NEWS
Intrigues Of Crime, Politics At Osun’s Temple Of Justice
The Osun State Chapter of the Judiciary Staff Union (JSU) has thrown its hat into the ring in the ongoing theatricals involving the state’s judiciary, the legislature and the executive.
The world woke up to the JSU demonstrating in support of embattled Chief Justice (CJ) of Osun State, Hon Justice Adepele Ojo, allegedly suspended, sacked or replaced by an acting CJ in the person of Justice Olayinka David Afolabi.
The theatre of justice in Osun State has been experiencing a movie series, melodramatic, some might say, involving the three arms of government, which by the assertions of a group going by the name “Concerned Osun Citizens” could be said to be fueled by the blood of a certain Timothy Adegoke.
Recall that the public was jolted with news of Adegoke, then a post-graduate student of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) being murdered in November 2021, while lodging at Hilton Honours Hotel, Ile-Ife.
Following successful prosecution, Justice Ojo sentenced the owner of Hilton Honours Hotel, Chief Ramon Adedoyin to death by handing on Tuesday May 30, 2023.
It would now appear that Chief Adedoyin had counted on his strong social, business and political ties to evade justice in the matter.
Adegoke’s Blood Crying For Justice
It would seem that the more the high and the mighty teamed up to silence the blood of Adegoke, the more it cried for justice.
Or how would it be better to describe the ‘confusion’ that has characterised the ongoing intrigues of crime, politics and justice at the hallowed temple of justice in Osun State?
The state dominated the headlines across the Nigerian news-space for the better part of the last seven days, with negative vibes.
Watchers of public events consider the unfolding melodrama the crying of innocent blood from the grave and the desperation of ‘soiled hands’ to compromise justice.
This allegedly surmised what led to the travails of Justice Ayodele, suspended and replaced, albeit, “unlawfully”.
Concerned voices from the judicial segment of the society felt intrigued at the speed of ‘removal’, ‘suspension’, ‘appointment of acting CJ by the governor’, ‘denial of appointing acting CJ’, ‘willingness to cooperate with civil society’, and ‘apprising the Chief Justice of the Nigeria (CJN) and the National Judiciary Council (NJC)’, and ‘claim of being blackmailed’.
Justice Ojo had asked for a judicial intervention or interpretation of her removal from office, but the camp of the Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke postured that their principal was not party to the litigation and couldn’t be bound by the outcomes.
This has seen the executive and legislative arms of the Osun State Government oscillating.
In a move, generally perceived as part of desperate efforts to shield Gov Adeleke, the Osun State Government (OSG) has issued media statements almost on daily basis, starting from November 16, when it claimed that the governor approved the Osun State House of Assembly’s (OSHA) resolution for the CJ, Justice Ojo to ‘step aside’.
According to the statement, the OSHA alleged that “the State Assembly on the premise that an official cannot be on the seat whilst investigation is ongoing, asked the Chief Judge to step aside.”
Signed by the Hon Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Osun State, Hon Kolapo Alimi, the statement added that “The Governor only acted on the Resolution of the House.”
Could the governor acting on, have meant giving effect to or executive backing to legislative resolution?
In the same resolution, the OSHA recommended to the governor, not the NJC or the CJN, that the person next in rank to the CJ be sworn-in to replace her, albeit on acting basis.
In the bid to clarify the actions taken by his principal, Hon Alimi stated, “To ensure there is no vacuum, the Governor appointed an Acting Chief Judge, as prescribed by the Constitution in a situation like this.”
This was how Justice Olayinka David Afolabi found himself as the acting CJ of Osun State.
Appointment Of Acting CJ, NBA’s Ire
In another statement, from the executive, this time signed by Spokesperson to the State Governor, Olawale Rasheed, Justice Afolabi was announced as Justice Ojo’s replacement.
It was issued under the subject, “Governor Adeleke Appoints Justice Olayinka David Afolabi as Acting CJ,” on November 16, 2023.
It read, “Governor Ademola Adeleke has appointed Justice Olayinka David Afolabi as the acting Chief Judge of Osun state with immediate effect following the approval of the resolution of the House of Assembly.”
This development drew the ire of the and reaction of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).
Probably this saw the statement denied by the OSG via another statement by Hon Alimi.
The NBA, through its National Publicity Secretary, Akorede Lawal, declared last Saturday that it would not accept the appointment of Justice Afolabi as the acting chief judge.
Lawal made it clear that the NBA’s stance is rooted in the constitutional principle of the separation of powers and the crucial independence of the judiciary.
He said, “The tenure of a judicial officer cannot and should not be subject to the mood of politicians.”
The perception minders of Gov Adeleke wants the world to believe that their principal is a law abiding leader, which had seen them apprise the CJN and the NJC.
In another statement issued by Hon Alimi on Sunday November 19, 2023, he averred that it was the OSHA and not the governor who was taking actions on the matter.
According to Hon Alimi, the OSG vehemently denied allegations that “Governor Ademola Adeleke has removed the Chief Judge and appointed an acting Chief Judge.”
What they want the world to believe is that “Governor Adeleke has only duly notified the Chief Justice as the Chairman of the National Judicial Council (NJC) in writing about the resolutions of the House of Assembly following a series of petitions made against the sitting Chief Judge of Osun State.
“In the communication, Mr Governor intimated the CJN of the recommendation of the House that the Chief Judge should step aside and included his own submission for an acting appointment to fill the vacuum while the NJC reviews and decides on the petition.
“To that end, the Governor in the same letter recommended to the CJN, the appointment of the most senior judicial officer, Hon. Justice Olayinka David Afolabi for thorough consideration and further processing by the same NJC through the CJN.”
. . . And Concerned Citizens Become Dramatis Personae
However, a group that goes by the name, Concerned Osun Citizens (COC) has risen up against the moves to remove Justice Ojo.
The group had gone public that the allegations of fraud and other things against Justice Ojo were merely made-up to smear her and find a reason to shunt a patriotic law officer out of the way to make way for crime and injustice.
The group alleged in a flyer making the rounds online that personal and family interests were being enthroned over public and national interests in propelling Gov Adeleke to move the hand of the OSHA on the matter.
The COC in the flyer, under the subject, “When Patriots Are Persecuted”, averred that, “The Chief Judge of Osun State, Honourable Justice Ojo, from Ede, has been removed by the state government, because she chose to be patriotic when they asked her to set criminals free. Who are the criminals in question?
“One is Dr Ramon Adedoyin, owner of the Ile-Ife hotel, where OAU student, Timothy Adegoke was killed last year.
“The CJ sentenced Adedoyin to death, for being responsible for Adegoke’s murder, even though the CJ was asked to set Adedoyin free. She insisted, no sinner should go unpunished.
“Governor Adeleke, his sister, Dupe Adeleke-Sanni and Commissioner for Justice, Wole Bada are family friends of killer, Adedoyin. And they are the powerful forces persecuting the innocent CJ.
“Another CJ from Ile-Ife, who is a relative of Adedoyin, has been sworn-in, as the acting CJ to give freedom to Ramon Adedoyin.
“Why should a patriot suffer for doing the right thing?”
The OSG denies all the allegations, insisting that Gov Adeleke was being blackmailed.
Rasheed, alleged that the image of his principal was being tarnished with blatant falsehood by political opponents.
The statement read, “Our attention has been drawn to a defamatory fake news alleging that Governor Ademola Adeleke and his family are after the State’s Chief Judge because of the sentencing of Chief Raheem Adedoyin.
“The truth, which the public must be aware of, is that Mr Governor is being blackmailed with the Adedoyin case for refusing to shield and protect the Chief Judge, his town woman, from corruption probe.
“The blackmail is a falsehood without any foundation in truth. Chief Adedoyin is not and has never, in whatever form, been a friend of the Adelekes.
“Secondly, neither the Governor nor his family had any contact or interference in the Adedoyin case while it lasted. From the beginning to the end, no member of the Adeleke family was involved in any way in the legal process.
“Thirdly, Adedoyin was never in any way involved with the PDP, the party of the Governor. If anything, Adedoyin was a strong APC loyalist and an ally of the former Governor of Osun state.
“What is more, throughout the trial, Adedoyin’s legal team was manned by prominent APC lawyers from the beginning to the end. No single PDP lawyer was involved with the Adedoyin team.
“We affirm that the crisis rocking the state judiciary has to do with a series of petitions from judicial officers on alleged misconduct of the Chief Judge. On each occasion, those petitions always ended up unprocessed over deliberate blackmail with the Adedoyin matter until recent action by the State Assembly.
“The Governor’s sin is his consistent refusal to accept overtures to protect his kinswoman, the Chief Judge, from probe on alleged corruption. Mr Governor has always maintained his ground that if as a Governor he is not immune from accountability questions, why should he use his office to protect another official because of blood or town kinship?
“With all sense of responsibility, we declare that neither Governor Adeleke nor any member of his family has anything to do with the travails of the Chief Judge.
“The Governor’s refusal to shield his town people from corruption probe including the Chief Judge is largely responsible for the failed attempt to blackmail the Governor with the Adeoyin case. We reject the shameful linkage on alleged corruption within the judiciary and the Adedoyin matter. Public officials are not immune from accountability issues.
“We assert strongly that the Governor is not in any way linked with either the petition against the Chief Judge or the infamous Adedoyin case. The Number One Citizen will not use his office to shield anybody from accountability questions even if that person is from his family.
“The Governor has subsequently directed the state law officers to prosecute anybody peddling such defamatory and libelous publications as such fake news has no foundation in truth or reality.”
NEWS
Tinubu’s Adviser Masari Bags International Leadership Award, Receives US Congressional Commendation
President Bola Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Political and Other Matters, Alhaji Ibrahim Kabiru Masari, has received international recognition for his contributions to public service, leadership and good governance after emerging as one of the recipients at the 16th African Business Leadership Awards (ABLA) held in London, United Kingdom.
Masari was honoured for his exemplary leadership, distinguished public service and sustained contributions to governance and sustainable development during the prestigious event organised by the African Leadership Organisation under the auspices of the African Leadership Magazine.
SEE ALSO: ‘Tinubu’s Gov’t is Held Hostage by Fraudsters’ – Atiku Declares
The annual summit attracted African presidents, governors, ministers, policymakers, business executives, development partners and academics to celebrate outstanding leadership while promoting dialogue on Africa’s economic transformation, innovation, investment and sustainable development.
In addition to the ABLA honour, Masari also received a Special Congressional Commendation from the South Carolina House of Representatives in the United States in recognition of his contributions to public service and leadership.
Organisers said the dual honours reflect growing international recognition of Masari’s commitment to good governance, accountability and nation-building.
As Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Political and Other Matters, Masari has been instrumental in providing strategic political counsel, fostering dialogue among stakeholders and supporting initiatives aimed at strengthening national cohesion and Nigeria’s democratic process.
Reacting to the recognition, Engr. Abdullahi Garba Ramat, PhD, described the awards as a fitting tribute to Masari’s years of dedicated service, integrity and commitment to national development.
Ramat said Masari’s leadership style, characterised by humility, accessibility and commitment to public service, has earned him widespread respect across political, ethnic and social divides.
According to him, the presidential adviser has remained steadfast in supporting President Tinubu’s administration through strategic engagement, loyalty and dedication to advancing the government’s policies and programmes.
He also commended Masari for his humanitarian interventions, support for education, youth mentorship and community development, noting that his philanthropic efforts have positively impacted many lives across Nigeria.
“His recognition is not just an award but a validation of a lifetime devoted to integrity, patriotism, compassion and selfless service to humanity,” Ramat said.
Other prominent African leaders honoured at the ceremony included Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye, Governor of the Bank of Sierra Leone Henry Falla Saamoi, and President of the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID), Dr. George Agyekum Donkor.
The event was attended by several notable personalities, including former Tanzanian President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete and the Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), Prof. Shehu Aliyu, alongside other African leaders and development experts.
Congratulating Masari on the honours, Ramat expressed confidence that the international recognition would further inspire him to continue serving Nigeria with dedication while promoting unity, peace and national development.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) has admitted Nigeria as an Association country.
The development, Biztellers reports has been well received by the Nigerian authorities led the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, who described it as a major milestone that will strengthen the country’s role in global energy governance while supporting its drive for universal energy access, industrialisation and sustainable development.
Ekpo’s positive sentiments were expressed in a statement on Thursday by his spokesman, Louis Ibah, who noted that the unanimous decision of the IEA Governing Board to admit Nigeria reflects the country’s increasing strategic importance in the global energy sector.
The minister said Nigeria’s membership would open new opportunities for collaboration with the world’s leading energy body, giving the country greater access to global expertise, research, policy guidance and investment partnerships needed to transform its energy sector.
“I am elated by the decision of the IEA Members to officially welcome Nigeria to the IEA Family as an Association country.
“It is an honour for Nigeria to join this leading energy agency. I also encourage other African countries to deepen their engagement with the IEA as we work together to achieve key development goals, including universal energy access and industrialisation”, Ekpo said.
According to him, the partnership will strengthen cooperation in critical areas such as energy security, gas development, investment mobilisation, electricity access and sustainable energy solutions, while supporting Nigeria’s efforts to build a more resilient, competitive and inclusive energy sector.
The minister noted that Nigeria’s admission comes at a critical period when the country is pursuing reforms aimed at expanding domestic gas utilisation, increasing electricity access, attracting investment and driving industrial growth through improved energy infrastructure.
Nigeria is the latest nation to join the IEA’s Association programme, which brings together major energy-producing and energy-consuming countries to promote secure, affordable and sustainable energy systems.
With Nigeria’s admission, the IEA Family now represents more than 80 per cent of global energy demand, a significant increase from the 40 per cent it accounted for when the Association programme was launched in 2015.
Welcoming Nigeria into the organisation, IEA Executive Director, Fatih Birol, described the country’s admission as a significant achievement for both the Agency and the global energy community.
“I am thrilled that Nigeria is joining the IEA. It is Africa’s most populous country and a major international energy player. Nigeria becoming part of the world’s energy authority marks an important advance in global energy governance,” Birol said.
He expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Minister Ekpo for their confidence in the Agency, saying stronger cooperation would help Nigeria improve energy security, accelerate economic growth and expand access to electricity and clean cooking solutions.
Birol added that the partnership would also support broader efforts to build more resilient and sustainable energy systems while addressing key development challenges.
The IEA acknowledged Nigeria’s growing influence in international energy markets, particularly following recent developments in the country’s refining sector.
According to the Agency, increased fuel exports from Nigeria during periods of global market disruption helped improve the resilience of fuel supply across Africa and other international markets.
It also recognised Nigeria as one of the world’s fastest-growing markets for decentralised solar energy, noting the country’s ongoing efforts to expand electricity access and promote clean cooking solutions for millions of households.
The Agency said Nigeria’s admission builds on more than a decade of cooperation that began in 2014 and will deepen collaboration in strategic areas, including energy security, clean energy transition, methane emissions reduction, electricity access and wider energy sector development.
Reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to international cooperation, Ekpo said the country’s admission into the IEA underscores its growing relevance in shaping global energy policy and reflects its determination to work with development partners to strengthen energy security, expand access to affordable energy and build a sustainable future.
He expressed optimism that the new partnership would accelerate Nigeria’s energy transformation agenda while creating fresh opportunities for investment, innovation and inclusive economic growth.
The Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals (DPRP) has announced another reduction in the ex-depot price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).
Biztellers reports that this marked its fourth price cut within a month, even as the company claimed in a statement in Lagos on Thursday that it continues to pass lower production costs to consumers despite still processing crude oil purchased at significantly higher international prices.
The latest N50 per litre reduction brings the cumulative decrease in the refinery’s PMS ex depot price to N200 per litre since May 30, 2026, reducing the gantry price to N1,075. Over the same period, the refinery has reduced the ex-depot price of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) by N300 per litre and Jet A1 aviation fuel by N520 per litre.
The company stressed that the successive reductions demonstrate its commitment to ensuring Nigerians benefit from favourable market developments while maintaining the long-term sustainability of domestic refining operations.
ALSO READ: Shell, Banks Launch $3bn Contractor Support Fund
The refinery explained that petroleum product pricing cannot mirror daily movements in international crude oil markets because crude is purchased weeks, and sometimes months, before it is processed.
According to the refinery, the petroleum products currently being supplied to the market are being produced from crude inventories acquired during periods of substantially higher prices.
It disclosed that the average landed cost of crude processed stood at approximately US$124.80 per barrel in May and US$95.25 per barrel in June, compared with the current international benchmark of about US$71.01 per barrel.
The refinery also clarified that its crude procurement costs are not based solely on the headline ICE Brent benchmark commonly quoted in the media.
Rather, crude is purchased on a Dated Brent basis together with applicable market premiums, freight and logistics costs, resulting in actual feedstock costs that differ materially from benchmark prices.
Despite the sharp increase in crude acquisition costs during the period, the Dangote Refinery said it deliberately refrained from transferring the full impact to consumers, choosing instead to absorb a significant portion of the additional costs in order to support market stability and cushion Nigerians from the volatility in global energy markets.
The company noted that this pricing approach has helped to keep petroleum product prices in Nigeria below those prevailing in neighbouring countries, even after accounting for applicable taxes. It added that as lower priced crude cargoes progressively enter its production cycle, the refinery has begun systematically passing the benefits to the market through phased price reductions.
“Today’s N50 per litre reduction is the fourth price cut in one month, bringing cumulative reductions to above N200 per litre on PMS. This approach ensures that pricing decisions are anchored on actual production economics and inventory costs rather than short term fluctuations in international oil markets,” it said. “Nigeria today benefits from the stabilising role of domestic refining capacity. The Dangote Petroleum Refinery currently supplies volumes sufficient to meet national demand, helping to strengthen energy security, eliminate dependence on imports, conserve foreign exchange and provide greater price stability for consumers and businesses”.
The company expressed confidence that if international crude prices remain favourable and lower cost feedstock continues to replace higher priced inventories, Nigerians should expect further moderation in petroleum product prices.
The DPRP reiterated its commitment to supplying high quality, internationally certified petroleum products at competitive prices while supporting Nigeria’s economic growth and the long-term development of the country’s downstream petroleum sector.
Tinubu’s Adviser Masari Bags International Leadership Award, Receives US Congressional Commendation
GTI Commends NSC, NFF for Commitment to NPFL Transformation
Dangote Cement Shareholders Earn N3.3 Trillion Dividend in 15 Years
Nigeria’s IEA Membership Tickles Minister
Again, DPRP Slashes PMS Price by N50 to N1,075/Liter
Shell, Banks Launch $3bn Contractor Support Fund
Trump’s Family Unveils New Cryptocurrency Platform
Senate Denies Receiving Petitions Against Tinubu’s Ambassadorial Nominees
Dangote Cement Lights Up Benue Host Communities With CSR Initiatives
Reps Recommend 3-year Jail Term For Aviation minister
Tems Sets New Record On Billboard Hot 100 Chart
