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Funso Ayeni: A Strategic Political Journey, Calculated Realignment, and a Renewed Path to the Senate

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In the dynamic and often unpredictable terrain of Ekiti State politics, few individuals have combined ambition, strategy, and grassroots connection as effectively as Funso Ayeni. His political journey over the years reflects not just persistence, but a deep understanding of the realities of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic, where success is shaped by timing, structure, and the ability to read the political climate accurately. Ayeni’s rise within the political space began under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), a platform that gave him the opportunity to build visibility and establish credibility among the people of Ekiti North Senatorial District. As the PDP’s senatorial candidate in the 2023 general elections, he ran a campaign that was widely acknowledged for its organization, message, and connection with the grassroots. His approach was not merely about party loyalty, but about presenting himself as a capable and forward-thinking leader with the capacity to deliver meaningful...
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THE SINS OF BOLAJI EGBEYEMI OLAGBAJU,EKITI DEPUTY SPEAKER

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Standing Gbagidi When Loyalty Was Scarce I must confess—this is a difficult piece to write. Not because I lack words. No. Words obey me like loyal servants. But because I am about to do what I rarely do: reveal what has long been kept beneath the surface… what many have wondered but few have dared to articulate. Who exactly is Rt. Hon. Bolaji Egbeyemi Olagbaju, the Deputy Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly? A quiet politician. A composed presence. A figure whose actions, if we are to be brutally honest, amount to very serious sins in the theatre of Nigerian politics. And that is why ,I say this without apology ,I hate her. Yes, I hate Rt. Hon. Mobolaji Egbeyemi Olagbaju. Deeply. Intensely. Suspiciously. Before you rush to judge me, pause. I owe neither you nor your generation an explanation. You see, I do not like people who refuse to behave the way power expects them to behave. I do not like people who are given influence and refuse to weaponize it. I do not like...
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Bamidele Factor: The Masterstroke Behind Oyebanji’s 2026 March

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*By Dr. Olusola John Ojo, PhD* As Ekiti State gradually moves toward the 2026 governorship election, the political atmosphere is already tilting in one clear direction towards the consolidation of power by Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji. What once appeared to be a routine re-election bid is fast transforming into a calculated and well-structured political movement, driven not only by governance performance but by strategic alliances. At the heart of this growing dominance lies what many observers now describe as the “Bamidele Factor” the deliberate and decisive choice of Michael Opeyemi Bamidele as the arrowhead of the Governor’s 2026 campaign, a move already reshaping the contours of the contest and reinforcing the perception that the road to the Ekiti Government House may, once again, lead in only one direction. Governor Oyebanji has, since assuming office, demonstrated a governance style that prioritizes stability over drama and inclusion over division. In a political environme...
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Ahead of 2007:Tinubu’s Momentum and the Futility of a Fractured Opposition

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By Dr. Olusola John Ojo As Nigeria gradually marches toward the 2027 general elections, the political atmosphere is already thick with permutations, alliances, and calculated rhetoric. Yet, beneath the noise of emerging coalitions and hurried political realignments lies a fundamental truth: no amount of orchestrated gang-up by opposition figures can easily derail the growing momentum of Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Since assuming office, President Tinubu has demonstrated a rare blend of courage and pragmatism in confronting some of Nigeria’s most deeply rooted structural challenges. His administration has not taken the easy road. Instead, it has embraced bold reforms decisions many before him avoided due to their political sensitivity. From the removal of fuel subsidy to the unification of the foreign exchange system, these policies, though initially painful, are laying the foundation for long-term economic stability and national renewal. Understandably, critics particularly those no...
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Benue at a Tipping Point as IPCR, SPRiNG Deploy 45-Minute Conflict Response System

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As Benue State grapples with recurring farmer-herder clashes and climate-driven tensions, the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) has moved to tighten Nigeria’s conflict prevention net, unveiling a strengthened early warning and rapid response framework designed to stop violence before it erupts. Partnering with the SPRiNG Project, IPCR is pushing forward the National Conflict Early Warning and Early Response System (NCEWERS), an upgraded platform that processes verified conflict alerts within 45 minutes — a bold shift from reactive security deployments to proactive peacebuilding. The initiative, backed by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and implemented by Tetra Tech, is being positioned as a decisive intervention in Benue, widely known as Nigeria’s “Food Basket of the Nation,” but increasingly scarred by deadly land disputes, herder-farmer confrontations, and climate pressures that threaten livelihoods and food security. During an advocac...
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Women's group launches rights initiative to tackle gender-based violence

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  In a bid to tackle the scourge of gender-based violence (GBV) in Nigeria, Baobab for Women's Human Rights (BAOBAB) has launched a groundbreaking initiative, "Redefining Masculinity: Boys as Champions of Change to End Gender-Based Violence".  The program which is being supported by African Women's Development Fund (AWDF), aims to engage teenage boys in the fight against GBV and promote positive masculinity across the country. Speaking at the launch event in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, BAOBAB Executive Director, Yeye Bunmi Dipo-Salami, emphasized the need to challenge traditional notions of masculinity and empower young men to become allies in the fight against GBV.  "Our goal is to create a future where boys and men are not only aware of the harm caused by GBV, but are also equipped to challenge and change the norms that perpetuate it," she said. The program, which will be replicated in all 36 states of the Federation, targets 100 boys and 20 male teachers from...
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FG Drags El Rufai To Court Over Tapping Of NSA Ribadu's Phone

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“ONIRU BUSINESS COUNCIL: A MODEL OF HOW LEADERSHIP SHAPES DEVELOPMENT RESPONSIBLY” - SANWO-OLU

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Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has described the Oniru Business and Cultural Day as a model of how leadership can shape development responsibly, just as he expressed profound appreciation to the Oniru for his gracious dedication and purposeful leadership. Governor Sanwo-Olu stated this during the business session of the formal inauguration of the Oniru Business Council and celebration of the Cultural Day held at Oniru Palace, Iru, Victoria Island, Lagos on Saturday. Represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, Sanwo-Olu remarked that his administration, over the past years, has focused on strengthening the foundations of economic prosperity through the T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Development Agenda, particularly as the nation approaches another electoral cycle when conversations about leadership, development, and the future of the economy naturally take centre stage. He said: “In Lagos, we have deliberately embraced the principle of an inclusive econo...
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Customs Assures Onion Farmers, Exporters of Support

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…As Stakeholders Seek Smoother Export Corridor The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, has assured onion farmers and export-focused stakeholders of the Nigeria Customs Service’s (NCS) commitment to removing non-tariff barriers, addressing operational bottlenecks and working with relevant agencies to create an enabling environment for export trade. CGC Adeniyi gave the assurance on Monday, 9 February 2026, during a courtesy visit by the Regional Observatory of Onion in West and Central Africa (ORO/AOC), led by its President, Aliyu Maitasamu, to the Customs House, Maitama, Abuja. “So let me assure onion farmers and other export-oriented stakeholders that the NCS will stand solidly behind you. We will remove all known non-tariff barriers and work with other government agencies and stakeholders to create a more facilitating environment for your trade,” the Comptroller-General said. He explained that the engagement was timely, noting that over the past six mon...
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NNPCL Team Inspects Eba Oil Well as Ogun Moves Closer to Commercial Drilling

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Abeokuta, Ogun State — A technical team from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has visited the Eba oil well in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area as preparations advance for the commencement of commercial drilling operations in the state. The inspection followed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approval for commercial exploration and forms part of the Federal Government’s efforts to deploy the required technical capacity and infrastructure for production. Officials of NNPCL carried out the exercise alongside representatives of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and national security agencies to evaluate the site and confirm its readiness for drilling activities. The delegation was led by Hussein Aliyu, Project Coordinator for Enserv, who headed the NNPCL Enserv technical team. Other members included Wasiu Adeniyi, Onwugba Kelechi, Engr. Rabiu M. Audu, Ojonoka Braimah, Ahmad Usman, Akinbosola Oluwaseyi, Salisu Nuhu, James Amezh...
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