unprofessional manner which some people can go in misleading others and causing chaos in a stable and a peaceful party like the APC.
“The APC has responsible channels where everything is done in a guided manner,” Idris said.
According to him, the party has not received any letter from Lawal as claimed through the imagination of the writer nor was the party aware of any recent moves by the governor to defect from the PDP to the APC.
“All members of the party and indeed the public especially in Zamfara should therefore disregard such report.,” Idris added.(NAN)
News
282 Passengers safe as plane makes emergency landing in Lagos
282 Passengers safe as plane makes emergency landing in Lagos
A Qatar Airways passenger plane on Friday made an emergency landing at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos after developing a technical fault mid-flight.
The aircraft, which had 248 passengers and 12 crew members on board, was forced to land abruptly after the malfunction was detected while it was operating within Nigerian airspace.
The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) confirmed the incident in a statement released by its Permanent Secretary, Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu.
According to him, the agency was alerted to the situation through its 767 and 112 toll-free emergency lines, prompting an immediate response from emergency officials.
He explained that upon receiving the distress call, the LASEMA Response Team (LRT) was swiftly deployed to the airport to assess the situation and provide necessary support.
“Upon arrival at the scene, the LASEMA Response Team confirmed that the aircraft was in distress,” the statement noted.
“The pilot executed a safe landing on the runway at Murtala Mohammed International Airport with LASEMA Response Team and other emergency responders standing by on extreme high alert on the runway.
“Collaborative efforts of the multi-agency responders were coordinated. After proper check by the pilot and the engineering crew, the aircraft was moved to the apron for detailed inspection and prompt repairs.”
“All passengers of the distressed airplane were evacuated safely; no injuries reported, no loss of lives,” the statement said.
Despite the technical issue and the emergency landing, the agency stated that there was the aircraft experienced no major damage.
“The aircraft has been secured on the apron. Recovery activities have been completed,” the statement added.
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