Omooba Abimbola Onabanjo has advised that nobody should refer to themselves or others as Awujale elect in the ongoing conversations surrounding the revered Awujale stool. He counseled supporters of all aspirants, including his own, to observe restraint and uphold respect for sacred traditional procedures.

His media team quoted him as saying that no individual should refer to themselves or anybody as Awujale elect because doing so undermines the established selection processes and trivializes the sacred nature of the throne.

He also clarified for the record that he is not Awujale-elect and has never described or presented himself as such.

Omooba Onabanjo expressed deep appreciation for the goodwill endorsements and organic promotions that have continued to trail his name from well-meaning sons and daughters of Ijebuland. He acknowledged that many have supported him out of personal knowledge of who he is, through testimonials from others, or from what they have observed through his foundation.

He also acknowledged that many have in recent days compared him to the Olu of Warri, citing posture, comportment, and youthfulness. He stated that while he appreciates the love and admiration behind such comparisons, it would be better if they stop out of respect for the established throne of Olu of Warri and to avoid unnecessary projections across royal institutions.

He stated that he is humbled and grateful to everyone posting, speaking, or promoting him based on what they know firsthand or through what they have heard or seen. He, however, appealed that nobody should call him Awujale-elect Awujale in waiting or any similar designation.

He emphasized that the Awujale can only emerge through the time-honored process involving selection by the ruling house and approval by the Ogun State Government. No individual or group can announce or confer such status outside these established procedures.

He stressed that this clarification has become necessary so that enthusiasm and excitement do not lead the public to trivialize the revered throne of the Awujale or trample on the sacred position and responsibilities of the kingmakers.

He reminded the public that the responsibility at this time is to pray for the ruling house that God and the ancestors will guide them to make the right choice for the future of Ijebuland.

The statement ended with prayers for the land and its leadership, asking that Ijebuland continue to prosper, that Ogun State may flourish, and that her people may enjoy peace, progress, and unity, along with prayers for wisdom for the Governor as he continues to steer the affairs of the state.

The United States government has delivered critical military supplies to Nigeria in support of the country’s ongoing security operations.

This was disclosed by the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) in a statement posted on its verified X (formerly Twitter) handle on Tuesday, noting that the supplies were handed over to Nigerian authorities in Abuja.

According to the command, the delivery underscores the United States’ continued commitment to strengthening its security partnership with Nigeria.

“U.S. forces delivered critical military supplies to our Nigerian partners in Abuja. This delivery supports Nigeria’s ongoing operations and emphasises our shared security partnership,” AFRICOM said, tagging the United States Mission in Nigeria, @USinNigeria.

The latest support comes amid sustained efforts by Nigeria and its international partners to enhance capacity in addressing security challenges across the country.

In November 2025, the Bola Tinubu-led presidency had appealed to the United States to deploy its military to help Nigeria fight terrorism in some states of the federation.

The spokesperson to the President, Bayo Onanuga, made this appeal while commenting on the decision of the United States to designate Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern.”

Following the request on December 25, 2025, an airstrike was conducted in collaboration with Nigerian authorities.

The Federal Government confirmed ongoing security and intelligence cooperation with the United States following the operation, which targeted terrorist positions in the country’s North West.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs added that Nigerian authorities remain engaged in “structured security cooperation with international partners, including the United States of America,” to address terrorism and violent extremism.

The collaboration involves intelligence sharing, strategic coordination, and other forms of support in line with international law, respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty, and shared security commitments.

US Congressman Riley Moore hailed the airstrikes as “a decisive move to protect Christian communities and tackle the ongoing security crisis in the country.”

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arraigned Amadu Sule, managing director of TMDK Terminal Limited, over alleged N311 billion money laundering.

Sule, an associate of Nasir el-Rufai, former governor of Kaduna, was arraigned on Monday at the Federal High Court in Kaduna on a five-count charge bordering on money laundering and unlawful retention of proceeds of fraud.

In the charge sheet, ICPC alleged that Sule controlled more than N311 billion traced to accounts maintained with Fidelity Bank Plc, Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc, and Providus Bank Limited.

The anti-graft agency said the funds were received from INT Towers Limited, IHS Nigeria Limited, IHS Towers NG Limited, and Boaz Commodities Limited, purportedly as payments for the supply of petroleum products.

The ICPC said Sule reasonably ought to have known that the funds constituted proceeds of unlawful activities.

The commission alleged that the defendant, in connivance with TMDK Terminal Limited, unlawfully retained tax components arising from the disputed transactions despite allegedly being aware that the dealings were fraudulent.

According to ICPC, the retention of illicit proceeds attracts enhanced penalties under sections 18(3) and 18(4) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

The court adjourned the matter to January 15 for a hearing on the defendant’s bail application.

Sule is not the first ally of the former governor of Kaduna, who has been arraigned by the ICPC.

In January 2025, the agency arraigned Jimi Lawal, an ex-aide to el-Rufai, over alleged fraud and money laundering.