Governor Dapo Abiodun is confronted with a defining moment that goes beyond politics and speaks directly to leadership, conscience, and respect for the will of the people. Ogun State has reached a point where it must decide whether its revered traditional institutions will reflect progress, intellect, and popular consensus or be reduced to instruments of political convenience.

Delta State recently demonstrated what is possible when courage and foresight guide decision-making. The emergence of the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, a young, cerebral, and globally exposed monarch, sent a strong message across the country. It showed that tradition and modern leadership can coexist when the right choice is made.

Ogun State itself has a powerful precedent.

The late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, ascended the throne at a relatively young age. His reign became one of the most impactful in Yoruba history because he brought intellect, courage, independence, and a deep commitment to his people. His age at ascension did not weaken the throne. It strengthened it.

Today, Ogun State faces a similar moment of reckoning.

There are growing concerns and feelers from within the public space that political elements are attempting to influence the process by pushing a particular aspirant, a certain Kuye, largely on the basis of political connections rather than popular acceptance or merit. Even more troubling are reports that this individual has been telling people openly that Governor Dapo Abiodun has already chosen him.

Such claims, whether true or not, are dangerous.

They undermine the sanctity of the traditional institution and create the impression that the process has been compromised. Kingship should never be portrayed as a political reward or an appointment determined by proximity to power. When such narratives are allowed to spread without correction, public trust suffers, and the institution itself is diminished.

Governor Dapo Abiodun understands the danger of imposition better than most. His own political journey is evidence of that. When political forces attempted to block his aspiration to govern Ogun State, he refused to step aside. He trusted the people, stood his ground, and was ultimately vindicated.

That same respect for popular will is required now.

Traditional leadership derives its legitimacy from the people and from history, not from whispered endorsements or political calculations. Ogun State must resist any attempt to turn a sacred stool into a bargaining chip. The state deserves a monarch who represents the aspirations of its people, someone intellectually grounded, culturally rooted, and capable of engaging the realities of the modern world.

This is not a call to discard tradition. It is a call to protect it from political interference.

Delta State has shown what is possible. Ogun State has done it before. Governor Dapo Abiodun has lived through the consequences of resisting imposition.

The choice before Ogun State is clear. Will it submit tradition to politics, or will it rise to the occasion and choose credibility, courage, and lasting greatness?

The eyes of history remain fixed on this moment.

Authorities in Jersey will repatriate more than $9.5 million (£7 million) linked to “tainted property” to the Nigerian government.

PorscheClassy News understands that the funds were looted by Sani Abacha, former head of state, who ruled Nigeria from 1993 until his death in 1998.

The sum was recovered under ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, but legal proceedings stalled the return to Nigeria.

Mark Temple, attorney-general of Jersey, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Nigeria in December to facilitate the return of the funds, which were held in a bank account on the island.

The BBC reports that the agreement builds on two earlier arrangements between Jersey and Nigeria that led to the repatriation of over $300 million (£230 million) in recovered assets.

In a ruling delivered in January 2024, the Royal Court in Jersey held that the funds were “more likely than not” proceeds of corruption, finding that third-party contractors diverted public funds “for the benefit of senior Nigerian officials and their associates”.

Lateef Fagbemi, Nigeria’s attorney-general and minister of justice, said the recovered assets would be utilised strictly in line with the terms of the MoU.

“The successful recovery and repatriation of the forfeited assets underscores the effectiveness of Nigeria’s collaborative efforts with its international partners in ensuring that there is no safe haven for illicitly acquired wealth or assets moved to foreign jurisdictions,” Fagbemi said.

He added that the funds would be channelled towards the final stages of a major highway project that serves as a “vital link” between Abuja and Nigeria’s second-largest city.

Temple said the repatriation demonstrates the effectiveness of Jersey’s legal framework in tackling corruption.

“The return demonstrates the strength of our civil forfeiture legislation as a powerful tool in the fight against corruption,” he said.

The Lagos State House of Assembly has approved a total budget of ₦4,444,509,776,438 (Four Trillion, Four hundred and Forty Four Billion, Five Hundred and Nine Million, Seven Hundred and Seventy-Six Thousand, Four Hundred and Thirty Eight naira) for the 2026 fiscal year.

The approval was granted during a plenary session held on Thursday, January 8, following the presentation of a comprehensive report by the Chairman of the House Committee on Economic Planning and Budget, Hon. Sa’ad Olumoh.

The session, presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa saw lawmakers adopt the report through a voice vote, signaling unanimous support for the financial plan aimed at driving sustainable development across the state.

The 2026 budget prioritizes infrastructure development, education, healthcare, economic growth, and social welfare, with over 52% allocated to capital projects. This strategic allocation underscores the government’s commitment to inclusive growth and improved quality of life for residents of Lagos State.

Following the passage, Speaker Obasa directed the Clerk of the House, Barr. Olalekan Onafeko, to transmit a clean copy of the approved bill to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for assent. The Speaker commended members of the Assembly for their diligence and collaborative efforts in ensuring the timely passage of the budget.

It will be recalled that Governor Sanwo-Olu had presented a budget proposal of ₦4.23 trillion to the House on November 25, 2025, which he termed ‘Budget of Shared Prosperity.”

The governor declared then that the budget reflects Lagos State’s vision to strengthen its position as a leading economic hub in Africa through robust investments in critical sectors that foster growth, innovation, and social progress.