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Royal Supremacy Battle; Olubadan of Ibadanland ignores Alaafin’s public handshake

A fresh wave of controversy has erupted around Oyo State’s traditional leadership following a public incident involving the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, and the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja.

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The latest episode unfolded at the 2026 Inter-faith Service for civil servants held at the state secretariat in Ibadan. Witnesses said the Olubadan arrived shortly after Governor Seyi Makinde and went round greeting dignitaries and fellow traditional rulers.

Trouble, however, arose when he walked past the Alaafin, who had extended his hand in greeting, and continued without acknowledging him before taking his seat.

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The moment, described by many in attendance as awkward and tense, immediately drew murmurs from the audience and later sparked widespread reaction across the state. Those seated close to the monarchs said the atmosphere remained uneasy for much of the programme.

The incident has further split public opinion. Some commentators argued that the Alaafin, by remaining seated and stretching out his hand, breached protocol when greeting an older monarch.

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Others countered that the Alaafin’s throne is historically superior and should be accorded deference regardless of the age of its occupant.

Sources close to the palaces suggest the strain between the two rulers is rooted in a long-running disagreement over status and precedence.

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Signs of the tension had surfaced earlier on December 15, 2025, during the unveiling of the Oyo@50 logo at the same secretariat. On that occasion, the Alaafin was represented by one of his chiefs.

When the Olubadan arrived and was directed to a seat beside the Alaafin’s representative, he reportedly objected, insisting that he would not take a position he considered beneath the absent Alaafin’s seat.

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The disagreement caused a stir until government officials intervened, after which his chair was moved to a more prominent position ahead of the Alaafin’s seat.

The recurring friction has raised questions about the effectiveness of efforts by Governor Makinde to restore harmony between the two revered monarchs.

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Just a week after the Oyo@50 episode, on December 22, the governor held a brief closed-door meeting with both rulers at the Governor’s Office in Agodi shortly after signing the 2026 Appropriation Bill.

The unscheduled meeting, which lasted about 15 minutes, took place while other dignitaries waited for a group photograph.

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No official details of what was discussed were released, though it was widely believed to have focused on easing the growing tension.

In recent weeks, social media has been awash with speculation about rivalry and supremacy struggles between the Alaafin and the Olubadan, and Tuesday’s public snub has only intensified the debate.

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Many observers fear the latest development could deepen divisions within Oyo State’s traditional institution, reviving old grievances and raising concerns about unity and stability among its most prominent royal stools.

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Suspected notorious kidnapper linked to multiple kidnappings arrested by Police

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Suspected notorious kidnapper linked to multiple kidnappings arrested by Police

The Police Command in Rivers on Wednesday, said it has arrested an alleged notorious kidnapper linked to multiple kidnapping incidents in the state.

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The Command’s spokesperson, CSP Grace Iringe-Koko, disclosed this to journalists in Port Harcourt, stating that the suspect was arrested on Jan. 10.

She said that the suspect aged 30, was identified as the ringleader of a notorious kidnapping syndicate, that coordinated several abductions for ransom across the state.

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According to her, the suspect who is responsible for multiple kidnappings along the Port Harcourt International Airport Road, Omagwa, was apprehended by operatives of the Command’s Anti-Cultism Unit.

“The suspect was planning to relocate his operational armoury and camp to Agbonchia/Oyigbo Road in Eleme Local Government Area before his arrest,” she said.

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She said that the recovered items include an AK-47 rifle with breach number 2125 and two magazines loaded with 36 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm live ammunition.

The spokesperson said that during preliminary investigations, the suspect voluntarily confessed to being the ringleader of the kidnapping syndicate.

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According to her, the suspect and exhibits are currently in police custody, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the gang. (NAN)

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Govt suspend Doctors for leaving scissors in patient’s stomach after operation

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Govt suspend Doctors for leaving scissors in patient’s stomach after operation

The Kano State Hospitals Management Board has acknowledged that the death of Aishatu Umar, a five-time mother, resulted from professional lapses at the Abubakar Imam Urology Centre, a government health facility in Kano.

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According to a statement issued by the Board’s Public Relations Officer, Samira Suleiman, an internal probe initiated by the Executive Secretary, Dr. Mansur Mudi Nagoda, revealed that medical staff failed to remove surgical scissors from the patient’s body after an operation, a mistake that proved fatal.

Following the findings, the Board ordered the suspension of three staff members connected to the procedure, barring them from all clinical responsibilities with immediate effect.

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The case has also been handed over to the Kano State Medical Ethics Committee, which will conduct a more detailed inquiry and determine appropriate sanctions in accordance with existing regulations and ethical guidelines.

“The Board extends its deepest condolences to the family of the late Aishatu Umar and sympathizes with them over this painful loss. We reassure the public that negligence will not be condoned in any form,” the statement read.

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Aishatu Umar reportedly died after complications arising from a surgery in which surgical scissors were allegedly left in her abdomen.

Her husband, Abubakar Muhammad, said she repeatedly complained of worsening health conditions after the operation, but her concerns were not adequately addressed before her death.

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The tragedy has triggered widespread anger among Kano residents, drawing attention to systemic weaknesses in supervision and accountability within public hospitals.

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Masquerade arrested, detained by Police over alleged attack in community

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Masquerade arrested, detained by Police over alleged attack in community

The Anambra Police Command says it has detained a masquerade, allegedly involved in unprovoked violent attacks on residents of Awgbu Community in Orumba North LGA of the state.
In a statement issued in Awka and made available to newsmen on Wednesday, the command’s Spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed that the incident happened on Monday.
“The Anambra Police Command wishes to inform the public, especially the people of Anambra and other concerned persons, that it has taken into custody the masquerade involved in the unprovoked and violent attacks on innocent citizens.
“The act led to a breach of public peace in Awgbu, Orumba North LGA.
“The suspect is currently in police custody, and investigations are ongoing to ensure that all those involved are brought to justice,” Ikenga added.
He described the conduct by the masquerade, as seen in the viral video currently in circulation, as “unacceptable, unlawful, and would not be tolerated under any guise”.
An eyewitness in the community told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the masquerade, accompanied by some youths, went out of its way to attack unsuspecting members of the public and destroyed people’s property.
Speaking on the condition of anonymity, he said that the incident occurred during the last “Ofala” festival in honour of the late Traditional Ruler of Awgbu, Igwe Michael Okechukwu.
NAN reports that the festival was supposed to be a solemn cultural and symbolic celebration of the life and reign of the late monarch. (NAN)

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