OPC New Era Elders’ Council Rejects Tenure Extension for Sadam-Led Executives

The Elders’ Council of the Odua People’s Congress (OPC) New Era has dissociated itself from a purported meeting that extended the tenure of the Alhaji Rasaq Balogun Arogundade, alias Sadam, led executives.

The council described the decision as null and void, saying it did not reflect the position of the full body. 

Crisis has trailed the eight-year tenure of the Sadam-led executives, with some leaders of the Yoruba sociocultural group insisting it ended on Friday, December 12, 2025. 

During the week, some members of the Elders’ Council announced an extension allowing Sadam to run for a third term.

Those said to have taken the decision included Comrade Monsuru Akande, Acting Chairman; Ranti Akande; Alhaji Adeshina Amusa; Lateef Ogungbayi; and Alhaji Sadam himself.

Reacting, Secretary of the Council, Comrade Kehinde Ogunyale, said five members could not take such a critical decision for a council made up of 20 members. 

Speaking on behalf of other members, he stated that the meeting lacked the authority to extend the tenure.

Members not present at the meeting include Late Olayinka Olowoporoku; Comrade Bayo Fabiyi; Alhaji Lateef Oshodi; Comrade Akinpelu Adesina; Comrade Olayiwola Ogunsolu; Comrade Olusanya Segun; Comrade Olusoji Folorunsho; Comrade Adebayo Sunday; Comrade Gbenga Egunlusi; Comrade Idowu Akintunde; Comrade Musa Oladipupo; and Chief Adeola Adeagbo.

Ogunyale explained that Comrade Monsuru Akande, who presided over the meeting, is only an Acting Chairman whose appointment has not been ratified by the council. 

He said the position of other council members is that Sadam should first step down as President of OPC New Era, as stipulated in the organization’s constitution.

According to him, other national executives have stepped aside to allow the Elders’ Council to put in place new executives to ensure stability and due process.

Oyo PHC Board Advances Family Planning Through SHINE Project

The Oyo State Primary Health Care Board in collaboration with Society for Family Health and partners hosted the End of Project Dissemination Meeting for the SHINE Research on the Scale-Up of Hormonal Intrauterine Device (IUD) in New and Emerging Markets.

The dissemination meeting, held at Jogor Hotel, Ibadan, brought together stakeholders in the health sector, and reproductive health experts, to review achievements, lessons learnt and the impact of the SHINE Project on family planning services delivery in Oyo State.

In his Welcome Address, the Executive Secretary of the Oyo State Primary Health Care Board, Dr. Muideen Olatunji, appreciated the commitment of development partners towards strengthening reproductive health services and improving access to quality family planning methods for women across the State.

Dr. Olatunji, noted that the SHINE Research Project has significantly contributed to increasing awareness, accessibility and acceptance of Hormonal IUDs as a safe, effective and long acting family planning method among women of reproductive age in Oyo State.

He further emphasized that the collaboration between the state and partners has strengthened the capacity of healthcare workers, improved service delivery at primary healthcare facilities and enhanced community engagement on family planning uptake.

Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of Society for Family Health (SFH) Management, Pharm. Jane Adizue,  commended the Oyo State Government and the Primary Health Care Board for providing an enabling environment for successful implementation of the SHINE Project.

She stated that, the partnership demonstrated the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing reproductive health challenges and ensuring that women have access to informed choices and quality healthcare services.

Stakeholders at the meeting commended the achievements recorded under the SHINE Project and called for sustained investment in family planning services, continuous training for healthcare workers and strengthened community mobilisation to maintain the gains achieved.

The Oyo State Primary Health Care Board reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining partnerships with development organisations and stakeholders towards ensuring accessible, affordable and quality healthcare services for residents of Oyo State.

The Board also appreciated all partners, participants and stakeholders for their contributions towards the successful dissemination of the SHINE Research Project in Oyo State.

*Prince Dotun Oyelade*

Commissioner for Information, 

Oyo State.

May 23, 2026

Hon. Adeseyi Lawal Emerges Unopposed as APC Consensus Candidate in Ikeja Constituency 1

 Members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ikeja Constituency 1 have unanimously reaffirmed their confidence in Hon. Adeseyi Lawal by electing him unopposed as the party’s consensus candidate. 

The affirmation, held on Wednesday at St. Peter Primary School, Ikeja, saw a massive turnout of party faithful and delegates, signaling strong grassroots support for Lawal within the constituency.

Reacting to his unopposed election, Hon. Lawal expressed deep appreciation to party leaders, stakeholders, women, youths, delegates, and APC members across Ikeja Constituency 1. He described the overwhelming turnout as a humbling honor and outlined plans for youth and widow empowerment, alongside the launch of new community projects aimed at further developing what he described as the "city of government."

In his remarks, Lawal also praised the President for his achievements, particularly in road construction, highlighting his experience and urging all eligible voters to support him. He acknowledged the political sacrifices made by party members over the years and reiterated his gratitude for being chosen as the party’s candidate.

Emphasizing party supremacy and unity, 

Lawal commended leaders for their guidance and support, stressing that collective effort is key to electoral success in the upcoming polls.

Speaking also his Hon. Samsondeen Oloyede, Vice Chairman of Onigbogbo LCDA    said Hon Adeseyi Lawal would continue his exemplary service, noting his anticipated return to the Lagos State Assembly. Oloyede led prayers for continued success and urged the electorate to support Hon. Lawal and all APC candidates in the January 2027 elections.

He further highlighted the importance of voting for the right candidates and called on party members and constituents to back all APC aspirants to ensure continued progress and development for Ikeja Constituency 1.

CEOs in Sex-for-Promotion Scandal: Leaked Evidence Exposes Corporate Abuse, Financial Fraud

 

By Abiodun Atilola, Ibadan 

EO50903....CLA 404

A major sexual harassment scandal has erupted in Nigeria’s corporate sector following the emergence of damning evidence implicating two chief executive officers of leading companies in alleged sex-for-promotion schemes, abuse of office, and diversion of company funds.

The development comes despite repeated denials by the management of the affected organisations, which had earlier dismissed allegations of misconduct as “false, malicious and unfounded.”

However, an extensive investigation conducted by this newspaper uncovered compelling evidence, including audio recordings, video footage, photographs, internal financial documents and testimonies from former employees, revealing a disturbing pattern of sexual exploitation and corporate misconduct allegedly perpetrated by the top executives and their close associates.

Several victims, many of whom were reportedly dismissed after resisting sexual advances or attempting to expose the incidents, have now agreed to speak publicly.

One former employee, whose identity is being withheld for security reasons, alleged that female staff members were pressured into sexual relationships with senior executives in exchange for promotions, salary increases and job security.

“If you refused their advances, your career suffered immediately. Some of us were threatened, transferred unjustly or eventually sacked,” the victim said during an interview with this newspaper.

Documents obtained by the investigative team also revealed suspicious financial transfers from company accounts to certain female employees allegedly linked to the scandal".

The records indicate that large sums of money were paid under questionable descriptions, while some staff members received rapid promotions despite lacking the required qualifications or years of experience.

GOSHEN BIBLE MISSION IBADAN MARKS 30TH GHURCH ANNIVERSARY IN GRAND STYLE

It was a glorious three in one event as Goshen BIBLE MISSION , Gospel outreach Incorporated Jagun Olunloyo, off Akanran road Ibadan celebrates 30th Church Anniversary, Wedding Anniversary and ordination  with the theme : Flame of Hallelujah. 

The programme was witnessed by eminent personalities in the Gospel Music industry including a renown Gospel Musician Evangelist Doctor Bola Are. 

Great  Ministers of God such as Bishop Solomon  Olusegun Aremu , Prophet Nath Oroyimika , Prophet Akinrinmade, Prophet Amos Odeyemi . Reverend Sumbo   Idowu Sangogade and a host of eminent men of God also graced the colourful and spirit filled event . 

The Church founder with his dear wife Prophet  Dr .Kayode Afolabi who was the Chief Host  in his welcome Speech said he started the ministry as a young Graduate thirty years ago as nobody with nothing thanking God for seeing him and the family through the turbulent and crisis period to become somebody to be reckoned with both in the music and ministerial industries today . 

Prophet  Kayode Afolabi thanked those who had at one time or the other assisted him in the Ministry . 

The popular Gospel Artiste particularly commended her wife for being resilient thanking  the extended family for their love and support . 

The General Overseer of Goshen BIBLE MISSION equally eulogized the Landlord Association of his area for witnessing the Church Anniversary describing members of the Association as loving and reliable Landlords . 

The  Chairman of the event and the former Speaker of Oyo State House of Assembly Right Honourable Adeolu Adeleke  congratulated  the  General Overseer of Goshen BIBLE MISSION  who he described as a sincere , genuine and trustworthy Man of God . 

The General Overseer ordained Evangelist AdeniyiAdedejji and and Evangelist Moses  Fadare as Pastors of the Church , MrsSikeade Adisa as Deaconess and Mrs Rachael Adewale as Iya Ewe of Goshen BIBLE MISSION describing as of them as reliable , trustworthy and dedicated Church members who had in the past contributed to the progress of the Ministry.. 

The  Lady Chairperson at the programme  Princess Folasde  Haastrup  was also commended for standing by the church . 

It was a praise galore as eminent Gospel Musicians took their turn to sing spicing up the atmosphere of praise worship . 

Special prayers were also offered for the Church while powerful sermon was also delivered  at the programme.

Oyo PHC Board Begins Adaptation of National Safe Pregnancy Termination Guidelines

In its efforts to strengthen reproductive health services and improve maternal health outcomes across the state, the Oyo State Primary Health Care Board has commenced the adaptation of the National Guidelines on Safe Termination of Pregnancy (STOP).

Speaking at a two-day adaptation process for the STOP guidelines held at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, the Executive Secretary of the Oyo State Primary Health Care Board, Dr. Muideen Olatunji, reaffirmed the commitment of the Oyo State Government to reducing maternal morbidity and mortality through evidence-based policies, improved access to quality healthcare services, and enhanced capacity building for healthcare providers at all levels of care.

Dr. Olatunji noted that unsafe termination of pregnancy remains a major contributor to preventable maternal deaths and complications, particularly among women and adolescent girls.

He explained that the adaptation of the national guidelines would provide a coordinated framework for healthcare professionals and stakeholders to deliver safe, ethical, and rights-based reproductive health services within approved legal and medical standards.

He further stated that the initiative underscores the government’s determination to strengthen the healthcare system through inclusive dialogue, stakeholder collaboration, and the adoption of best practices capable of safeguarding the health and wellbeing of women and families across the state.

The meeting brought together critical stakeholders from various medical and professional fields to review, domesticate, and contextualize the national guidelines in line with the healthcare priorities of Oyo State.

Delivering a presentation on safe termination of pregnancy for legal indications during the stakeholders’ engagement and capacity-building session, the Executive Director of the Centre for Bridging Health Gaps, Dr. Moriam Olaide Jagun, emphasized the importance of equipping healthcare providers with accurate knowledge of the legal and medical frameworks guiding safe termination of pregnancy, particularly in situations where the life or health of a woman is at risk.

She noted that improving awareness among health workers would help reduce preventable maternal deaths and complications arising from unsafe abortion practices.

Dr. Jagun also highlighted the need for respectful, confidential, and non-judgmental care for women and girls seeking abortion-related information and services.

She stressed that healthcare providers have a professional responsibility to uphold the dignity and rights of clients while operating within the limits of the law.

Participants at the training commended the presentation for its clarity, depth, and practical relevance to healthcare delivery. The session also provided opportunities for interactive discussions on ethical responsibilities, confidentiality, accurate documentation, and quality abortion-related care.

Stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to supporting policies and interventions that promote maternal health, reduce unsafe abortion-related complications, and improve access to life-saving reproductive healthcare services across Oyo State 

THE INFLUX OF STRANGERS INTO OYO STATE IS WORRISOME - ARCHBISHOP ALADEKUGBE

His Grace , the most Reverend Williams Oluwarotimi Aladekugbe has expressed his concern on the influx of strangers into Oyo State     assumed  contributing to the insecurity in the state

The expression of the concern on the influx of strangers into all nooks and crannies of Oyo State was contained in his speech during the 2026 Synod held at Cathedral of St Peter, Aremo, Ibadan on Friday 

According to Bishop Aladekugbe, the influx of strangers into the state should be checked without further delay 

The president of the Synod called on Oyo State Government to profile the strangers who claimed to be okada riders

He enjoined the law enforcement agents to be more proactive in  ensuring the protection of life and property in the state 

" The issue of security is a collective responsibility, adding that apart from security operatives, other stakeholders such as traditional title holders, community leaders, religious leaders should be at alert ", the Clergy further stressed.

The 2026 Synod with it's theme " Cast your bread upon the waters (Ecclesiastics 11:1 ) which started on Thursday will come to a close with thanksgiving service on Sunday 17th May, 2026