Author: TheLagosianMagazine

By Sola Ojewusi The death of the 46th Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, after an extraordinary 65-year reign, has opened the gates to a royal contest unlike any in living memory. For the first time in over two and a half centuries, serious conversations are being held about the possibility of a female Awujale. But as the drums of change beat louder, an equally forceful counter-rhythm of caution echoes across Ijebuland. At the centre of the debate is Dr. Oluwakemi Onanuga, a lawyer of distinction and a descendant of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, which now holds the turn…

By Peter Omopo Abuja, September 22, 2025 — A former Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof. Emeritus Peter Okebukola, has unveiled a new method of delivering Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education, designed to reflect Africa’s socio-cultural realities and improve student performance. The new framework, known as the Model-and-Surpass Pedagogy (MSP), was launched during the 2025 International Research Group Conference, co-hosted by the Commonwealth Association of Science, Technology and Mathematics Educators. The event, which ended on September 18, drew participants from the United States, United Kingdom, Ghana, Finland, The Gambia, Mauritius, Sierra Leone, Burundi, and Nigeria.…

By Peter Omopo Port Harcourt, September 22, 2025 — The Nigerian Army, 6 Division, says its troops have arrested 17 suspected oil thieves and dismantled nine illegal refining sites in a major crackdown on oil bunkering across the Niger Delta. The operation, conducted between September 8 and 20 in collaboration with other security agencies, also led to the recovery of more than 45,000 litres of stolen petroleum products. Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Jonah Danjuma, disclosed this in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Sunday, describing the exercise as a “significant gain” against economic saboteurs.…

By Peter Omopo As preparations intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections, the South-North Progressive Forum (SNPF) has launched a nationwide campaign urging all political parties to zone their presidential tickets to the South. The forum said the move was necessary to address Nigeria’s longstanding power imbalance and foster national unity. Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Sunday, SNPF Chairman, Festus Onyekwulisi, presented what he described as a data-driven case for equitable power rotation between the North and the South. According to him, since Nigeria’s democratic journey began in 1957, the North has produced leaders who collectively governed…

By Peter Omopo A student of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) has reportedly lost his life after being swept away by strong waves while attempting a backflip at a Lagos beach. Eyewitnesses said the tragic incident occurred during a recreational outing when the victim, whose identity has yet to be officially confirmed, tried a backflip close to the waterline. He was immediately pulled into the ocean by a strong wave. Efforts by friends and other beachgoers to rescue him were unsuccessful. His body was later recovered and taken to a nearby morgue. Authorities are yet to issue an official statement,…

By Peter Omopo | Abuja | September 21, 2025 The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has urged Nigeria and Cuba to deepen bilateral cooperation in healthcare, trade, and cultural exchange through strengthened parliamentary diplomacy. Abbas, represented by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, made the call in Abuja on Sunday while receiving a Cuban parliamentary delegation led by Fernando Llort, a member of the National Assembly of the People’s Power and President of the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the People. He stressed that parliamentary diplomacy should go beyond dialogue to produce tangible outcomes such as signed Memoranda of…

By Peter Omopo, Lagos | September 21, 2025 The Vice Chairman of Badagry West Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Princess Oluremi Ajose, has passed away, barely two months after assuming office. Her death was confirmed on Sunday in a condolence statement issued by the Executive Chairman of Olorunda LCDA, Ajose Kumayon. Princess Ajose, who was sworn in alongside the Chairman of Badagry West LCDA, Rauf Ibrahim Kayode Yemaren (popularly known as RIKAY), in July, was the daughter of His Royal Majesty, Oba Oyekan Possi Ajose, the Alapa of Apa Egun-Awori Kingdom. She reportedly died on Saturday, and her remains have…

By Peter Omopo, Abuja | September 21, 2025 A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former lawmaker from Ekiti State, Senator Ayodele Arise, has defended President Bola Tinubu’s decision to suspend Governor Siminalayi Fubara and declare a state of emergency in Rivers State earlier this year. Speaking with journalists in Abuja on Sunday, Arise said critics of the President’s action were ignoring the fact that the intervention prevented Rivers from descending into chaos. “By and large, we have to thank Mr President for taking the decision he took,” he said. “The situation in Rivers State at the time…

By Peter Omopo The Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, on Sunday paid a courtesy visit to the Olubadan-designate, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, at his Bodija residence in Ibadan, Oyo State. The visit comes days before Ladoja’s official installation as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, scheduled for Friday, September 26, 2025. The throne became vacant following the death of the 43rd Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, who passed away on July 7, 2025, at the age of 90. The Ooni’s visit is seen as a gesture of solidarity and respect ahead of the coronation, which is expected to draw eminent personalities and…

By Peter Omopo The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has cautioned transport unions and their affiliates against the use of unauthorised stickers as substitutes for official vehicle registration in the state. In a statement issued on Sunday, LASTMA spokesperson Adebayo Taofiq quoted the agency’s General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, as describing the practice as illegal and a threat to public safety. Bakare-Oki warned that only constitutionally recognised bodies are empowered to register vehicles, noting that the use of “union stickers” undermines the government’s registration system. “Any vehicle discovered navigating the roadways under the guise of ‘union sticker’ identifiers, or other…