NEWS
Osun CJ: Actors Take Turns In Firefighting Style
The swinging of the pendulum on the matter of the Chief Judge (CJ) of Osun State appears to point to a house on fire.
The dramatis personae, on the Osun State Government (OSG) side appear to have been enjoying so much dribbling with their mastery of the pen that not a few were swayed and swayed again on the basis of stories they churned out.
The two principal perception executioners, the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Osun State, Hon Kolapo Alimi, and Spokesperson to the State Governor, Olawale Rasheed, might have been enjoying dishing out stories and counter-stories, in a manner akin to skillful footballers passing the ball to one another after dribbling an opponent. The opponent on this case, happens to be the public.
However, what look to have torn the masquerade’s attire in the market-square turned out to be the firm position of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and the Osun State Chapter of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN).
The NBA only had to insist on constitutionality and due process, while the JUSUN had to troop out as ‘ordered’ by the ‘powers that be’.
On its part, the JUSUN opened its act by demonstrating at the court premises on Monday.
A popular adage has it that he who pays the piper dictates the tune. However, the JUSUN protests gave away a little more than desired, probably only to discerning eyes.
Prominent banners and placards displayed by the JUSUN protesters include, ‘Unlawful Suspension of Judiciary Staff Without Recourse to (the) Judicial Service Commission is Barbaric’, ‘We are Tired of Oppression and Stagnation’, and ‘Judiciary Staff Deserves Better’.
Watchers are wondering where to place these messages. How do the organisers of the protest want the public to interpret such messages?
Public perception has it that, either the JUSUN led by Gbenga Eludire came out in solidarity with the NBA, or to demonstrate support for the embattled Chief Justice (CJ) of Osun State, Hon Justice Adepele Ojo.
Recall that the NBA made its position known in a statement last Saturday, that the process of changing the CJ in Osun State had fallen short of constitutional standards and thus, would not acceptable to the bar.
National Publicity Secretary, NBA, Akorede Lawal, cited the constitutional principle of the separation of powers and the crucial independence of the judiciary, as informing their position.
He said, “The tenure of a judicial officer cannot and should not be subject to the mood of politicians.”
The embattled CJ, Justice Ojo has laid her complaints to the courts of the land.
The National Industrial Court, sitting in Ibadan has already given her a reprieve, through an injunction.
However, what transpired on Monday tends to indicate that the JUSUN was either infiltrated or not convinced on the job they were called out to do.
Interestingly, the faulty interpretation of the script by JUSUN was not just discernible to those who spoke to Biztellers, as the industrial union has on Wednesday had to take more drastic action to rectify what many considered their failed attempt on Monday.
In the instant, Eludire had to shut down the courts using his position as Chairman, JUSUN, Osun State by calling the workers on strike.
He cited unfriendly action by operatives of the Nigerian Police Force (NPF), who he alleged fired teargas at protesting members of JUSUN.
He said, “Following the action of the police and the attitude of the Chief Judge, I, Comrade Gbenga Eludire, hereby ordered that workers in the sector should withdraw their service till further notice.”
The Spokesperson for the All Progressives Congress (APC), Osun State Chapter, Kola Olabisi told Biztellers that even the simplest of minds could discern that the Osun State JUSUN was piping the tune of politicians.
He admonished Eludire and his people to consider their place in history before lending themselves as pliable tools in the hands of the political class.
Olabisi considered it, “a pity that some people under the guise of unionism could allow themselves to be used by some disgruntled and desperate politicians.
“One does not need to be a soothsayer to observe and conclude that the JUSUN protest at the State High Court was sponsored and politically motivated.”
Not seeing any need for the involvement of the JUSUN in the crisis, Olabisi pointed out that, “The protest wasn’t necessary as it was needless and diversionary. Discerning minds would probe the timing of the said protest by the Osun JUSUN.
“What could have been the monetary attraction for some unionists to have deliberately mortgaged their future for an ill-motivated political errand?”
He expressed concern at the timing of JUSUN’s involvement and warned that posterity would hold them accountable.
“Why now? We write history every day and the right-thinking members of the society are curiously watching,” Olabisi noted.
Which Way Forward?
A statement from Hon Alimi had clearly pointed the way the OSG was going on the matter, by making strong recommendations while referring the matter to the appropriate authorities.
He wrote, “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.”
Analysts can discern between the OSG referring the matter to the NJC and CJN as required by law, and recommending Justice Afolabi “for thorough consideration and further processing by the same NJC through the CJN”.
This is why the restiveness in the JUSUN, Osun Chapter, has set tongues wagging, with public perception holding that it is probably with a view to swaying the NJC and CJN.
What would seem good for the public is a restoration of the status quo and constitutional resolution of the matter.
However, the Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is of the view that the dramatics surrounding the office of the state’s CJ “ridicules Osun among the comity of states”.
The view of the Osun APC, expressed by its chairman, Sooko Tajudeen Lawal, is that it “has further exposed Gov Adeleke, his co-travellers and the lawmakers as a bundle of entities abundantly lacking what it takes to increase the fortune and prosperity of the state”.
The state’s main opposition party does not heap blames on the governor alone, voicing the belief that those acting in concert with him ought to have guide him right on this.
“If Governor Adeleke is uninformed about the constitution,” it would have been expected that “those who are parading themselves as lawmakers would have guided the accidental governor aright,” Lawal maintained.
On his part, Olabisi would want the actors to allow the NJC and CJN to play their constitutionally assigned roles on the mater.
On how to resolve the matter, Olabisi responded, “It’s simple. The state House of Assembly and Governor Adeleke should stop usurping the statutory functions of the National Judicial Council on the issue of the bungled illegal sack of the Osun CJ.”
It is left to be seen if the actors would heed this advice or not.
Panic swept through parts of Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, on Friday after a fresh gas leak affected more than 100 students and teachers across several schools, forcing many victims to be rushed to hospitals for treatment.
The incident, which occurred less than two months after a similar case in the town, reportedly affected schools including Anglican Girls Grammar School, Obalende, and Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School, Epe Garage, among others.
Witnesses said students suddenly began complaining of breathing difficulties, stomach aches, dizziness, and weakness as the strange gas spread across the affected areas.
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Videos circulating online showed frightened students running out of school premises while teachers and residents assisted those who fainted into vehicles for emergency medical attention.
Many of the affected students were taken to the Ogun State Hospital in Ijebu Ode, while others were rushed to nearby private medical facilities as worried parents stormed the hospitals.
An eyewitness described the situation as more severe than the previous gas leak recorded in April.
“I am currently at the Ogun State Hospital, Ijebu Ode, and the hospital is overcrowded. Some parents had to move their children to private hospitals. The students are complaining of stomach pain and weakness. This incident affected multiple schools and over 100 students,” the source said.
The Ogun State Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, confirmed the development, stating that emergency response agencies had been mobilised to contain the situation and investigate the source of the leak.
According to the commissioner, air quality monitoring devices installed within the area detected elevated methane gas concentrations, with readings reportedly peaking at about 13,500 ppm in surrounding locations.
He explained that although the methane level remained below the lower explosive limit, the situation was environmentally significant and required urgent investigation.
Oresanya said the state government had activated a multi-agency environmental and public health assessment team comprising environmental regulators, emergency responders, security agencies, and air quality experts to determine the source and extent of the emissions.
Officials, including the Chairman of Ijebu Ode Local Government, Dare Alebiosu, and the Managing Director of OGEPA, Kenny Bello, were also seen visiting affected schools and hospitals to assess the situation and monitor medical response efforts.
Residents were advised to remain calm, avoid open flames or ignition sources in areas with unusual gas odours, and immediately seek medical attention if they experience symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, nausea, or respiratory discomfort.
The latest incident comes weeks after over 30 students and a teacher were hospitalised following another gas leak at Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School in April, raising fresh concerns over environmental safety in the area.
Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has called on the Federal Government and Kaduna State authorities to release former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai before the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations, describing his continued detention as unfair and politically troubling.
Atiku made the demand in a statement issued on Friday through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu.
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The former presidential candidate condemned El-Rufai’s detention ahead of the Muslim festival, saying it contradicts the spirit of mercy, compassion, and reconciliation associated with Eid-el-Kabir.
According to Atiku, it would be wrong for any government to deny a citizen freedom without clear justification, especially during a significant religious period when families are expected to reunite.
He warned against the alleged use of state institutions to intimidate perceived political opponents, stressing that democracy should not be used as a weapon to settle political scores.
“At a time when millions of Muslims are preparing for Eid-el-Kabir, it is unconscionable to keep a citizen away from his family without just cause,” Atiku stated.
The former vice-president also argued that the credibility of any democratic government depends on how it treats opposition figures and perceived critics.
He urged authorities to ensure transparency if El-Rufai’s detention is connected to ongoing legal proceedings, insisting that every Nigerian citizen is entitled to constitutional rights, including liberty and due process.
The demand comes days after the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission confirmed that a Federal High Court in Kaduna granted El-Rufai access to medical treatment while in custody.
El-Rufai and his co-defendant, Joel Adoga, are facing a 10-count charge bordering on alleged corruption, money laundering, and possession of proceeds of crime before Justice Rilwan Aikawa of the Federal High Court in Kaduna.
Both men have pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) has intensified its push for globally competitive artificial intelligence and digital technology solutions, as the 2026 edition of The Nigeria Prize for Science and Innovation attracted a record 237 entries, the highest participation level since the prestigious $100,000 award was established in 2004.
The milestone comes months after the 2025 edition ended without a winner, following a rigorous evaluation process that found none of the 112 entries submitted met the Prize’s benchmark for scientific excellence, originality, scalability and real-world impact.
The entries were formally handed over to the Prize’s Advisory Board during a press conference in Lagos on Thursday, officially commencing the adjudication process for this year’s competition themed: Innovations in ICT, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Digital Technologies for Development.
The retention of the theme for a second consecutive year reflects growing recognition of the role of AI and digital technologies in solving socio-economic challenges and accelerating national development.
Speaking at the event, NLNG’s General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development, Dr. Sophia Horsfall, said the record-breaking number of entries signals renewed confidence in Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem and growing interest among researchers in technology-driven solutions.
“In this fourth revolution, digital infrastructure is as foundational to our survival as electricity or water. For Nigeria, our economic sustainability depends on our ability to move beyond promising research and into undeniable innovation that delivers,” Horsfall said.
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She noted that the decision not to award a winner in 2025 was difficult but necessary to preserve the integrity and global credibility of the Prize.
“We believe that if a Nigerian discovery is to command global respect, it must withstand the highest levels of scrutiny. It is this conviction that guided the difficult decision seven months ago,” she stated.
According to Horsfall, NLNG responded to last year’s outcome by deepening engagement with Nigeria’s scientific and technology community through nationwide roadshows, media campaigns, collaborations with innovation hubs, and knowledge-sharing sessions with researchers and academic institutions.
“Our response was not to lower our standards but to deepen engagement. Today, we can confidently say those efforts have paid off,” she added.
She described the leap from 112 entries in 2025 to 237 entries in 2026 as evidence of rising momentum in Nigeria’s science, AI, and digital innovation ecosystem.
“It proves that there is a hunger in this country for research, innovation, discovery and recognition. It also proves that we need platforms such as this Prize that elevate scientific endeavour and transform ideas into impact,” Horsfall said.
Receiving the submissions on behalf of the Advisory Board, Chairman of the Board, Prof. Barth Nnaji, described the handover as a crucial stage in the search for transformative scientific breakthroughs capable of addressing Nigeria’s development challenges.
Nnaji, a former Minister of Power, said the no-winner verdict in 2025 reinforced the Prize’s reputation for excellence rather than diminished it.
“Our refusal to award the prize in 2025 was not a dismissal of the hard work of Nigerian innovators; rather, it reinforces that The Nigeria Prize for Science and Innovation holds a gold standard of excellence,” he stated.
He explained that entries would continue to undergo strict intellectual and technical scrutiny, with emphasis placed on originality, relevance, scalability, and measurable socio-economic impact.
“The theme we have focused on for the past two years is perhaps the most critical topic of our time. We are looking for solutions that directly address Nigeria’s real-world challenges, whether through digital health technologies for rural communities or the use of AI in preserving our cultural heritage and languages,” Nnaji added.
He further assured stakeholders that the adjudication process would remain independent, transparent, and merit-driven.
“We look at every entry through a lens of fairness, balance and equity. It is this consistency that has given the Prize its enduring credibility over the years,” he said.
Also speaking, NLNG’s Manager, Corporate Communication and Public Affairs, Anne-Marie Palmer-Ikuku, commended the resilience of Nigerian innovators who returned with stronger entries despite last year’s disappointing outcome.
“To see the numbers rise to 237 this year tells me that innovators did not see last year’s verdict as a deterrent. Instead, they saw it as a challenge,” she said.
The Advisory Board for the Prize also includes Dr. Nike Akande, former Minister of Industry, and Professor Baba Yusuf Abubakar, a professor of quantitative genetics and animal breeding.
The winning entry for the 2026 edition will be unveiled at a world press conference scheduled for September.
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