ANNUAL IBADAN EGUNGUN FESTIVAL BEGINS ON SUNDAY 21ST JUNE,2026

The Annual Egungun Festival in Ibadanland begins on Sunday 21st June ,2026

The statement was contained in the press release issued and signed by the Chief Press Secretary to Olubadan of Ibadanland,Chief Ayoade Solomon Olugbemiga on Friday 

According to the press release the Egungun masquerades will pay homage to His Imperial Majesty Oba ( Dr ) Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja (Arusa1) on Monday 22 nd June 2026 at Olubadan Palace, Oke-Aremo, Ibadan 

The Annual Egungun Festival as being observed from the time immemorial apart from entertainment of the members of the public, the Egungun masquerades will visit some notable and strategic locations in Ibadanland for Devine prayers for the security, economic emancipation, food sufficiency, peaceful co - existence, unity and progress and development of the ancient city of Ibadanland 

In the letter signed by Olori Alagbaa of Ibadanland,Chief Ojeniyi Akintunde Okugbaja said that on  Wednesday 24th June, 2026, Egungun masquerades will visit the palace of Balogun of Ibadanland Oba Tajudeen Abimbola Ajibola at Agbeni Area, Ibadan,it will be the turn of of Otun Olubadan,Oba Eddy Oyewole at Foko Area of Ibadan,the Egungun worshippers will visit the Otun Balogun of Ibadanland Oba Kolawole Adegbola at Idi - Aro Area, Ita Ege, Ibadan while the masquerades will be at the palace of Osi Olubadan Oba  Kolawole Abiodun - Daisi at Ogboriefon,Oranyan area, Ibadan on 1st day of July,2026

The Olori Alagbaa of Ibadanland said there will not be Egungun masquerades festival rally on Sunday 21st June,2026,all Egungun should celebrate the beginning of the festival within their compounds

 Egungun worshippers and their leaders are enjoined to allow peace to reign during the festival as law enforcement agents will fully be on ground to ensure there is no breaking down of law and order during the Egungun Festival celebration 

OYRLEA Enforcement Team Impounds Nine Cows at Ijaye Farm Settlement

Following complaints from farmers at Ijaye Farm Settlement over the activities of herders who have been grazing on farmlands, destroying crops, and affecting their means of livelihood, the Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority (OYRLEA) responded.

In line with its statutory mandate to enforce compliance with the State’s open grazing regulations and safeguard agricultural investments, the OYRLEA enforcement team, on Friday, led by the Chief of Staff to the OYRLEA Chairperson, Kofoworola  A.  Akinbode Esq., and accompanied by security operatives, conducted an early-morning operation at the settlement.

Upon arrival, the team encountered resistance as some herders had been tipped off, resulting in the relocation of several cattle. Despite these challenges, the operation yielded nine (9) impounded cows: six (6) from the settlement, one (1) along Ijaye Road, and two (2) at Moniya — all for violating the State’s open grazing regulations.

The action was taken to address the continuous disruption of farming activities, protect farmers’ investments, and serve as a warning against the violation of the state’s laws on open grazing.

The Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority (OYRLEA) hereby warns herders operating within farm settlements to desist from illegal grazing activities, as such actions are against the law and will not be tolerated.

OYRLEA remains dedicated to protecting communities, enforcing the law, and promoting peaceful coexistence between farmers and livestock owners.

OYSCOHEST CONDUCTS COMPUTER-BASED ENTRANCE EXAMINATIONS FOR 2026/2027 ADMISSION

The Oyo State College of Health Sciences and Technology (OYSCOHEST), Eleyele, Ibadan, has successfully conducted the first batch of its Computer-Based Test (CBT) entrance examinations for prospective candidates seeking admission into the College's various academic programmes for the 2026/2027 academic session.

The three-day examination exercise, held at the College's  ICT Centre, attracted applicants seeking admission into some of the institution's 24 academic programmes. 

In line with global best practices, candidates received their results immediately upon completion of the examination, ensuring transparency and efficiency in the admission process.

Speaking on the successful conduct of the exercise, the Provost of the College,  Mrs. Oluyemisi Moradeke Oyewo, expressed satisfaction with the smooth and hitch-free nature of the examination. She described the exercise as a reflection of the College's unwavering commitment to academic excellence and quality assurance.

According to the her, OYSCOHEST has consistently maintained high academic standards over the years, producing competent health professionals who contribute significantly to the healthcare sector within and outside Nigeria.

She encouraged prospective candidates who are yet to apply for admission to take advantage of the ongoing admission exercise by registering online or visiting the Ceollege for guidance and support.

She further called on candidates who scored 150 and above in the JAMB Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME)  to apply for admission into the College's National Board for Technical Education (NBTE)-accredited programmes; Environmental Health Technology, Health Information Management, Nutrition and Dietetics, and Dental Therapy.

The Provost urged  interested candidates to visit the College's admission portal to access detailed information on available programmes and admission requirements. She also advised applicants wishing to enrol for JAMB-regulated programmes to effect the necessary change of institution and course through accredited JAMB CBT centres.

Mrs. Oyewo commended members of the College Admission Committee for their dedication and professionalism in ensuring the successful conduct of the examination exercise.

Also speaking, the College Admission Officer, Mr Samson Olugbemiga Makinde, stated that the CBT examination was to enhance the quality of the admission process by selecting the most qualified candidates and sustaining the institution's tradition of academic excellence.

He advised successful candidates to regularly monitor their admission portals and complete all necessary admission procedures promptly.

Pastor Makinde disclosed that the just-concluded examination was the first batch in the admission process, noting that second and third batches of the CBT examinations would be conducted before the commencement of the new academic session in September.

He therefore urged interested candidates who are yet to apply to do so without delay, assuring them that admission opportunities are still available across several programmes.

Established in 1933, the Oyo State College of Health Sciences and Technology, Eleyele, Ibadan, remains one of Nigeria's foremost health training institutions. The College boasts modern teaching facilities, well-equipped laboratories, a conducive learning environment, and highly qualified personnel dedicated to producing skilled healthcare professionals.

The institution is also among the recognized tertiary institutions whose graduates participate in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme, further enhancing their career prospects and national development contributions.

Meanwhile , the Governing Council of Oyo State College of Health Sciences and Technology led by the Chairman Honourable Babatunde Olaniyan Akoro had paid a visit to the new Head of Service Dr Mrs Adenike Fasina in his office  Secretariat Ibadan on Wednesday , 17th June , 2026 to congratulate her on the appointment by Oyo State Governor , Engineer Seyi Makinde . 

The new Head of Service Dr Mrs Adenike Fasina appreciated the Governing Council for the visit . 

The College Provost , Pharmacist Oluyemisi Oyewo , the  Registrar , Mrs Dupe Ayoola ,  other Principal Officers of the College  and members of the Governing Council  and some Heads of Departments  were on ground during the visit .

GSM, Oriyomi Hamzat and the shape of things to come

By Abubakre Ajao

 

Ori okere kooko l'awo, bi a wi fun omo eni a gbo. When the owner of Agidigbo FM, Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat, began his now ill-fated foray into politics, many people knew what might be the untoward end of such a venture. In fact, one of his numerous listeners/viewers tried to advise him against taking the step. The popular response given by the presenter of the much-loved programme “Kokoro Alate” was that “why ti e ma advise mi ki nma jade, maa jade, maa si w’ole.”

True to his word as a courageous fighter and determined individual, Oriyomi Hamzat made true his grandstanding by throwing his hat into the ring to contest for the governorship seat of Oyo State. At that point, everyone knew that the Radio Man’s dog that fated to get lost would definitely not heed the hunter’s whistling. 

I followed his political journey closely and I never ceased to tell whoever cared to listen that Oriyomi’s aspiration was just a joke being taken too far. When he joined the Accord Party, my hunch was confirmed that he was only a puppet and it didn’t take time before the public knew that a wealthy Ibadan man was behind the charade being displayed by Oriyomi.

As the saying goes that 1 + 1 in politics is not equal to 2, everyone kept waiting for the point that Oriyomi would quit his acting and his Ogbe would return oun to its owner. Sadly, however, words have it that he was outsmarted before he could even tell anyone to move closer to the microphone. According to words on the street, those more versed in politics taught Hamzat a bitter lesson with the emergence of Hon Busari Olakunle alias Goodu Goodu. Of course, bi iro ba lo ni Ogun odun, ojo kan ni otito a ba...

My interest, really, is not about the way and manner Oriyomi’s political chicken came home to roost. His boast “maa jade, maa si w’ole” won’t ever make me doubt that he is the next Oyo State Governor. My interest is the needless controversy that the man has begun to court by associating himself with an individual accused of armed robbery and then going ahead to make a wild claim that he might be targeted and that his Agidigbo FM might be demolished based on trump-up charges.

For those who are not conversant with the story, seeing Oriyomi Hamzat’s video in which he made the allegation against the Oyo State Governor would make one wonder whether Governor Makinde would stoop that low to silence opposition. However, listening to Hamzat publicly associating himself with and dropping the name of a suspect declared wanted by the Oyo State Police Command would provide a clearer picture to the distress being experienced by the wannabe governorship aspirant.

Here is the story: a recent news story from the Oyo State Police Command indicated that they arrested five suspected armed robbers and recovered firearms, ammunition and suspected criminal charms during a raid on a hideout in Ibadan.

The Police Public Relations Officer of the command, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, said the suspects were arrested on June 12, 2026, during an intelligence-led operation carried out by operatives of the command at Gbeku Area, Olodo, Ibadan.

According to him, the operation targeted the residence of one Surajudeen Babatunde Adio, popularly known as “Surii Ilupeju,” following credible intelligence linking the location to criminal activities.

A few hours after the news of that arrest broke out, the social media became awash with photos of Oriyomi Hamzat moving with the said Ilupeju Surii in Accord Party regalia and some commentators hinted at how he, Surii, was/is Hamzat’s Chief Security Officer during his ill-fated governorship ambition.

On Tuesday, the Oyo State Government moved into Gbeku Area to demolish the building just as it did with the criminal hideout where the kidnappers of Oloye Adebayo Adelabu’s sister kept the woman and her twin sons.

In what would be a direct reaction to the demolition of the Gbeku house where the police said it found ammunition, Oriyomi Hamzat could be seen in the video criticising the governor for demolishing the home of an opposition politician. He also said that he knew Ilupeju Surii and that the said individual now at large joined his political movement. In a sane clime, Oriyomi Hamzat would have been invited by the police to help their investigation on Surii and the other suspects, but the Radio Man would be on social media soon making another video about how Makinde would want to imprison him so that he (Oriyomi) would not defeat the APM Governorship Candidate at the polls. 

Everyone who knows Oriyomi Hamzat knows that he loves controversy and he hates to be called to account for his errors, most times unforced and self-inflicted. He courted problems under former Governor Abiola Ajimobi and when that one tried to make him pay for his sins; he deployed sentiments and tried to turn the public against the government. As good as his going was with Makinde, his self-caused crisis that led to the death of scores of children in December 2023 soured that relationship, as the governor allowed the law to take its course despite pleas from many individuals. Now, Oriyomi Hamzat has called for another problem with the video. But like an Atobimaseebawi that he is, the Kokoro Alate maestro will make all the noise and try to pollute people’s minds so that he will not be called to order for making a nuisance of himself. Whether the public believes him or not is left to the public, but the Radio Man must know that his Ijimere has to so igi gun, especially with the pervasive insecurity in the country. If he uses his mouth to cause problem for himself, he should blame no one but himself.

Ajao writes from Oyo

Oyo HOS Charges Media Officers to Uphold Ethics in Information Dissemination

 

The Oyo State Head of Service, Dr. (Mrs.) Adenike Fasina, mni, has urged Information and Public Relations Officers in the State Civil Service to embrace professionalism in the discharge of their duties.

She hinted further that the power they (Information Officers) wield through information management can either positively or negatively shape public perception.

Dr. Fasina gave these charges while receiving members of the Forum of Information and Public Relations Officers, Ministry of Information, Oyo State, who paid her a courtesy visit in her office, 

Addressing the officers, the new Head of Service acknowledged their continued support for the state government and stressed the importance of using their platforms to promote truth, transparency and accurate information.

"There is power in what you do, so be mindful of how you use it. It can be used positively and it can also be used otherwise. If you use it positively and responsibly, it will present a true picture of who we are as a state and reflect the exact situation on the ground." 

She warned against allowing external influences to distort factual reporting, adding that such actions could undermine the values of transparency, sincerity and openness being promoted by the government.

Dr. Fasina  emphasized the need for wisdom in carrying out official responsibilities, noting that information officers play a strategic role in protecting and projecting the image of the state.

"We all need wisdom, just as we pray for wisdom, you also need wisdom in carrying out your responsibilities. We must protect the image of the state and prevent any damage to it." 

The Head of Service also expressed appreciation to members of the forum for the visit and the gift presented to her, describing the gesture as a demonstration of goodwill, support and solidarity.

She then prayed for continued cooperation between the forum and the state government, expressing optimism that their collective efforts would contribute to the progress and development of Oyo State.

In his remark, the Chairman of the Forum, Mr. Fasasi Ismail, who led the delegation congratulated the new Head of Service on her well-deserved appointment, he prayed to God to grant her wisdom, strength and guidance required to successfully steer the affairs of the State's Civil Service and excel in the responsibilities of her new office.

The visit provided an opportunity for members of the forum to formally congratulate Dr. Fasina on her appointment and re-affirm their commitment to supporting the administration through effective information dissemination and public relations activities.

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

RECRUITMENT PROCESS FOR OYO STATE INDIGENES INTO THE NIGERIAN ARMY, 91 REGULAR RECRUITS INTAKE

This is to inform all Oyo State applicants for the Nigerian Army recruitment that the recruitment process of Oyo State indegenes, 91 Regular Recruits Intake at Odogbo Cantonment, Ojoo, Ibadan has commenced.

The exercise is scheduled to be held from 9th to 23rd, June, 2026.  The statement added further that the exercise may be extended. 

All shortlisted candidates who are Oyo State indegenes are enjoined to report at the venue of the recruitment process, Adekunle Fajuyi Cantonment, Ojoo Odogbo, Ibadan without further delay.

The statement said that the shortlisted candidates of Oyo State indegenes had earlier applied and egistered online on the Nigerian Army portal in February this year.

                 ANNOUNCER 

Professor Musibau Babatunde,

Secretary to the Oyo State Government.

Orire LG Abductees: Oyo Govt Joins Masquerades Group in Special Prayer for Victims' Release

The Oyo State Government has joined a special prayer session organized by the Ibadan Labala Masquerades Group for the safe release of the abducted victims of Oriire Local Government Area of the state.

The prayer, approved by the President of the Labala Masquerades Group Worldwide, Chief Ojeyemi Ajayi (Idunnu Ifa), was held at the Labala shrine, Labo area of Ibadan.

The essence of the prayer according to the group is  to offer traditional prayers and sacrifices on behalf of the state for the safe return of the abductees and the restoration of peace and security in the State under the leadership of Engr. Seyi Makinde.

Representing the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism at the event, the General Manager of the Oyo State Council for Arts and Culture, Mr. Kunle Agboola, commended the group's sense of compassion, patriotism, and concern for the wellbeing of the victims and the state at large.

He noted that although several groups and individuals had organized prayer sessions since the unfortunate incident occurred, the gesture by the Ibadan Labala Masquerades Group was particularly commendable because it demonstrated a strong partnership with the government in addressing societal challenges.

Agboola said, “Thank you for partnering with the government in this challenging moment in our state. Your efforts will not be in vain. We believe that the prayers and sacrifices offered today will yield positive results and that the abductees will soon reunite with their families. Many groups have organized prayers concerning this incident, but I sincerely appreciate your invitation to the government to participate in this unique spiritual exercise.”

Speaking on behalf of the group, the Balogun Baale Labala of Ibadan and Oyo State, Chief Oosakola Oladejo, explained that a special sacrifice had earlier been carried out privately for the abductees. He added that the prayer walk organized by the group across selected locations in Ibadan was aimed at seeking divine intervention for the victims' safety, warding off death, and praying for an end to kidnapping and insecurity in Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole.

Several spiritual leaders of the Labala Masquerades Group offered prayers during the event, including the Otun Balogun Baale Labala of Ibadan and Oyo State, Chief Ojediran Olalekan, among others.

After the prayer sessions at the shrine,attendees at the programme led by Labala masquerades embarked on a prayer walk from the Labala Shrine through the Labo Oranyan area, Wesley College, Oba Asanke Street, Idi-Aro Junction, and back to the shrine.