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From the Corridors of Power: Awaiting the Leader After Makinde

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After Makinde: Who Will Carry the Torch of Oyo’s Transformation? One of the questions that often occupies my solitude is this: Can Nigeria, can Oyo State, still produce another man like Engr. Abiodun Oluseyi (Saheed) Makinde, FNSE, on the ballot in 2027? If yes, then how will such a man be found? Who will identify him? At what time, stage, or circumstance will he emerge? These are the questions that come to mind whenever I reflect on Makinde’s unrelenting, hardworking spirit—a leader whose passion hovers over Oyo State, seeking to transform it into a haven of peace, growth, and prosperity. Many may not fully understand his semantics, methods, or style of leadership. From afar, they see only a fragment. But those who encounter him closely discover a free and simple man, with an empowered mind and undisputed virtues infused with sincerity and guarded jealously. Makinde’s political journey was never by accident. His senatorial bids in 2007 and 2011 were not wasted efforts, as ...
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Thousands Of PDP, APC Members Join ADC In Benue

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No fewer than 10,000 members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the All Progressives Congress (APC), and other political parties reportedly defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State. The mass defection took place on Saturday, May 13, 2025, during the official unveiling of the ADC in Agatu by the State Chairman of the party, Terngu Tsegba. The event, held in Agatu LGA of the Benue South Senatorial District, drew a large crowd of defectors, political supporters, and admirers of Sir John Ngbede, a prominent political leader in the area.
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Dele Momodu: My Late Mother Thought Witches Were After Me When I Couldn’t Get a Job

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By Egalitarian Voice Veteran journalist and publisher, Dele Momodu, has revealed how his late mother once feared that witches and wizards from his father’s village were behind his inability to secure a job after graduating from the university. Momodu made this disclosure while recounting his journey with the late Chief M.K.O. Abiola and his deceased wife, Mrs. Doyinsola Abiola, a pioneering female journalist, during her burial in Lagos State. According to him, his mother initially believed he might end up becoming a Babalawo (traditional priest) simply because he studied Yoruba at the university. He narrated how, during his early struggles, he sought help from the late Doyinsola, whom he fondly referred to as “Iya Paper”—a title he said was originally given to her by Chief Mrs. Adebisi Abiola. Momodu said: “I will like today to say a big thank you to Iya Paper. That title is not original to me; the patent for that title belongs to Chief Mrs. Adebisi Abiola.”
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BASA Raises Concern Over Reported Detention of PDP Candidate, Calls for Justice

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Hon. Bolanle Aminat Sarumi (popularly known as BASA), a politician and advocate for women’s participation in governance, has expressed deep concern over reports that Princess Esther Ashivelli Dawaki, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency by-election in Kaduna State, was allegedly detained alongside 25 of her supporters during the recent election period. According to media reports and statements credited to the Kaduna State PDP, the party has raised alarm over the incident, which it says could have far-reaching implications for democracy and women’s political inclusion. In a public statement personally signed by her, BASA stressed that while the reports remain allegations pending official confirmation, the situation deserves urgent attention and independent investigation. "If these reports are accurate, the prolonged detention of any citizen—particularly a female political candidate—raises serious concerns about due proc...
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Electoral Officers Forum Hosts Immediate Past OYSIEC Chairman

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 ...as Olagunju Urges Cooperation for Incoming Leadership  Members of the Oyo State Electoral Officers Forum gathered on Thursday to honour the immediate past Chairman of the Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission ( OYSIEC), Aare Isiaka Abiola Olagunju, SAN, for the support enjoyed  by the forum  and tremendous achievements recorded by the commission during his tenure. Speaking at the brief ceremony held at the commission's headquarters in Ibadan, the chairman of the forum, Dr. Olusegun Odekunle, said the forum decided to celebrate the former OYSIEC boss for ensuring peaceful conduct of local government council elections on two occasions. Recounting  his encounters with Aare Olagunju, Dr. Odekunle appreciated the Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde  for the recent reviews of allowances of the electoral and assistant electoral officers in the state.  He also appealed for the provision of additional working tools for improved service d...
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OYSIEC Electoral Officer, Pastor Adekanmbi Timileyin Joshua, Hails Peaceful PDP Ward Congress in Ona-Ara LG

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The ward congress of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ona-Ara Local Government, Oyo State, held on Saturday, September 13, 2025, was peacefully conducted under the supervision of the Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC). The OYSIEC Electoral Officer for Ona-Ara Local Government, Pastor Adekanmbi Timileyin Joshua, who monitored the exercise alongside his assistant, Mr. Azeez Ademola Tajudeen, applauded the cooperation of party members across the 11 wards of the local government. Pastor Adekanmbi described the process as peaceful, transparent, and reflective of true internal democracy, commending the delegates for their orderliness and maturity. “The turnout and orderly conduct of members reflected the party’s unity and commitment to democratic values,” Pastor Adekanmbi stated while briefing journalists after the congress. He further expressed appreciation to the Executive Chairman of Ona-Ara Local Government, Hon. Dr. Kolapo Temitope (GLORIOUS), for his s...
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A Canadian-Nigerian, Olusegun Olaleye Who Knows His Onions Applauds Makinde's Leadership Acumen

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In a strong show of admiration and political endorsement, Olusegun Olaleye Thomas, a Canada-based Nigerian professional and former House of Representatives aspirant from Afijio Local Government, has publicly applauded the leadership acumen of Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde. Olusegun Olaleye, who has earned a reputation both home and abroad as a man who “knows his onions” in governance and political affairs, described Governor Makinde as “a shining example of modern leadership rooted in results, people-focused policies, and integrity.” Speaking during a recent engagement with political stakeholders in Ibadan, Olaleye praised the ongoing transformation across Oyo State, saying it reflects not just vision but the kind of competent leadership Nigeria urgently needs at both state and national levels. "As someone with global exposure and local relevance, I can confidently say that Governor Seyi Makinde has distinguished himself. He has shown that leadership is not ab...
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