Vacant Stool: Stakeholders Urge Sanwo-Olu To Resolve Obaship Tussle In Epe

Seven months after the demise of the Olu-Epe of Epe, Oba Shefiu Olatunji Adewale, the ancient town remains without a traditional ruler, as the process of appointing a successor continues to be stalled by controversy and unresolved claims from two prominent sons of the community.

Following the passing of the monarch in May 2025, expectations were high that the process of enthroning a new king would be swift and peaceful.

However, the succession has since been marred by disagreements, claims and counterclaims, and heightened tension among supporters of the two contenders.

Efforts by community elders to mediate yielded little result, while youth groups became increasingly agitated.

The tension reached a peak during the last Sallah period, when fears of possible violence prompted the Epe Local Government to suspend the 2025 Eid prayers at the Eid ground.

The decision was later reversed by the Lagos State Government, which assured residents of adequate security and called for calm.

The state government subsequently invited the two factions for dialogue, leading to a temporary agreement and renewed emphasis on peace, law and order.

However, a few months later, community members say no concrete steps have been taken to resolve the succession crisis.

Residents now express growing fears over the continued vacuum in traditional leadership, noting that major cultural, social and community programmes are being held without a king on the throne, an unusual situation for a town with a rich heritage.

In response, youth groups and religious organisations have written formal letters to the Lagos State Government, appealing for urgent intervention, warning that prolonged delay could trigger a breakdown of law and order.

At the weekend, some youths, led by Alhaji Musbau Adeola Agoro, gathered at the residence of the Baamofin of Epe Kingdom, Tunde Seriki, to formally register their displeasure and urge him to use his influence and connections to appeal to the state government for decisive action.

Speaking to the youths, Seriki appealed for calm and restraint.

“We must shun any act that can lead to a breakdown of law and order,” he said, adding that he has confidence in Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, whom he described as “a leader with listening ears who will be fair to all parties.”

A call was also made to the president of Epe Ogunmodede Club and the Alakoso of Epe Kingdom, Alhaji Omodele Ibrahim, a prominent indigene of Epe in the United Kingdom, who expressed deep concern over the prolonged impasse.

“The government should wade in fast. The youths are agitated, and the people are unhappy that after the demise of our monarch, things are still not in proper shape,” he said.

He urged notable sons and daughters of Epe to rally round the government and relevant agencies to ensure a lasting and credible resolution to the Obaship tussle.

Community stakeholders insist that only the Lagos State Government has the authority and moral standing to mediate and deliver a solution that will be widely accepted as fair, just and transparent.

As tensions simmer, residents of Epe are calling for swift action to restore traditional leadership, preserve peace, and safeguard the unity and stability of the historic town.

Culled from The Guardian 

 

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"Please Forgive Me", Pastor Chris Okafor Publicly Apologizes To Actress Doris Ogala, Kneeling Before His Congregation

The embattled Senior Pastor of the Mountain of Liberation and Miracles Ministries, Chris Okafor has publicly apologised to Nollywood actress Doris Ogala. The pastor  tendered his apologies on Sunday, kneeling before his congregation admitting that he was an imperfect human who is prone to mistakes. 

The apology comes amid a heated public feud that has dominated social media, with Ogala accusing Okafor of an affair, broken marriage promises, sharing explicit content, and offering her $10,000 to retract claims that she was hired by rival pastors to defame him.

In a viral video shared by @NigeriaStories on X on Sunday, Okafor is seen at the pulpit, microphone in hand, addressing the congregation.

“Listen, we’re not joining issues. Mistakes have been made in the past, and I tender an apology to everybody,” Okafor said.

He specifically named Ogala, stating, “I am sorry to everyone I have offended, to Doris Ogala also. I say sorry and apologise to everyone that I’ve offended.”

Okafor reiterated his willingness to make amends, saying, “I’m ready to make a restitution to anyone, anybody, any lady I have offended. I am sorry. Forgive me.”

Acknowledging his imperfections, he added, “Not perfect, I’ve never been perfect.”

The pastor then knelt before the church, a gesture that drew cheers from the congregation, as he continued, “I’m kneeling down before everyone and before the church. Forgive me. You can judge me. Pray for me.”

Despite the apology, Okafor maintained that “everything that was said is not true,” insisting that many of Ogala’s allegations contained “so many lies.”

This position appeared to fuel further controversy, as Ogala responded during an Instagram Live session, forgiving him but rejecting his claim that she lied about the accusations.

“CHRIS OKAFOR, I FORGIVE YOU, BUT THERE’S A PROBLEM. WHERE YOU SAID EVERYTHING IS A LIE. I HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THAT BECAUSE I DON’T LIE,” she wrote.

This followed the cleric’s wedding to his new bride, identified as Pearl, which reportedly took place earlier in the week.

Okafor was said to have proceeded with the ceremony despite Ogala’s viral accusations of betrayal, emotional manipulation and reneging on a promise of marriage after an alleged long-term relationship.

In several videos shared earlier this month, Ogala tearfully accused Okafor of ruining her life following a relationship she claimed spanned several years, beginning around 2017.

She alleged that she ended her previous marriage at his urging and suffered emotional distress when the relationship was abruptly terminated.

Okafor had previously dismissed the allegations, saying he would leave the matter to legal authorities.

However, sustained public pressure and Ogala’s refusal to back down appear to have prompted the cleric’s public apology.

 

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"Eyo Festival Is Not An Avenue For Personal Profit", Oba Akiolu Warns Participants As Lagosians Get Set For Festival

The Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Babatunde Akiolu, has announced that the Eyo Festival will be held on Saturday, December 27, 2025, in honour of the late Chief Abibatu Mogaji, mother of President Bola Tinubu, as well as the late Lateef Jakande and Sir Michael Otedola.

Oba Akiolu made the announcement during a media briefing at the palace in Iga Idunganran, Lagos Island, attended by the White Cap Chiefs. He assured residents and tourists of adequate security before, during, and after the festival, while warning participating masquerades against harassing spectators, fun seekers, or other participants.

“Eyo is not an avenue to make money for any chief. It is our sacred heritage and must be treated with dignity, not an avenue for personal profit,” the monarch said.

This year’s festival will be held at Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) and restricted to Lagos Island, with 100 buses planned to transport participants from across the state to the venue.

The Eyo Festival, also known as the Adamu Orisha Play, is a traditional Yoruba festival held on Lagos Island. It celebrates the city’s ancestral heritage and is used to guide the souls of departed kings and chiefs to the afterlife.

Eyo masquerades: Participants, known as Eyo, dress in white robes, veils, and color-coded hats (Aga cap), carrying long staffs (Opambata).

The procession: Eyo groups emerge from the palaces (Iga) of ruling families and proceed to the shrine (Agodo), accompanied by singing, drumming, and dancing.

Today, the festival also serves as a major tourist attraction and is sometimes organized for special state functions, while maintaining its cultural and spiritual significance.

As part of the activities running up to the main event, Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, hosted representatives of the families of Jakande, Johnsons, Mogaji, and Otedola. 

The event took place at the State House Marina, Lagos, amid colourful display of Eyo masquerades and other performers.

Speaking at the event, the Governor said the 2025 Eyo Festival will showcase the deepness of Lagos cultural heritage, explaining that it is a ceremony that holds together the local and international friends and audience of Lagos.

He said: “We know that there is a rich tradition and culture in Lagos, because they say that a people without a culture will go into extinction. If you don’t have a culture you are not relevant. What are you living for? What are you passing on?

“So, it will be a cultural event that we will use to demonstrate to all of our visitors and friends that Lagos is not only the centre of excellence, or the commercial nerve centre of the country; it is also the melting point of culture and tourism.

“So, I want to formally acknowledge and thank all of you for coming out in large number this afternoon to demonstrate your support,” the Governor said.

The iconic Eyo Festival is staging its comeback after eight years of absence. It is scheduled to hold at the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), Lagos on December 27, 2025. 

 

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Many Women Suffer Abuse In Silence Because Of Economic Dependence - Mrs Falana

A clarion call has been made to well meaning Nigerians on the need to empower women and, in the process, protect their dignity. The call was made by Mrs Funmi Falana, A Senior Advocate of Nigeria and the founder of Women Empowerment and Legal Aid.  Mrs Falana emphasised that economic empowerment is crucial for protecting women’s rights and restoring dignity to the less privileged.

She spoke at the graduation ceremony of 17 students of WELA Vocational Training College, held in commemoration of International Human Rights Day.

The event, themed “Building Lives, Restoring Hope,” took place in Ikeja, Lagos.

In her welcome address, Falana stressed that economic empowerment bridges the gap between access to justice and the ability to enforce rights.

She highlighted WELA’s mandate to defend women’s rights, educate women on their legal entitlements, and use strategic litigation to advance protections for women and vulnerable persons.

“Many women continue to suffer in silence because of economic dependence,” she said, noting that fear of losing financial support often prevents victims from speaking out.

She cited cases handled by WELA, including a young girl who was molested, insisting perpetrators must be held accountable regardless of their status or relationship to victims.

Falana described the vocational training programme as crucial to achieving financial independence, as the event saw the showcase of products made by graduates, such as handbags, dresses, and wigs.

She noted that this year’s graduation recorded the lowest number of students -17, compared to previous years when 38 to 50 students were trained.

Beyond women’s empowerment, she said WELA collaborates with the Nigerian Correctional Service to rehabilitate ex-offenders.

She added, “Many former inmates return to crime due to a lack of post-release support.

“Under WELA’s initiative, released inmates are accommodated at the WELA Home hostel in Agege or reunited with families while undergoing a three-month rehabilitation process, including skills training.

“WELA also assists homeless persons and drug addicts, whom she popularly called “Jesus Boys,” and is building a rehabilitation centre in Mowe to expand interventions.”

Falana announced the commissioning of the WELA Football Club to engage rehabilitated youths and keep them away from crime through sports and structured activities.

She urged support for the programme by purchasing graduates’ products.

Also speaking at the event, human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, criticised the government for failing to provide basic services, noting that NGOs now fill the governance gap.

Sowore said, “In a country where government has failed, NGOs are the ones governing Nigeria today,” he said, citing food, electricity, water, and sanitation initiatives delivered by civil society.

He condemned plans to tax NGOs as ironic and commended Femi and Funmi Falana for their commitment to social justice and human rights.

Sowore also credited Femi Falana for pivotal support to his education, describing him as a mentor and father figure.

In her keynote address, child rights advocate and founder of CEE-HOPE Foundation, Betty Abah, stressed that economic empowerment is a practical response to poverty and systemic failure.

She praised WELA’s vocational programme as “real change, not theoretical intervention,”

She pointed to gestures, including distributing grinding machines to vulnerable families, as restoring dignity to families.

Abah encouraged graduates to use their skills with discipline and integrity, as she described skills as “a shield, a voice, and a pathway to freedom.”

Head Girl of the vocational college, Mrs Olagbemi Adeola, who graduated as a fashion designer, encouraged her fellow graduates to see themselves as entrepreneurs and community change-makers.

“Today, we are not just graduates. We are job creators, not job seekers,” she said.

Other graduates, including Yekini Babatunde and Daniela Taiwo, shared testimonies on how the programme boosted their confidence, skills, and self-belief.

Awards were presented to Mr Temitope Akinwunmi for supporting WELA’s initiatives and to Mrs Esther Ajijola, Mrs Beatrice Adekoya, and Mrs Susan Jato for their dedication.

Ajijola was specifically recognised for teaching catering free of charge.

Dignitaries at the event included Femi Falana (SAN), their son and musician Falz, senior advocates of Nigeria, and other legal practitioners.

 

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How OPC Member Was Stabbed To Death In Egbeda

A member of the Oodua People’s Congress, identified as Sunday and popularly known as Gobe, has been killed during a dispute over allegedly stolen puppies in the Egbeda area of Lagos State.

The Oodua People’s Congress is a Yoruba nationalist, regionalist and vigilante organisation.

It was gathered that the group was holding a meeting at its office — a fenced, undeveloped plot of land on Shallom Street in the community — when an argument broke out between Sunday and his colleague, identified simply as Mopol.

According to an eyewitness who identified himself simply as Sesan, the dispute later escalated into a physical confrontation, during which both men reportedly attacked each other with broken bottles.

“They were having their meeting when a fight suddenly broke out between Sunday and Mopol. Sunday was said to have accused Mopol of being responsible for some of his missing puppies, which he was rearing.

“In the course of the fight, Sunday was stabbed by Mopol and sustained fatal injuries,” he said.

Sesan added that instead of seeking immediate medical attention, the victim was seen walking around the premises before he suddenly collapsed.

He was rushed to several hospitals but was turned away before he eventually died.

While receiving news of Sunday’s passing, our correspondent learnt that Mopol reportedly fled the community to avoid being apprehended.

Another resident, who did not want his name in print for security reasons, told newsmen that hours after news of Sunday’s death spread, his associates stormed the area and attacked the group’s makeshift office.

“His friends who heard what happened rushed here, went straight to the office and set it ablaze. All the items in the office, such as furniture and clothing, were burnt,” the resident said.

Speaking on the reaction of the deceased’s father, the resident added, “Sunday’s father is a herbalist and lives at Abule-Odu. When he was informed of his son’s death, he said he had earlier expressed fears about his safety and warned him not to leave the house on the day of the incident.”

It was further learnt that the police visited the scene and arrested some members of the group, who were later released after questioning.

 

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7 Hospitalized After Lagos Island Fire Incident

Seven persons have been confirmed injured and hospitalised following a fire outbreak at the 22-storey Great Nigeria Insurance House on Martins Street, Lagos Island.

The blaze, which erupted at about 5p.m. on Christmas Eve, spread beyond the high-rise structure, affecting nearby buildings including the seven-storey Radio Nigeria complex, Oluwole Plaza, a mosque and several adjoining properties.

The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA, confirmed the development in an update issued on Christmas Day by its spokesperson, Nosa Okunbor.

According to preliminary findings, the fire originated from the fourth floor of the building before rapidly spreading to other levels, prompting emergency authorities to issue an immediate evacuation advisory to residents and traders within the vicinity.

Providing a situation update on Thursday, Okunbor disclosed that although the fire had been brought under control, seven adult males sustained varying degrees of burn injuries and were subsequently hospitalised.

“Seven adult males suffered varying degrees of burn injuries as a result of the inferno and were attended to by the agency’s paramedics before being taken to nearby hospitals for further medical attention,” he said.

He added that five other individuals who suffered from smoke inhalation were treated on-site by emergency responders.

“The adjoining buildings in proximity to the high-rise have largely been salvaged, and coordinated efforts continue to ensure the inferno is completely extinguished,” Okunbor stated.

He further confirmed that emergency teams had successfully put out the fire at the Radio Nigeria building opposite the affected high-rise.

“The seven-storey Radio Nigeria building opposite the Great Nigeria Insurance House has been safely extinguished by emergency responders, and dampening-down operations are ongoing,” he said.

According to LASEMA, ongoing dampening efforts are aimed at preventing any possible re-ignition as safety assessments continue in the affected area.

 

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Christmas Day Tragedy: Tanker Explosion Along Lagos-Badagry Expressway Claims Two Lives

    The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, has confirmed the death of two persons in a tanker explosion along Badagry Expressway.

Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, General Manager, LASTMA, confirmed the incident in a statement on Thursday.

He said the tanker explosion which involved a Mack Truck conveying diesel occurred in the early hours of Thursday at the Oto–Ijanikin axis, in the vicinity of the Lagos State University of Education, LASUED, inward Agbara, along the Lagos – Badagry Expressway.

Bakare-Oki said preliminary findings attributed the incident to over speeding, leading to the tanker driver losing control of the vehicle while attempting to overtake another road user.

“The vehicle subsequently crashed and erupted into a raging inferno, tragically trapping and claiming the lives of the driver and an adult female occupant,” he said.

Bakare-Oki said personnel of the agency, who were actively monitoring and managing vehicular movement within the corridor, swiftly secured and cordoned off the affected stretch of the expressway to forestall secondary incidents.

He said the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service (Ojo Unit), Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, and the Ijanikin Police Division were promptly notified for urgent emergency response and security reinforcement.

“In a further demonstration of vigilance and unwavering commitment to public safety, LASTMA operatives prevented members of the public who had converged on the scene with assorted containers from scooping the spilled diesel.

“This is an extremely hazardous act capable of triggering further explosions and avoidable fatalities.

“This timely intervention effectively averted a potential escalation of the tragedy prior to the arrival of other emergencies and security agencies,” he said.

He said that following the successful containment of the blaze and clearance by relevant authorities, the burnt tanker was evacuated from the expressway by LASTMA personnel while remains of burnt bodies were removed by FRSC.

Bakare-Oki expressed deep sorrow and extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased.

He described the incident as deeply painful and entirely avoidable, reaffirming the authority’s steadfast commitment to road safety and the sanctity of lives.

He noted that the incident has underscored the need for tanker and articulated vehicle drivers to exercise caution, observe prescribed speed limits and comply strictly with all traffic regulations.

“Reckless driving and speeding remain dominant factors in fatal road traffic crashes across the metropolis,” he said.

 

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Adekunle Gold And Simi Expecting Their Second Child

Nigerian music stars couple, Adekunle Gold and Simi, are expecting their second child.

The singers shared the joyful news on Wednesday through Adekunle Gold’s new music video titled “My Love Is The Same” posted on YouTube.

In the heartwarming clip, Simi proudly shows off her baby bump while sharing intimate family moments with Adekunle Gold and their daughter, Deja.

The video, which celebrates love, growth, and family, has been widely praised by colleagues, fans and many, describing it as an emotional moment, while also flooding the couple with congratulatory messages.

Adekunle Gold and Simi, who welcomed their first child in 2020, continue to earn admiration for seamlessly blending their personal lives with their art.

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How Fire Outbreak Engulfed 22-Storey Great Nigeria Insurance House On The Lagos Island

There was confusion among residents of Lagos Island as a fire outbreak ravaged a plaza known as the Great Nigeria Insurance House, located on Martins Street.

The building, which serves as a warehouse for clothing materials, was said to have been engulfed by fire at about 5 p.m. on Wednesday evening.

It was gathered from the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, that the fire started from one of the offices located on the fourth floor.

According to the LASEMA PS, the fire, whose cause could not yet be ascertained, emanated from the fourth floor of the plaza before escalating to other floors.

He noted that the number of casualties could not be ascertained at the moment, as rescue operations were still ongoing.

Oke-Osanyintolu stated, “Upon arrival of the Shark Response Team at the scene, a 22-storey building (Great Nigeria Insurance House) was found to have been engulfed by fire.

“Preliminary investigation conducted by the Shark Response Team revealed that the fire started from one of the apartments on the fourth floor and quickly gained momentum, spreading to other parts of the floor and escalating upwards to the sixth floor within the 22-storey building.

“Currently, the number of casualties cannot be ascertained, as firefighting operations are still ongoing.”

Similarly, the Controller-General of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Margaret Adeseye, said in a statement on Wednesday that no casualties had been recorded.

“The fire is currently affecting up to the fifth floor of a 25-storey building. It originated on the fifth floor and has spread downwards from that level.

“The affected building is primarily used for warehouse storage and the sale of clothing materials, with corporate offices and a few shops also located within the premises. There has been no record of casualties as firefighting continues,” Adeseye stated.

 

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Fidelity Bank Donates Fire Fighting Equipment To Ikoyi Fire Service Station

Fidelity Bank Plc has donated essential firefighting and preventive equipment, including hoses and gasoline water pumps, to the Ikoyi Fire Service Station in Lagos.

In a statement on Monday, it was revealed that the donation was made under the Fidelity Helping Hands Programme by the True Serve team, reaffirming the bank’s commitment to the environment and community safety.

Through the FHHP, members of staff identify areas of critical community needs, raise funds, and then receive matching monetary support from the bank to execute the projects.

Commenting on the reason behind the donation, Divisional Head, Brand and Communications Division, Fidelity Bank Plc, Dr Meksley Nwagboh, emphasised that the donation reflected the bank’s dedication to strengthening emergency response capabilities and promoting public safety within the communities it serves.

“Fidelity Bank remains committed to supporting initiatives that contribute to the protection of our environment, lives and property. We see community safety as a shared responsibility and continuously extend support to both corporate bodies and individuals.

“We believe that preventive measures are far more effective than reactionary responses. This donation is part of our efforts to drive sustainable practices by providing the necessary tools. Our goal is to ensure that people live meaningful, safe, and empowered lives,” he said.

In her comments, Lagos State Controller, Federal Fire Service and Controller of Fire, Funke Adebayo, commended Fidelity Bank for the timely support, while cautioning residents to exercise heightened vigilance during the festive period, especially with the dry weather conditions.

“We appreciate Fidelity Bank for this timely donation. We are in a harsh weather period where fire incidents can escalate quickly. Parents must educate and caution children against the use of fireworks during celebrations. Fire should never be treated carelessly,” Adebayo said.

She noted that the Fire Service has embarked on sensitisation visits to various corporate organisations, warning against unsafe practices that could lead to preventable fire outbreaks.

On his part, Area Commander of the Onikan Fire Station and Chief Superintendent of Fire, Michael Oswere, expressed appreciation to Fidelity Bank for supporting their operations. He encouraged families, business owners, and community members to prioritise fire safety at all times.

“Everyone has a role to play in preventing fire incidents at home and in the workplace. This support from Fidelity Bank will go a long way in enhancing our capacity to protect the community,” CSF Oswere added.

Fidelity Bank Plc is a full-fledged commercial deposit money bank serving over 9.1 million customers through digital banking channels, its 255 business offices in Nigeria and its United Kingdom subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited.

 

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