A former federal lawmaker and elder statesman in Osun State, Prof. Olusola Adeyeye, has disclosed his numerous but unsuccessful attempts to reconcile President Bola Tinubu and former Osun State governor, Rauf Aregbesola, whose once-solid friendship has deteriorated over time.

Speaking during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Adeyeye painted a picture of the bond that once existed between the two political heavyweights.

According to him, Tinubu had such unwavering trust in Aregbesola that he openly vouched for him in the most striking terms.

“I was at a meeting where Tinubu said, ‘If you see me sleeping and you see Rauf coming with a dagger or a knife, don’t wake me up; Rauf will never injure me.

“That was how much trust he had in Aregbesola,” Adeyeye stated.

The former lawmaker revealed that the feeling was mutual, as Aregbesola held Tinubu in the highest esteem, placing him just below God in his hierarchy of respect and loyalty.

“For Rauf, the only entity in the universe bigger than Tinubu was God,” he added.

Despite their once-unbreakable bond, Adeyeye suggested that a perceived betrayal may have caused the rift.

“I have the feeling that what happened between them was Rauf thinking that Tinubu sided with his own brother against him,” he said.

Adeyeye expressed deep sadness over the fallout, describing his tireless but futile efforts to mediate between the two.

“I tried my best to settle them. I tried my very best. Not once, not twice, but severally.

“Power can be a terrible thing. It is treacherous in Nigeria,” he admitted.

Reflecting on his own position, Adeyeye emphasised his neutrality and commitment to peace.

“I seek nothing,” he said, adding that his long-standing experience in politics predates both Tinubu and Aregbesola.

“Only God elevates,” the Osun-born lawmaker asserted.

While he acknowledged the difficulty of mending the fractured relationship, he maintained that reconciliation was not entirely out of reach.

“If the two of them want to settle, it’s not impossible,” Adeyeye concluded, leaving the door open for a potential resolution.

All is now set for the formal reinstatement of Mudashiru Obasa as Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly on Monday afternoon as the presiding officers of the House have suddenly tendered their resignations at plenary.

The deputy Speaker of the House, Hon. Fatai Bola, has announced his resignation at about 3.15pm.

As the plenary progresses, the Speaker Mojisola Lasbat Meranda also announced her resignation.

Consequently, the coast is now clear for the return of Obasa as Speaker of the House following the crisis that engulfed the House after his impeachment in January.

Details Later…

The Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has approved the employment of 1,010 secondary school teachers in the state

According to a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan, on Monday, the governor’s approval came after the completion of the recruitment process by the state Teaching Service Commission which screened thousands of applicants last year.

Adeniyan said the successful candidates are to begin their documentation immediately.

The statement read, “The governor had given approval for the recruitment of 1010 secondary school and 1000 primary school teachers last year, which signalled the start of the recruitment exercise by TESCOM and the State Universal Basic Education Board.

“While the final list for the secondary school candidates was approved by the governor on Friday, that of the primary school candidates is currently undergoing its finishing touches.

“Governor Aiyedatiwa has expressed concern over teaching staff shortages in public schools, particularly in rural communities. This necessitated his directive that the recruitment must be based on the peculiar needs of the understaffed schools across the state.”

He added that the recruitment of teachers in both primary and secondary schools was one of the efforts of the Aiyedatiwa administration to revamp the education sector in the state.

“The governor had last Friday approved the payment of N633m for the registration of students for the West Africa Examination Council’s Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination.

“This came after the governor approved the upgrade and conversion of the Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo to a University of Agriculture and Agribusiness,” he added.

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency have arrested a wanted 59-year-old international drug baron, Ogbonnaya Jeff.

He was apprehended at his hideout in the Ojo area of Lagos after 17 years of evading authorities.

Addressing journalists in Abuja on Monday, the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), said the agency’s Special Operations Unit had been tracking Ogbonnaya following an Interpol Red Notice against him and intelligence from the National Intelligence Service of South Korea.

He stated that the agency had gathered incontrovertible evidence of Ogbonnaya’s activities, including his recruitment of young Nigerians as drug couriers to smuggle illicit substances into the Republic of Korea.

He said, “The major development that warranted this special briefing pertains to the arrest of a drug lord wanted across the world as the leader of an international drug trafficking organization.

“On Wednesday, February 12, 2025, we arrested Ogbonnaya Kevin Jeff, a 59-year-old drug baron. The suspect was apprehended at his hideout at No. 3, Ibukunoluwa Taiwo Close, off LASU Road, Lagos. He had been under NDLEA investigation before his arrest. As a result, we have comprehensive intelligence on his activities and incontrovertible facts confirming that he is a notorious drug lord who recruited young Nigerians as couriers to smuggle illicit substances into the Republic of Korea (South Korea).

“Our records reveal that many Nigerians apprehended outside the country for drug-related offences were linked to him. Furthermore, we have established that he laundered drug proceeds through the importation of electronics and other goods. Following his arrest, a search of his residence led to the recovery of multiple Nigerian international passports belonging to different individuals, many of which contained Korean visas. Additionally, we recovered some illicit substances stored at the back of his house.”

Marwa said Ogbonnaya had previously served a one-year prison term in South Korea in 2007 before being deported to Nigeria in 2008. However, he resumed his illicit operations, orchestrating drug shipments to the Far East.

“His dossier indicates that he served a one-year prison sentence in the Republic of Korea in 2007 and was deported to Nigeria in 2008. Despite this, he continued his illicit trade, remaining actively involved in drug trafficking operations to the Far East.

“Presently, he is wanted in the Republic of Korea for multiple drug trafficking offences in collaboration with his accomplices. An INTERPOL Red Notice was issued for his arrest and extradition to the country for offences committed between 2023 and 2024.

“From a series of interdictions, it has been established that Ogbonnaya is the ringleader of a drug trafficking organization responsible for smuggling narcotics into the People’s Republic of Korea. He has been orchestrating operations remotely, giving instructions to drug mules and domestic suppliers who are members of his syndicate spread across Cameroon, Ghana, Burkina Faso, Liberia, and other East and Southern African countries.”

Marwa stated that between December 2023 and April 2024, Ogbonnaya allegedly directed two couriers—Santa Elizabeth Pieterse and Carl Yohan Stephan Brisman—to smuggle five kilograms of methamphetamine into South Korea via international flights.

“On October 5, 2023, at a location in Burkina Faso, the suspect dispatched 6,051.06 grams of skunk, concealed in dried chillies and jujube, to a Korean, Kim Dong Wook, at a designated address in Jinju City, Gyeongsangnam-do, South Korea. The package arrived at Incheon Airport on October 19, 2023, at 7:20 a.m. via Air France.

“Investigation reveals that while residing in Nigeria, he directed his drug couriers, Santa Elizabeth Pieterse and Carl Yohan Stephan Brisman, to smuggle a total of five kilograms of methamphetamine into South Korea via overseas flights between December 2023 and April 2024. In recent times alone, he has sent illicit drugs worth over N1.4 billion in street value to South Korea.

“Ogbonnaya maintains another domestic carrier, identified as ‘Asa,’ who delivers drug consignments to a warehouse operated by Okori Emmanuel, a Nigerian who serves as his supply manager in South Korea. As of now, two arrest warrants have been issued against Ogbonnaya by the Seoul Central District Court in January and June 2024. These warrants charge him with importing narcotic drugs in violation of Article 3-7 of South Korea’s Narcotics Control Act, an offence punishable by a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.”

Marwa, however, reaffirmed the NDLEA’s commitment to ensuring that Nigeria does not serve as a base for international drug trafficking operations.

A former Lagos State governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party during the 2023 general election, Abdul-Azeez Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, has dumped the party.

Jandor announced his resignation at a press briefing held at Liberty Place, Ikeja, in Lagos on Monday.

According to him, his reasons for leaving the party are not unconnected to indiscipline and anti-party activities, which have become the norm in his erstwhile party.

The ex-PDP governorship candidate, who a large group of supporters accompanied, revealed that the decision to part ways with the PDP stemmed from actions taken by some of the party’s leaders, including the former Deputy National Chairman, Chief Olabode George.

According to Jandor, these leaders actively worked against the PDP in the 2023 elections.

He said, “I am here before you today with a heavy heart but a clear conscience. We have dedicated ourselves to the ideals of democracy, good governance and a pursuit of a better Lagos.

“However, it has been found evident that the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party, both at the national and state levels, has failed to uphold these principles. The persistent anti-party activities, internal sabotage and lack of discipline have led me and my supporters to leave.

“We will consult widely with everybody and then take the decision to collapse our structure to another platform. What is majority on the ground now is that we have left the Peoples Democratic Party,” Jandor stated.

The PUNCH reports that Jandor had, in preparation for the 2023 general election, tackled the chieftain of their party in Lagos, Chief Bode George because he didn’t support his ambition due to his choice of running mate.

George, who supported Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, the Labour Party candidate in the election, claimed that he had no regrets about not supporting Jandor.

However, in a statement signed by Gbenga Ogunleye, Head, Media and Communications, JANDOR4Governor Campaign Organisation, Jandor said Bode George’s modus operandi during each election cycle is to attack the PDP candidate and destabilise the party, thus paving the way for the APC to remain in power.

The full statement reads, “Our attention has been drawn to a statement made by Chief Olabode George justifying his treacherous action during the recently held governorship election in Lagos State”.

“Chief George, while fielding questions on national television yesterday, said he had no regret for supporting and voting for the Labour Party governorship candidate against the candidate of his supposed political party, the Peoples Democratic Party”.

“It is not surprising that Chief Bode George, as his usual practice, worked against the interest of the PDP again, but his attempt to blame the infighting in the party as an excuse and a justification for his action is a failed attempt to hide behind a finger.”

The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye says power for a good ending – a greater tomorrow is very vital to humans.

This is as he emphasises that life’s ending can far surpass its beginning.

Speaking during the Church’s monthly Thanksgiving Service at its Lagos headquarters on Sunday which coincides with the cleric’s 83rd birthday, Adeboye used biblical teachings and personal insights to inspire his audience.

He also urged them to focus on building a glorious future.

Quoting the Bible, he said, “The book of Isaiah 3:10 says, ‘Say to the righteous, it shall be well with him.’”

He explained life as a three-phased journey—past, present, and future—emphasising the importance of planning today for a better tomorrow.

“The past is the mother of today. The present has the DNA of the past. You’re who you are today because of certain decisions you took in the past.

“You are a medical doctor today because you chose to go to a medical school in the past. The decisions you take today will invariably affect your tomorrow,” he remarked.

Highlighting the significance of the future, Adeboye added, “Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof. It is how you end that matters.

“The Almighty God has the ability to guarantee your future. He can make sure that your tomorrow is great.”

Example of Abraham

To illustrate, Adeboye referenced the story of Abraham, saying, “God blessed Abraham in all things and made him great. Isaac, his son, was very great.

“Jacob, the son of Isaac, was exceedingly great. God can take you from great to greater to exceedingly great.”

He noted the generational growth of Abraham’s lineage: “Abraham had one child that God recognised. Isaac had two sons. Jacob had 12 sons. These 12 multiplied.

“By the time they were going to Egypt, they were 70, and when they were leaving Egypt, they had become 600,000 people.”

Keys to a Greater Future

Adeboye urged his audience to embrace preparation and discipline for a greater tomorrow, particularly in raising children.

“Train your children because they are your tomorrow. The Yorubas say a child you don’t train will sell the house you are building.

“God vouched for Abraham because He knew Abraham would train his children in the way of the Lord,” he said.

He warned parents against laxity, advising, “Don’t allow your children to do whatever they like.

“If you allow them, you are ruining your future. Be firm when it comes to your children serving the Lord.”

To children, Adeboye gave a stern reminder: “You’re not only to obey your parents; you are to honour them.

“It is by honouring your parents that you will live long. If you think you know more than your parents, you may never live long.”

Diligence and Humility

For a greater future, Adeboye highlighted the principles of sowing, diligence, and humility.

“Learn to sow. It is what you sow in the present that will be your harvest in the future. Also, be diligent. God is a rewarder of those who are diligent,” he counselled.

On humility, he said, “Pride is a killer. God resists the proud. You can’t have a future if God is constantly resisting you.

“Submit to God, and He will make sure no one tampers with your destiny.”

Promise of a Glorious Future

Concluding, Adeboye underscored that a glorious future is only guaranteed for those in Christ. “You have a glorious future if Christ lives in you,” he affirmed.

Veteran Nollywood star, Norbert Young and his wife, Gloria, have shared their journey through seven years of childlessness, revealing how the experience affected them individually and as a couple.

In an interview with Tope on Love Notes which with Tope which started trending on Sunday, the couple reflected on the emotional weight of that period, with Gloria expressing how deeply it affected her, while Norbert maintained that he never saw it as a challenge.

When asked about difficulties in their marriage, Norbert initially struggled to pinpoint one.

But Gloria quickly reminded him, saying, “I was childless for seven years, Norbert.”

Norbert, however, insisted that he never viewed it as a challenge, explaining his perspective, “I didn’t see it as a challenge, you see, because I kept telling her, ‘What are you worried about? What is it? Be calming down.’

“How can I see it as a challenge? I had a sister who was married for 16 years without a child, and on the 17th year, she had a child.

“Her husband never told her to leave. That child today is a medical doctor—a big man too. So what’s the big deal? It didn’t threaten our union at all.”

Despite his confidence, Gloria admitted she felt the pressure saying, “He never did. But I was the one feeling it, and I was the one seeing things. And he was the one telling me, ‘What is it? Stop worrying about such things.’”

Norbert acknowledged her anxiety, saying, “She was anxious about it—being childless for that long. Like I said, it wasn’t a challenge for me, but it was for her. As a couple, it was challenging, but personally, I didn’t see it that way.”

Gloria then brought up societal pressure, asking Norbert if anyone had ever questioned him about their lack of children.

His response was firm: “Them born you well come ask me that? Nobody in my family asked me.”

Gloria, however, had a different experience.

She recalled how, at family gatherings, she would often be subjected to silence but pointed stares from relatives.

She said, “Nobody in his family did. But I would go to my own family gatherings, and not asking per se, but imagine you’re walking into the room, and one aunty looks at you—makes sure that you know she’s looking at you—then her eyes go down to your stomach.

“And as you walk away, her eyes are still there. What is she telling you? Like, ‘How far na? E don tey oh! E don pass one, two, three…’ Without saying a word. Oh, I had those kind of aunties.”

Click the link below to watch the video

Saudi Arabia announced on Friday that the holy month of Ramadan will begin on Saturday, March 1, following the sighting of the Ramadan crescent in the Kingdom.

The month of Ramadan is the ninth of the 12 months of the Islamic calendar.

PUNCH Online reports that the Saudi Royal Court said Taraweeh prayer will be held this evening at Masjid Bin Bāz after Easha Prayer.

‎Also, countries including Qatar, Oman officially announced that Ramadan would be observed on Saturday, March 1.

Meanwhile, the Sultan of Sokoto and the President of the Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Saad Abubakar, is yet to announce the sighting of the crescent moon as of the time of filing this report.

Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam and is considered mandatory for all healthy Muslims.

However, young children, sick individuals, travelers, and women who are pregnant, nursing or menstruating are exempt.

Muslims have followed the tradition of looking for the crescent moon for thousands of years to determine the start of Ramadan as well as the two major holidays in Islam, Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.

During Ramadan, working hours for private and public employees and schoolchildren are typically reduced.

Wife of the Senate President, Mrs. Ekaette Akpabio, has dismissed allegations of sexual harassment leveled against her husband, Senator Godswill Akpabio, by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central), describing them as false and unfounded.

Speaking to journalists on Friday, Mrs. Akpabio defended her husband’s character, stating that he is a disciplined and jovial man who respects women.

Earlier, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan had alleged that her ordeal in the Senate began after she rejected Akpabio’s sexual advances.

Reacting to the claim, Mrs. Akpabio recounted the cordial relationship between both families, dismissing the allegations as a figment of Natasha’s wild imagination.

She also pointed out that she was present at their family residence on December 8, 2023, the alleged date of the incident while emphasising that their families have maintained a long-standing relationship, even before Senator Natasha’s marriage.

Mrs. Akpabio further praised her husband’s discipline, highlighting his track record of supporting women’s inclusion in government, even before becoming Senate President.

Urging women to desist from making false accusations, she vowed to seek legal redress on the matter.

Singer Paul Okoye aka RudeBoy has accused his twin brother Peter of being responsible for the case of fraud instituted against their elder brother Jude.

On Wednesday, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned Jude, the former manager of Paul and Peter who made up the defunct group P-Square, on charges of laundering ₦ 1.38 billion, $1 million and £34,537.59.

Jude was arraigned alongside his company, Northside Music Ltd before Justice Alexander Owoeye of the Federal High Court, Lagos, on a seven-count charge. He pleaded “not guilty” to the charges.

Justice Owoeye remanded Jude in the Ikoyi correctional facility pending hearing for his bail application after the prosecuting lawyer Larry Aso countered Jude’s lawyer Inibehe Effiong who wanted his client remanded in the EFCC’s custody.

In a trending video recorded at the court’s premises on Friday, Paul promised to secure his release.

He told journalists that he and Peter were guilty of what Jude was being accused of.

“I’m supporting him because I know the truth,” said Paul.

“The truth is Peter is the one putting Jude through these things. It’s Peter who is doing these. He is putting him in prison and I’m here to bring him out.

“I’m only standing for the truth because the same crime that they accused him of doing, then Peter is guilty, Paul is also guilty too.”