Two prominent traditional rulers in Oyo State—the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Olaoye Ghandi, and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade—were conspicuously absent as Governor Seyi Makinde inaugurated the 50th anniversary of the state on Monday.

Family members of former governors, traditional and religious leaders, top government functionaries, and political stakeholders gathered at the International Conference Centre, Ibadan, to celebrate the state, which was created on February 3, 1976, from the former Western Region of Nigeria, with Ibadan as its administrative capital.

The state government had unveiled a week-long programme for the anniversary on January 21, 2026. The events include religious services, cultural exhibitions, an awards and dinner night, and a public lecture titled, “Consolidating The Legacy, Navigating The Present And Reimagining The Future.”

Governor Makinde had appointed Saheed Fijabi, a former member of the House of Representatives, as chairman of the 11-member planning committee for the anniversary.

While the Olubadan of Ibadan and Chairman of Oyo Council of Obas, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, attended the ceremony along with other traditional rulers, the absence of the Alaafin and the Soun drew attention, especially following Makinde’s recent decision to make the chairmanship of the Oyo Council of Obas rotational among the Alaafin, Soun, and Olubadan. Previously, the position had been permanently reserved for the Alaafin.

At Oba Ladoja’s recent inauguration, Makinde stated that the new arrangement had the buy-in of all three monarchs.

However, the Alaafin quickly issued a rebuttal, claiming he was never part of any meeting where such an agreement was reached.

Monday’s event was the first state function since the governor’s decision and the Alaafin’s rebuttal.

Efforts by our correspondent to get the reactions of spokesmen for the Alaafin and Soun, Bode Durojaye and Peter Olaleye, respectively, were not successful as their telephone numbers could not be reached.

Meanwhile, during the event, Governor Makinde cut the anniversary cake and highlighted his administration’s commitment to building a stronger, competitive economy that creates jobs, attracts investments, and expands opportunities for residents.

‘He emphasised that the next 50 years should deliver greater prosperity, fairness, dignity, and hope for all citizens.

Makinde also reflected on the legacy of former Governor Bola Ige, particularly his provision of free textbooks, furniture, and learning materials, which he said helped shape Oyo State’s governance ethos and belief in equal opportunity.

The governor further highlighted the digital tribute platform established for the anniversary, which has collected hundreds of citizen stories illustrating resilience, enterprise, and a sense of belonging.

“Today, one resident runs a business employing eight young people. Another tribute reflects the quiet pride of citizens whose lives have been nurtured and educated in Oyo State. These stories are not just tributes; they are evidence of opportunity, enterprise, hope, and belonging,” he said.

He commended service commanders and security agencies in the state for maintaining peace and security, assuring them of continued government support. Makinde urged residents to actively participate in anniversary activities, with the grand finale scheduled for Tuesday, January 27, 2026.

Earlier, Fijabi, chairman of the planning committee, outlined the historical significance, leadership, and development milestones of the state, emphasizing that the celebration represents both a reflection on the past and a declaration of intent for sustained progress.

Olubadan Oba Rashidi Ladoja, in his remarks, called for recognition of past political leaders and unsung heroes whose contributions laid the foundation for Oyo State’s growth. He reflected on political leadership in the Third Republic, including Chief Kolapo Adewuyi Ishola and his deputy, Ahmed Gbadamosi, as well as subsequent administrations of former Governors Rashidi Ladoja and Otunba Christopher Adebayo Alao-Akala, highlighting their impact on the state’s development trajectory.

Among the citizen stories highlighted was that of Toluwaloju Foluso, a National Youth Service Corps member in 2021, who invested his allowance in learning fashion design during his service year. The story exemplifies the opportunities and enterprise nurtured by the state, reflecting Makinde’s message of resilience, progress, and citizen empowerment.

The absence of the Alaafin and Soun, coupled with their earlier objections to the rotational chairmanship of the Oyo Council of Obas, suggests underlying tensions within the state’s traditional institutions, even as the government pushes forward with anniversary celebrations and governance initiatives.

Governor Makinde, however, stressed that the administration remains committed to inclusive governance, economic growth, and public engagement, asserting that Oyo State’s next 50 years must be defined by prosperity, innovation, and opportunity for all residents.

The Defence Headquarters on Monday said investigations into alleged misconduct by some officers revealed claims of a plot to overthrow the government.

In October 2025, the DHQ announced the arrest of 16 officers over acts of indiscipline and breaches of service regulations.

It was reported on October 18 that the officers — ranging in rank from Captain to Brigadier General — were arrested by the Defence Intelligence Agency for allegedly holding secret meetings to topple the government.

The platform also linked the cancellation of the October 1 Independence Day parade to the alleged plot.

Reacting at the time, the former Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, said the publication was intended to create tension and distrust among Nigerians, adding that the matter was strictly a disciplinary issue handled internally.

“The ongoing investigation involving the sixteen officers is a routine internal process aimed at ensuring discipline and professionalism are maintained within the ranks. An investigative panel has been duly constituted, and its findings will be made public,” the statement said.

Providing an update on Monday, the new Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, said a comprehensive investigation had been conducted in line with established military procedures.

He said the findings showed that some of the officers had cases to answer over allegations of plotting to overthrow the government and that the investigation report has now been forwarded to the appropriate superior authority.

The statement partly read, “The Defence Headquarters issued a press statement in October 2025 regarding the arrest of sixteen officers over acts of indiscipline and breaches of service regulations.

“The Armed Forces of Nigeria wishes to inform the general public that investigations into the matter have been concluded and the report forwarded to the appropriate superior authority in line with extant regulations.

“The comprehensive investigation process, conducted in accordance with established military procedures, has carefully examined all circumstances surrounding the conduct of the affected personnel.

“The findings have identified several officers with allegations of plotting to overthrow the government, which is inconsistent with the ethics, values and professional standards required of members of the AFN.”

Uba said those indicted would be formally arraigned before relevant military judicial panels to face trial in line with the Armed Forces Act and other applicable service regulations.

He stressed that the process would ensure accountability while upholding fairness and due process.

He emphasized that the measures being taken were purely disciplinary and formed part of institutional mechanisms aimed at preserving order, discipline, and operational effectiveness within the ranks.

Uba added, “Accordingly, those with cases to answer will be formally arraigned before appropriate military judicial panels to face trial in accordance with the Armed Forces Act and other applicable service regulations. This ensures accountability while upholding the principles of fairness and due process.

“The AFN reiterates that measures being taken are purely disciplinary and part of ongoing institutional mechanisms to preserve order, discipline, and operational effectiveness within the ranks.

“The Armed Forces remain resolute in maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, loyalty, and respect for constitutional authority.”

Abba Atiku, son of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has joined the All Progressives Congress and declared that no political party can defeat President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.

Abba spoke in Yola on Monday after picking his APC membership registration card at Gwadabawa Ward in Yola North Local Government Area of Adamawa State.

He said he joined the party to contribute to what he described as the best economic and human reforms under the present administration.

“I want to make it very clear that nobody or any political party can stop President Bola Tinubu from returning to Aso Rock come 2027. Nigerians have seen his good work; he is not a tribalist, he don’t make appointments based on religion or region, but his decisions are purely on merit,” he said.

Abba said he was motivated to join the APC due to what he described as massive human and infrastructural development across the country under President Tinubu’s leadership.

“The president needs your support to continue with the good work. We should mobilise more people and beyond party affiliations to support our president,” he said.

The APC Zonal Vice Chairman, Adamawa Central, Alhaji Isa Bagalti, who handed over the membership card to Abba, said his defection had ended speculation that the APC could lose the 2027 election.

“It is now clear to people that there is no party in Nigeria or presidential candidate that can face our president at the poll come 2027,” he said.

Also speaking, a top APC chieftain in Adamawa State, Alhaji Jamil Yusuf, said President Tinubu has no rival ahead of the next presidential election.

He described other aspirants as wishful thinkers, saying they lacked the credentials to challenge the president.

“Majority of those saying that they are going to contest for the office of president see politics as a trade fair venue, where people sell and buy. I advise such people to invest their money in profitable ventures, because the office of the president is no longer for the highest bidder, but for competent people like President Tinubu,” he said.

Adamu Atiku, the first son of the former vice president, is a top member of the Peoples Democratic Party and a serving Commissioner for Works and Energy Development under Governor Ahmadu Fintiri’s administration.

Atiku Abubakar is a presidential aspirant on the platform of the African Democratic Congress, without any of his sons currently in the party with him.