Author: TheLagosianMagazine

By Peter Omopo Former Conservative Chancellor of the Exchequer, Nadhim Zahawi, has defected to Reform UK, becoming the most senior former Tory figure to join Nigel Farage’s party to date. Zahawi announced his decision on Monday at a press conference alongside Farage, saying the United Kingdom had reached what he described as a “dark and dangerous” moment and needed “a glorious revolution.” He cited concerns over free speech, mass migration, and what he called an over-powerful civil service and unelected public bodies as key reasons for leaving the Conservative Party. The former MP, who served as chancellor for two months…

By Peter Omopo The Badagry Kingdom has been plunged into mourning following the death of its paramount ruler, His Royal Majesty De Wheno Aholu Menu-Toyi I, the Akran of Badagry. He was 90 years old. The revered monarch, who ascended the throne on 23 April 1977, reigned for nearly five decades and was widely regarded as a central figure in the history, stability and development of the ancient coastal town. Born in 1936, Aholu Menu-Toyi I was a former journalist before becoming king. His reign was characterised by peace, unity and sustained community development across Badagry and its surrounding communities.…

By Peter Omopo Spanish authorities have seized almost 10 tonnes of cocaine from a container ship in the Atlantic Ocean in what has been described as the country’s largest-ever maritime drug bust. Police said the Cameroon-flagged vessel, which had sailed from Brazil and was en route to Europe, was intercepted and searched last week following an international intelligence-led operation. During the raid, officers discovered 9,994 kilogrammes of cocaine concealed in 294 packages hidden within a shipment of salt. Thirteen crew members were arrested in connection with the seizure, while a firearm allegedly used to guard the drugs was also recovered…

By Peter Omopo No fewer than 95 princes and princesses from the Fusengbuwa Ruling House have declared interest in ascending the Awujale of Ijebuland throne as the family formally commenced its nomination and screening exercise in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State. The development was announced on Monday at the Bisi Rodipe Hall, GRA, Ijebu Ode, during the opening of the screening process for prospective candidates. Addressing members of the ruling house, the Olori Ebi of the Fusengbuwa family, Otunba Lateef Owoyemi, also known as Otunba Jadiara, disclosed the number of aspirants who had so far indicated interest in the revered traditional…

By Peter Omopo Saudi Airlines has come under fire after abandoning hundreds of Kano-bound passengers at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, for nearly 48 hours, a situation that sparked tension and raised security concerns. The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) confirmed that the aircraft was forced to divert to Abuja due to adverse weather conditions in Kano. However, the authority faulted the airline for failing to make adequate arrangements to transport the affected passengers to their final destination. In a statement posted on Monday on his verified X handle, the NCAA’s spokesperson, Michael Achimugu, said he was personally involved…

By Peter Omopo Barham Salih, a former Iraqi president and one-time refugee, has assumed office as the new head of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), pledging to bring personal experience and renewed urgency to the global refugee crisis. Salih, 65, became the first former head of state to lead the UN refugee agency at the start of the year. Speaking to AFP during his first official trip in the role to Kakuma refugee camp in Kenya, he said his own history of exile and persecution shaped his approach to the job. “I know the pain of losing…

By Peter Omopo US federal prosecutors have opened a criminal inquiry into the Federal Reserve, a move that could lead to an indictment, according to remarks by the central bank’s chairman, Jerome Powell. Powell disclosed on Sunday that the Federal Reserve received grand jury subpoenas on Friday linked to his Senate testimony in June concerning a major renovation project of the Fed’s office buildings. In a video statement, Powell condemned what he described as “threats and ongoing pressure” from the administration of President Donald Trump, dismissing the subpoenas as “pretexts” following months of public conflict between the White House and…

By Asiwaju Dele Taiwo Taking a bold step doesn’t mean you’re fearless. It means you’re choosing growth over comfort. Every meaningful change in life begins with a moment where you decide to trust yourself, even without guarantees. The path may feel uncertain, but staying where you are simply because it’s familiar costs more than the risk of moving forward. Courage isn’t about knowing you’ll succeed; it’s about believing you’ll learn, adapt, and rise no matter the outcome. When you take that bold step, you’re not just chasing a goal. You’re becoming the kind of person who refuses to be defined…

By Peter Omopo The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) has reiterated its ban on night-time travel on inland waterways, urging residents and boat operators to comply strictly with safety regulations ahead of a concert by Fuji musician Alhaji Sule Alao Malaika scheduled to hold on Sunday at Ilashe Beach. In a statement issued on Sunday, the General Manager of LASWA, Damilola Emmanuel, cautioned fun-seekers planning to attend the event to make adequate travel arrangements and avoid night journeys on the waterways. She stressed that night-time movement on Lagos inland waterways remains strictly prohibited for all categories of watercraft, including both…

By Peter Omopo Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has said she intends to channel growing public anger towards the Labour government, as she seeks to re-establish the Conservatives as the party prepared to take what she described as the “tough decisions” facing the United Kingdom. Speaking on BBC One’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, Badenoch accused Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer of mismanaging public spending, arguing that while overall expenditure is too high, key areas such as defence remain underfunded. She also claimed that Labour’s approach to governance had become increasingly “draconian” after 18 months in office. “I’m trying to channel…