The Ogun State Police Command has dismissed reports alleging that the Awujale Palace in Ijebu-Ode was under siege by thugs and miscreants, describing the presence of security personnel at the palace as a preventive measure to maintain law and order.

The Command also clarified the circumstances surrounding the invitation and subsequent release of Chief Adebisi Adaran, popularly known as Gbenden, amid the ongoing controversy surrounding the vacant Awujale stool.

In a press release issued on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi B. Babas e y i, said the deployment of police personnel to the palace was aimed at safeguarding lives and property and preventing any breakdown of public peace.

SEE ALSO: Ogun Police Win Public Safety Award as Ojajuni Emerges NUJ Golden Jubilee Ambassador

The Command disclosed that an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) was deployed to supervise the security arrangement and ensure effective operational coordination.

Addressing reports surrounding Chief Adaran, the police said he was invited following a written petition containing allegations against him.

According to the statement, the traditional chief honoured the invitation, was questioned in connection with the allegations and subsequently released on self-recognisance.

The police, however, confirmed that investigations into the matter were still ongoing.

The Command stressed that the invitation should not be interpreted as an indication of guilt, describing it as part of a legitimate investigative process.

It stated that the police remained committed to professionalism, impartiality and respect for the rights of individuals in carrying out their statutory responsibilities.

The statement urged members of the public to remain calm, disregard misleading reports and avoid circulating unverified information capable of generating unnecessary tension.

The Command reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property and maintaining public order across Ogun State.

The latest development comes amid an ongoing disagreement over the traditional administrative structure of Ijebuland following the death of the former Awujale, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, in July 2025, after more than six decades on the throne.

The controversy centres on the administration of Ijebuland during the interregnum and disagreements between the Ogun State Government and sections of the traditional institution over the legitimacy of the interim administrative arrangement.

The state government had established the Awujale Interregnum Administrative Council (AIAC) to oversee the affairs of Ijebuland pending the emergence of a new monarch.

However, some traditional chiefs subsequently announced the formation of the Adele Oba Awujale-in-Council, an alternative arrangement they said was rooted in the customs and traditions of Ijebu-Ode.

Chief Adebisi Adaran, popularly known as Gbenden, was among the traditional chiefs associated with the Adele Oba Awujale-in-Council.

The development triggered a disagreement with the Ogun State Government, which maintained that the AIAC remained the legally recognised administrative body authorised to oversee the affairs of Ijebuland during the interregnum.

The government subsequently reconstituted the AIAC, rejecting the alternative arrangement.

The disagreement has also moved to the courts, with the Adele Oba Awujale-in-Council instituting a suit against the Ogun State Government and members of the reconstituted AIAC, challenging the legality of the interim administrative structure.

Tensions heightened on Tuesday, November 10, when reports emerged that Adaran had been arrested in Ijebu-Ode amid the dispute.

Some reports alleged that his arrest was connected to the ongoing disagreement over the administration of Ijebuland, although the circumstances surrounding the development had initially remained unclear.

Former Anambra State Governor and National Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has promised to tackle insecurity, facilitate the safe return of displaced residents and revive Plateau State’s tourism potential if elected president alongside Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

Obi made the promises during a town hall meeting in Jos, the Plateau State capital, on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, as part of his ongoing nationwide engagement with Nigerians.

SEE MORE: JUST IN: Peter Obi, Kwankwaso Arrive in Calabar

In a statement shared on his X account, Obi said the meeting provided an opportunity to engage residents and understand their most pressing concerns, particularly the worsening security situation, youth unemployment, electoral integrity and access to financing for small businesses.

He said securing Nigeria and uniting its people would be the foundation for implementing the development plans he and Kwankwaso had proposed.

“In response, I stressed that fulfilling our plans for Nigeria would first require us to secure the nation and unite our people behind a shared purpose,” he stated.

Addressing the security challenges confronting Plateau State, Obi assured residents that his proposed administration would take decisive action against insecurity and ensure that people displaced by violence could safely return to their ancestral communities.

“In particular, I assured the people of Plateau State that we would confront insecurity decisively and enable citizens displaced by violence who are currently residing in IDP camps to return safely to their communities,” he said.

The former governor also addressed concerns about the welfare of vulnerable groups, particularly persons living with disabilities, following a question raised by a participant at the town hall meeting.

He reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring their inclusion, care and wellbeing, stressing that the treatment of vulnerable citizens reflects a nation’s compassion.

“To our brothers and sisters living with disabilities, I reaffirmed our commitment to their care, inclusion, and wellbeing. A nation’s true measure of compassion is found in the way it treats its most vulnerable citizens,” Obi stated.

He further reiterated his commitment to substantial investments in critical sectors, particularly healthcare and education, as part of efforts to reduce poverty and improve the living conditions of Nigerians.

Obi’s Plateau engagement also included a courtesy visit to the Gbong Gwom Jos, His Royal Majesty, Da (Dr.) Jacob Gyang Buba, CFR.

During the visit, Obi said he briefed the traditional ruler on the town hall meeting and its objective of engaging residents on the challenges affecting their communities.

He said the monarch received the delegation warmly, offered prayers and valuable counsel, and expressed hope for a successful programme.

According to Obi, the traditional ruler reaffirmed that traditional institutions serve as fathers to everyone and called for peace, mutual respect and harmonious coexistence as the next elections approach.

After the palace visit, Obi proceeded to Rhythm 93.7 FM Jos, where he participated in an interview programme.

During the interview, he discussed the challenges confronting Nigeria and the plans he and Kwankwaso had developed to address the country’s problems if elected into office.

The former governor also visited the section of Terminus Market that was destroyed by fire several months ago.

At the market, he interacted with traders, business owners, sellers and buyers to understand how they were coping with the losses and rebuilding their businesses amid prevailing economic challenges.

Obi assured the traders that his proposed administration would work towards easing the economic hardship confronting Nigerians, which he attributed to the policies of the current administration.

The town hall meeting also featured discussions on youth unemployment, access to business financing and the protection of electoral integrity, with participants raising concerns about the issues affecting their livelihoods and the future of the state.

On Plateau State’s tourism potential, Obi recalled a period when Jos and other parts of the state ranked among Nigeria’s leading tourist destinations, attracting visitors from across the country and beyond.

He expressed his determination to restore the state’s tourism appeal and return it to its former prominence.

“In conclusion, I recalled the time when Jos and Plateau State more broadly ranked among the foremost tourism destinations for Nigerians and visitors from around the world. I reaffirmed our determination to revive the state’s tourism potential and restore it to its rightful place of prominence,” he said.

Obi also appreciated the Gbong Gwom Jos for his hospitality, prayers and counsel, while commending party supporters in Plateau State for organising the programme.

He equally thanked residents for their participation, warmth and hospitality throughout the engagement.

Concluding his message, Obi expressed optimism about Nigeria’s future, declaring: “A New Nigeria is POssible, and Nigeria will be OK!”

Nigerians living abroad have been urged to look beyond traditional investment options such as real estate and explore opportunities in Nigeria’s capital market to protect their wealth against inflation and contribute to the country’s economic growth.

The call was made during a panel discussion on capital markets at the ninth edition of the Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit (NDIS) 2026, held in Abuja on Tuesday, November 10.

The summit, organised by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) in collaboration with the Nigeria Diaspora Summit Initiative (NDSI), was themed, “Bridging the Trust Gap: Connecting Diaspora Capital with Credible Home-based Opportunities”.

SEE ALSO: ‘NIDO Worldwide Not Duly Constituted’ – NiDCOM Warns FG

Speaking during the discussion, Hajia Aisha Wanka, Regional Head of First Asset Management Limited, who represented the firm’s Executive Director, Mr Sola Popoola, identified investment security as one of the major concerns discouraging Nigerians in the diaspora from investing in the country.

Wanka said asset management firms have a responsibility to guide investors towards making informed decisions, stressing the importance of understanding investment risks before committing funds.

She explained that investment risks vary depending on an individual’s risk appetite, financial objectives and investment timeline.

The First Asset Management representative also emphasised the need for financial knowledge and professional guidance, noting that investors must understand the requirements for opening investment accounts and the measures available to manage risks throughout their investment journey.

Also speaking, the panel moderator, Mr Kachi Okezie, a legal and business consultant, called for increased financial education, sensitisation and public enlightenment to encourage broader participation in Nigeria’s capital market.

Okezie acknowledged the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) for its efforts to improve market structures and investor awareness but said more attention should be given to educating small businesses on accessing the capital market for long-term financing.

He recalled that discussions at previous editions of the summit between 2022 and 2025 had identified crowdfunding as a viable option for expanding diaspora participation in the capital market.

He also highlighted the importance of improving investor onboarding processes and advisory services to make investment opportunities more accessible to Nigerians abroad.

In his closing remarks, Chairman of the Nigeria Diaspora Summit Initiative, Mr Mobolaji Lewis, said the discussion underscored the importance of building investor confidence through financial education, transparency and access to credible investment opportunities.

Lewis said one of the objectives of the engagement was to encourage Nigerians in the diaspora to explore investment opportunities beyond conventional options such as real estate.

He appreciated participants, sponsors and partners for their support, expressing optimism that the second day of the summit would be equally engaging and enlightening.

The panel discussion marked the conclusion of activities on the first day of the ninth Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit 2026.