Traditional leaders and important figures from Ibadanland and Ogbomosoland have strongly objected to a proposed legal change by the Oyo State House of Assembly. This amendment aims to make the Alaafin of Oyo the permanent chairman of the state’s Council of Obas and Chiefs.

This opposition was formally expressed in a joint statement issued on Monday in Ibadan. The statement was signed by Mogajis, Baales, monarchs, the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, the Ibadan Compounds Peace Initiative, prominent individuals from Ibadanland, and Mogajis from the Soun Ruling Houses of Ogbomoso.

The bill intended to modify the chieftaincy law, which would establish the Alaafin as the permanent chairman of the council, successfully passed its second reading in the Oyo State House of Assembly last Thursday. This indicates the bill has progressed through an initial stage of legislative consideration.

The legislative session during which the bill was discussed was presided over by the Speaker, Adebo Ogundoyin. Following the second reading, “the bill was subsequently referred to the House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters for further scrutiny.” This referral signifies the next step in the legislative process, involving a more detailed examination of the proposed amendment.

The bill proposes to make the Alaafin the “presiding authority of the Oyo State Council of Obas.” This would grant the Alaafin a central and permanent leadership role within the council of traditional rulers.

The bill further suggests that if the Alaafin is absent, the Olubadan of Ibadanland would preside over the council. Additionally, if both the Alaafin and the Olubadan are absent, the Soun of Ogbomoso would assume the chairmanship. This outlines a proposed hierarchy for presiding over the council in different scenarios.

However, the traditional leaders and stakeholders have condemned the proposed amendment. They describe it as “a distortion of historical tradition and an affront to other royal institutions in the state.” This strong criticism highlights their deep concern about the potential impact of the bill.

“The chairmanship of the council has always been rotational and should remain so to reflect fairness and equity among all royal stools in the state,” the statement emphasized. This quote articulates the core of their opposition, stressing the importance of maintaining a rotational leadership to ensure equal representation.

The President of the Ibadan Mogajis, Asimiyu Ariori, and the ICPI Coordinator, Nurudeen Akinade, reiterated that their opposition was not based on personal gain. Instead, they stated it is “rooted in historical precedent and a desire to ensure unity and peace across the state.” This emphasizes the principles guiding their stance.

They cautioned the House against creating “unnecessary tension,” urging lawmakers to “respect tradition and uphold the rotational leadership model for the Council of Obas and Chiefs.” This plea calls for the preservation of existing customs and the avoidance of actions that could disrupt harmony.

“The respect we have for the immediate past Alaafin, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, was because of his relationship with the traditional institutions and some distinguished personalities in Ibadanland,” they said. “We respected and honoured Oba Adeyemi’s age and wisdom. He spent over 50 years on the throne before his demise, yet he never disrespected the Ibadan people. The current Alaafin should tread softly.”

Adeola, the daughter of the well-known actress Jumoke George, is expected to arrive in Nigeria from Mali on Monday (today). This marks the end of a long period of separation.

The Federal Government’s rescue of Adeola George from Mali was initiated after actress Biola Adebayo brought her situation to light through her podcast. Adebayo’s platform played a crucial role in uncovering Adeola’s plight.

During an episode of her podcast, titled “Talk to B,” Adebayo featured Jumoke George, who shared her difficult circumstances. The podcast served as a platform for the actress to voice her concerns.

The prominent Nollywood actress revealed that she had been residing in a church for over six years and had been ill since January 2025. Additionally, her daughter Adeola had been “missing for over four years,” leaving her to care for her two other children alone.

In a further development, Adebayo, who is also a Nollywood actress, made contact with Adeola. Adeola disclosed that she had been in Mali for the past four years. This contact provided crucial information about Adeola’s whereabouts.

Adeola expressed her desire to return home but explained that she was unable to because she no longer possessed valid travel documents. This lack of proper documentation was a significant barrier to her return.

In a subsequent action, Adebayo reached out to the Nigerian Embassy in Mali and the Nigeria in Diaspora Commission, which is headed by Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa as Chairman/Chief Executive Officer. This intervention involved official channels to facilitate Adeola’s return.

As of Friday, all necessary arrangements had been finalized for Adeola to return to Nigeria. This indicates that the efforts to bring her back were successful.

She was initially expected to arrive on Sunday (yesterday). However, due to the fact that the journey from Mali to Nigeria is being undertaken by road, her arrival in Nigeria is now expected later. The mode of transportation affected the initial arrival timeline.

According sources within NiDCOM informed The Eagle Online that Adeola would be received at the Lagos Office of NiDCOM by Dabiri-Erewa. This highlights the official reception planned for her arrival.

Recall that NiDCOM has previously facilitated the return of numerous stranded Nigerians from various parts of the world. This underscores the commission’s ongoing efforts to assist Nigerians abroad.

The most recent instance was the return of 13 women from Ghana and Mali last week Thursday. This recent repatriation effort highlights NiDCOM’s continued work in this area.

Adebayo has received praise and commendation for her role and intervention in the case of Adeola, who had been away in Mali for four years. Her actions were instrumental in bringing about Adeola’s return.

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) says a blind candidate hired another visually impaired person to sit the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) on his behalf.

Speaking during a press briefing in Abuja on Friday, Ishaq Oloyede, JAMB registrar, provided updates on the conduct and outcome of the 2025 UTME.

Oloyede said the incident occurred during the examination of blind candidates under the JAMB Equal Opportunity Group (JEOG), which facilitates inclusive testing for candidates with disabilities.

He said a total of 501 visually impaired candidates were successfully examined at 11 centres nationwide.

“Sadly, one of them was also involved in impersonation by recruiting an undergraduate student who is also blind to come and write for another blind candidate,” he said.

The registrar expressed disappointment over the development, noting that it shows desperation for access to tertiary education.

He said JAMB refunds the registration fees of blind and other challenged candidates and covers transportation, accommodation, and feeding during the examination period.

He reiterated the board’s commitment to supporting candidates with special needs.

“The board remains committed to providing the necessary support for persons with disabilities aspiring to pursue tertiary education,” Oloyede said.

“The Prof. Peter Okebukola-led JEOG continues to demonstrate exceptional dedication in ensuring that these candidates are able to sit examinations, regardless of their challenges.”

The results of the 2025 UTME were released on Friday, with over 1.9 million candidates receiving their scores.

However, the results of 39,834 candidates have been withheld.

Ahead of the release, JAMB said over 40 individuals had been apprehended for their involvement in examination malpractice.