Politics
Obasanjo Led Kingmakers Screen Princes, Forward Recommendations to Gov Abiodun
By Edozie Obasi-Eze
Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo led other Kingmakers of the Owu kingdom in Ogun State for screening of seven princes jostling for the Olowu of Owu stool in Abeokuta North Local Government Area of the state.
Chief Obasanjo is the Balogun of the Owu kingdom, a position that entitles him to play a prominent role, together with other Kingmakers in the statutory selection process.
It was gathered that the screening took about seven hours on Wednesday, March 30.
The kingmakers, thereafter forwarded the list of the elected candidates to the state Governor, Dapo Abiodun, for approval and announcement of the new Olowu.
Before then, the Otileta Ruling House, having been put on notice by the Abeokuta North Local Government area, as the ruling house to produce the next Olowu of Owu had screened 12 princes, who were nominated by five compounds that made up the Ruling House.
It was gathered that out of the 12 princes screened, seven of them were cleared and nominated on March 10, for screening by the kingmakers.
Read Also >> Senate Threatens Warrant Of Arrest Against Akpabio, NDDC Sole Administrator Over Non- Payment Of N2.2billion Contract Fees
Prominent on the list was made up of an Archbishop of the Methodist Church of Nigeria, Dr. Adegbemi Adewale, who holds a PhD in African law and from Ile Aderinoye.
The six other candidates nominated along with Adewale, are Princes Adelani Oladimeji from Ile Omo’le Efon; Matemilola Adelola from Ile Soke and Olatidoye Olaniyi from Soke, Adeyanju Bakinson from Ile Otopo; Simeon Soyele from Ile Lumosa and Adesina Adelani from Ile Soke.
It was further gathered that there was no voting by the delegates during the screening, as scores were awarded based on the performances of each of the candidates, at the screening and interview sessions.
According to the results sheet, Prince Adewale, a PhD holder, came first with 1,027 points; Prince Adelani Oladimeji, scored 909 points, and Matemilola Adelola scored 886 points, while Prince Olatidoye Olaniyi scored 863 points.
Other scores are Prince Adeyanju Bakinson, 862 points; Simeon Soyele, 827 points, and Adesina Adelani, 801 points.
Reliable sources from the palace hinted that Obasanjo addressed the seven candidates before and after the rounds of interviews which was witnessed by the Abeokuta North Local Government Secretary and other officials.
The sources have it that “Obasanjo said the outcome of the screening lies on the shoulders of the Executive Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun whose statutory duty is to announce the Oba.”
Consequently, hundreds of the sons and daughters of the kingdom thronged the Oke Ago-Owu, Palace of the Olowu where the Kingmakers were interviewing the candidates, hoping to receive an announcement of the Olowu-elect went home disappointed.
The governor is expected to announce the new Olowu, in a matter of days, it was reliably gathered.
The Olowu stool became vacant, following the demise of the late Oba Adegboyega Dosumu, who joined his ancestors on December 12, 2021.
After a series of delays, the House of Representatives ad hoc committee on Rivers State has finally held its much-anticipated meeting with the Sole Administrator of the state, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ibas.
The meeting, which took place in Abuja, comes as the House exercises its constitutional powers to assume the functions of the Rivers State House of Assembly, following the ongoing political crisis in the state.
In his opening remarks, Vice Admiral Ibas apologised for his inability to attend earlier scheduled meetings, citing the need for more time to settle into his new role.
READ ALSO: Ibas Makes First Appearance At NEC Meeting As Rivers Sole Administrator
He told the committee that he is still acclimatising to the demands of his position and appealed for the lawmakers’ understanding as he prepares to provide a detailed briefing.
Shortly after his plea, the session went into a closed-door meeting, with journalists and observers asked to leave.
More to follow………….
Deji Adeyanju, a Nigerian activist and lawyer, has made explosive claims regarding the 2023 presidential election, suggesting that former Labour Party (LP) candidate Peter Obi and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) leader Rabiu Kwankwaso secretly supported President Bola Tinubu’s campaign.
In a post shared on his 𝕏 page Thursday, Adeyanju contended that Obi, who ran against Tinubu, would likely continue to support the president in future political endeavors.
He expressed certainty that Obi would decline any efforts to form a coalition aimed at challenging Tinubu in the next election.
READ ALSO: Lad Who Stood In Front Of Obi’s Convoy Apprehended For Street Fighting – Police
“I’m 100% convinced that Obi worked for Tinubu in 2023 and will do so again. I might be wrong, but I’m convinced in my mind about this,” Adeyanju wrote.
“Once a businessman, always a businessman. Those still in doubt will see the clear handwriting before 2027. He will refuse to join the coalition,” he continued.
Additionally, Adeyanju accused Kwankwaso of working in favor of Tinubu during the previous election.
He emphasized that for any opposition coalition to succeed in the 2027 race, figures like Obi and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar—another presidential hopeful—must step aside.
“For the coalition to succeed, all the self-centered politicians like Atiku & Obi should promise not to run and allow neutral folks to run against Tinubu,” Adeyanju proposed. “This is how to put the interest of the nation above personal interest,” he added.
The activist went on to criticize the culture surrounding Nigerian politics, describing it as an industry driven by opportunism.
He lamented the presence of “merchants” surrounding top politicians, accusing them of putting personal gain ahead of the country’s well-being. “The biggest industry in Africa is politics,” Adeyanju said.
“And those around popular politicians are all merchants. Once politics is around the corner, they are in business. Con men and women who just want to cash out.”
Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, attended his first National Economic Council (NEC) meeting today at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Ibas was appointed to the position by President Bola Tinubu following the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara in March 2025.
READ MORE: Tinubu Swears In Ibas As Rivers Sole Administrator
The NEC meeting, which is being presided over by Vice President Kashim Shettima, gathered a number of state governors and deputy governors from across the 36 states of Nigeria to discuss important national economic issues.
Among the notable figures in attendance was Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, who recently defected to the All Progressives Congress.
Governor Oborevwori led the opening prayers at the meeting on the instruction of Vice President Shettima.
Other state governors present included Rev. Fr. Hycinth Alia of Benue State, Abdulrahman Abdulrazak of Kwara, Monday Okpebholo of Edo, and Bassey Otu of Cross River, along with several deputy governors.
Corps Members Safe In Benue, Gov Alia Assures As Orientation Kicks Off
JUST IN: Reps Committee Finally Meets Rivers Sole Administrator After Delays
World Bank Appoints Aliko Dangote To Elite Group
Ministry Appoints New Director For DUFUTH, Uburu
CVFF- House of Reps Backs Marine & Blue Economy Ministry
