NEWS
Petitions Flood Courts, LASG Against Nomination Of Saliu as Oba in Two Different Kingdoms
By David Torough, Abuja
Series of petitions, legal correspondences and court filings have flooded the courts and the Lagos State Government (LASG) intensifying the chieftaincy crisis in Ise and Imedu communities of Lagos State, with multiple objections challenging both the process and personalities linked to the disputed traditional stools.
Central to all these petitions is a man known in some petitions as Adebowale Saliu and in some as Mr Ibrahim Sangodeyi Saliu who was purportedly nominated as the Oba Onise of Ise Kingdom after the death of their king, Late Oba Adegbesan.
Before then, Saliu was said to have been “parading himself as the Oba of Imedu Kingdom.”This raises the integrity question about his dual personality and why one man with different names would be nominated as Oba in two different Kingdoms.
One of the petitions, dated January 20, 2026, written by J.J.H. Joshua & Co. on behalf of elders and members of the community, which raises questions about the indigeneship of Adebowale Saliu reads in part, “The said application for the creation of the stool-Obaship of Imedu kingdom would have been a positive developmental opportunity for Imedu community had it been formally deliberated upon by the entire Imedu community and all parameters accepted and agreed upon by the community at large.
“Honorable Commissioner Sir that is the case. The Public Notice completely took our clients by surprise, but with the understanding that a certain individual by name Mr. Kemi Saliu had preferred his adopted-non biological son to pose himself as Oba of Imedu who hitherto has paraded himself as such.
”To the activities of Adebowale Saliu already imposing himself as Oba of Imedu Kingdom, using both the Nigerian Army and Nigerian Police as protecting shields illegally went about terrorizing the entire community as Oba in 2025, while he is not. We wrote to the Executive Governor of Lagos State, His Excellency, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, your good self and the Hon. Attorney-General of Lagos State. We are yet to receive any response from your office on the matter.
“Hon Commissioner, this Adebowale Saliu is not an indigene of Imedu and did not reside anywhere near Imedu community or participate in any communal activity in Imedu. He was an adopted child of kemi Saliu who married his mother while obviously pregnant with him. Both of his parents therefore are not indigenous to imedu. He is now being sought to be made Oba over and above all the indigenous sons and daughters and the community at large. What kind of precedent can that be?”
The same petition further alleges longstanding disputes over land and authority within the community, stating, “For about a decade now, various community land portions have been stolen and individually sold by either Alhaji Moyinu Balogun or Kemi Saliu without accounting or fair distributions to the community elders and members when they are neither Baale nor Oloriebi of the community.”
It continues, “There are numerous cases in various courts of the land and police establishments. Two are still ongoing at their instances.” If all these are taking place already since 2016, when Adebowale Saliu is not Oba in any material particular but acting as impostor already, it can only be imagined if any rightful land owner of their respective family portions would have any access, say, share or privilege to enter into or have any right in their community property.
“Hon. Commissioner Sir, the motive behind this desperate individual pursuit of the Obaship of Imedu kingdom at this juncture, is purely geared at obtaining sole ownership and command of community land as is already happening.
“Presently as the impostor that he is, Adebowale had terrorized the whole community intimidating and harassing them, using the army and the police with the proceeds of the illegal theft and private sale of community land. Our client’s fear is that worse than has already happened is likely to follow if that imposition is formalized to the chagrin of all community members, young and old and the yet unborn.”
The petition also links the push for Obaship as a control over communal land, stating, “The motive behind this desperate individual pursuit of the Obaship of Imedu kingdom at this juncture, is purely geared at obtaining sole ownership and command of community land as is already happening.”
On jurisdiction, the petition states, “Imedu community is not under Ibeju Lekki LGC. Imedu is under Epe LGC and falls within Lekki LCDA.”
It further alleges a security-related incident, stating: “In June 2025 Adebowale in a convoy of both police and military using OP MESA gun truck swooped down to disrupt communal celebration, beating, wounding and scattering the Iliya Muslim festival celebration and stole the cow meant for the celebration, taking it to an unknown destination.”
The petition concludes with a strong objection, “How do you consider such a devious character tainted with everything evil to be a king over people that cannot be his subjects by blood?”
Parallel to this, a separate petition dated April 1, 2026, by Sola Ojutalayo (SAN) & Co., acting for the Adegoroye Royal Family, challenges the selection of Mr. Ibrahim Sangodeyi Saliu as the Onise of Ise.
The petition stated that, “Our Clients contend that the aforesaid selection by the kingmakers is illegal, null and void, as it flagrantly violates the provisions of the Obas and Chiefs Law, Cap 138, Laws of Lagos State, 1994, and the Declaration made under Section 6(2) regulating the selection to the stool of Onise of Ise.”
It further stated that, “This mandatory process was completely disregarded. No Ruling House was invited, no nomination process occurred, and no election was conducted.”
On the method adopted, the petition adds, “The reliance on the Ifa Oracle as the basis of selection is not recognized under the Obas and Chiefs Law or the applicable Chieftaincy Declaration, and the recourse to Ifa Oracle cannot substitute the legally prescribed procedure.”
A similar petition from Bello Abdulmumuni LP dated 1st April, 2026 on behalf of Prince Alhaji R Ogunbajo Adegoroye, Prince Adefowope Adenupebi Adegoroye and Prince Adebola Nureni Shittu Adegoroye who are the head and principal members of Adegoroye Royal Family challenges the “purported selection of one Mr. Ibrahim Sangodeyi Saliu as the Oba Onise of Ise Elect – who also has been parading himself as the Oba Onimedu of Imedu Kingdom.”
The petitioners contend that, “The Declaration only came to their knowledge after the demise of Late Oba Adegbesan which raises serious issues of procedural illegality, denial of fair hearing and lack of consultation with the primary stakeholders.”
They therefore call on the LASG to “Nullify the purported selection of Mr. Ibrahim Sangodeyi Saliu. Declare that the Declaration made under Section 6 (2) of Obas and Chiefs Law Cap 138, Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 1994 Regulating Selection to the Stool of Onise of Ise in Epe Local Government Area; Approved on the 16th day of August, 1999 and Registered on the 18th day of August, 1999 is inapplicable to the Oba Onise of Ise Stool. Set aside the wrongful recognition of multiple ruling houses arising from a single lineage (Okuoye, Shebitan, Olukoko). Recognise that the Okuoye, Shebitan and Olukoko families constitute one lineage with no royal entitlement to the Onise of Ise stool. Affirm the Adegoroye Royal Family as the sole legitimate ruling house to the Oba Onise of Ise Stool. Order a proper inquiry into the historical and customary structure of Ise Kingdom.”
Meanwhile, court documents before the High Court of Lagos State, Epe Judicial Division (Suit No: EPD/14703GCMW/2026), show that members of the Oloja Olumade Royal Family had earlier filed objections through letters dated December 1 and 24, 2025, and January 5, 2026.
According to the filings, the objections were aimed at halting what was described as, “Clandestine or unauthorised activities aimed at installing or recognising the 7th Defendant or any member of the 6th and 7th Defendants’ family as Oba of Imedu Land pending the conclusion of inquiry into the proposed creation of Oba of Imedu Chieftaincy Stool.”
The suit also seeks to restrain authorities from acting on resolutions of Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Chieftaincy Committee meetings held on September 24 and November 26, 2024, and adopted on December 17, 2024.
In an administrative response dated April 16, 2026, the Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Council advised that the matter falls within the jurisdiction of the Lekki Local Council Development Area.
The letter stated that, “The subject stool of the Onise of Ise Land falls within the territorial jurisdiction of the Lekki Local Council Development Area.”
It further added, “You are advised to address and channel all further correspondence and submissions regarding this matter to the Executive Chairman, Lekki Local Council Development Area, being the appropriate authority”
Across the various documents reviewed, a consistent pattern shows multiple petitions from different communities, repeated objections across dates, and ongoing legal proceedings challenging both process and legitimacy of the purported nomination of Saliu as Oba of Ise and Imedu Kingdoms.
As of the time of filing this report, no official decision has been announced by the Lagos State Government, while aspects of the dispute remain before the court.
From Attah Ede, Makurdi
A four-day capacity-building programme aimed to strengthen digital education in Benue State has commenced in Makurdi, with education stakeholders undergoing intensive training on digital literacy, blended learning and the deployment of the Nigeria Learning Passport (NLP) platform.
The training, organised by the Benue State Ministry of Education and Knowledge Management in conjunction with UNICEF Enugu Field Office, is being held at Trust Resort Hotel, Makurdi, and target selected participants as master trainers who will cascade knowledge to teachers across the state.
Speaking at the event, the Nigeria Learning Passport Coordinator, Dr Harold Kpojime, explained that the initiative is designed to build a technical team that will drive digital learning adoption in Benue.
“We are here in Benue State today, because we just constituted a new technical team to support Nigeria and in passport in Benue State. So, this team will undergo for four days,” he said.
Kpojime added that the training covers “digital literacy, the use of NLP, digital literacy I’ve mentioned, blended in strategies for teachers and generative AI,” noting that the participants would serve as master trainers. So, they are the master trainers. For this training, they will conduct the training of trainees,” he stated.
According to him, the trained participants are expected to step down the knowledge to about 1,000 teachers across all local government areas in the state within the coming weeks, in collaboration with the State Ministry of Education and the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB).
Highlighting the rationale behind the programme, he said, “The whole idea for this training is, we want our teachers to be digitally literate in the 21st century. And you will agree with me that learning is changing. We no longer have to learn within the four walls of the classroom. Learning can be done remotely as well.”
He linked the initiative to lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, noting that Nigeria lacked adequate structures for remote learning at the time, which led to the development of the Nigeria Learning Passport by Microsoft, UNICEF, the Global Partnership for Education and the Federal Ministry of Education.
Kpojime disclosed that since its launch in March 2022, 24 states have adopted the platform, with over 2.3 million users, including 1.9 million learners, and more than 16,000 curriculum-aligned lessons available for use by students, teachers and administrators.
On infrastructure support, he said development partners have facilitated connectivity for about 2,400 schools nationwide, while over 13,000 tablets have been provided, including 660 allocated to Benue State to support classroom deployment.
“Currently, Benue State out of the 1.23 million users on the platform Benu State has about 45,000 users on the platform, which is very, very encouraging,” he said.
He further revealed that efforts are ongoing to reconfigure and redeploy tablets to schools, adding that the programme is not intended to replace traditional teaching but to complement it.
“With NLP, it is not meant to replace classroom teaching but just to complement it. And it works both in online and offline mode,” he explained.
Kpojime, however, called for stronger government support and improved infrastructure, pointing out challenges such as poor connectivity, inadequate school facilities, and risks of theft of digital equipment.
“So, we are calling on the state government to key in into the idea, support development partners as well. And then we will also need political will so that these resources are used effectively,” he said.
On the role of the state government, UNICEF Desk Officer at the Ministry of Education, Emmanuel Ngulum, said the ministry is responsible for coordinating the programme and mobilising participants.
“The role of the ministry of education in the training is that ministry is the one that hosts the programme. UNICEF comes in to support. So, they provide the technical support to us, they are providing facilitators, while we come in to organise everything, invite participants that will come in and participate, and later on help in the education sector. That is the role of the ministry of education,” he said.
Ngulum noted that participants had shown strong engagement with the training and expressed optimism that they would replicate the knowledge at the grassroots.
“The programme, digital literacy, is a good programme, it’s a programme that everybody has to come in. Now, we are in the digital era, so we cannot run away from it,” he added.
Participants drawn from SUBEB, the Ministry of Education, and tertiary institutions also expressed satisfaction with the training.
A lecturer at the College of Education, Katsina-Ala, Labeh Innocent, described the experience as impactful.
“So far, so good, the training on Digital Literacy, Blended Learning and Configuration of NLP Tablets is key. In fact, there are some things I have just discovered here, even though I’m in computer science, there are some things I’m just discovering now,” he said.
Labe emphasised the importance of leveraging digital tools for learning, noting that devices such as smartphones can serve as instructional materials beyond social media use.
Also speaking, a SUBEB participant, Precious Terhemba, said the training had enhanced her understanding of the NLP platform.
“I have learned a lot. Like, on my personal self, I have learned navigating the Facebook, WhatsApp, WPS and so many things, considering that I didn’t know before now. so leaving here, we are going to transfer the knowledge to other colleagues and maybe teachers,” she said.
The training is expected to strengthen digital capacity among teachers in Benue State and accelerate the integration of technology into teaching and learning across schools.
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
Residents of Idah, headquarters of Idah local government of Kogi State have called for the intervention of Governor Usman Ododo and his deputy Salifu Oyibo over the abandonment of Idah township roads by the contractor handling the project.
The residents in save our soul petition to the Governor, lamented that the contractor had virtually abandoned the project and disappeared from sight, leaving residents with untold hardship.
According to the petition signed by an Idah-based group known as “Ane-Igala Socio Cultural Development Association (AISCDA)” led by
Chief Akwu Goodman, “The people of Idah wish to bring to your urgent attention the deeply unsatisfactory state of the ongoing Idah Township Road Construction Project.
The petitioners said, “It is both disheartening and unacceptable that the contractor handling this critical infrastructure project has demonstrated gross incompetence and has abandoned the site.
“Even more troubling are credible concerns that some engineers and technical officers assigned to supervise the work have compromised standards and deviated from approved specifications.
“A project that was awarded nearly a year ago has, sadly, remained the way it was the day the governor flagged off its construction since July last year. There is little to show for the time, resources, and taxpayers’ money invested so far.
“This situation is not only disappointing but also a disservice to the good people of Idah and Kogi State at large.
We, the host and beneficiary community, can no longer stand by and watch this level of inefficiency and apparent neglect. We therefore respectfully call on the Kogi State Government to immediately terminate the contract due to non-performance.
“We also demand that the contractor be compelled to resume work immediately or the contract be re-awarded to a more competent and capable contractor with a proven track record of efficiency and capacity.
“We also demand a deployment of an independent team of engineers to the site to verify these claims and assess the current state of work.
“Furthermore, we expect the Deputy Governor, being a son of the constituency, to take a more active and supervisory role in ensuring that this project is delivered efficiently and to standard.
“Given that Idah is the seat of the revered Ata Igala, it is only proper that development projects within the kingdom reflect dignity, quality, and timely execution.
“We trust in your leadership, Your Excellency, and urge you to take swift and decisive action to address this matter in the interest of the people.
Nigeria, Egypt and Madagascar opened their 2026 ITTF World Team Championships campaigns with hard-fought victories at Copper Box Arena in London.
Egypt started strongly but had to dig deep to beat Thailand 3-1.
Madagascar’s Fabio Rakotoarimanana proved decisive in a thrilling 3-2 win over Mongolia, while Nigeria edged Saudi Arabia 3-2 early Wednesday.
Nigeria’s victory hinged on talisman Quadri Aruna, who inspired the comeback after youngster Matthew Kuti lost both his matches.
Aruna and Olajide Omotayo stepped up to secure the opening group win, placing Nigeria in a strong position to reach the knockout stage.
Nigeria next face top seeds Hong Kong on Thursday, before concluding group matches against South Africa on Friday.
The top two teams in each group will progress to the knockout rounds.
Madagascar’s Group 3 clash with Mongolia was a rollercoaster encounter, swinging dramatically between both sides.
Rakotoarimanana and Antoine Razafinarivo gave Madagascar a 2-0 lead, but Mongolia rallied to level through Ankhbayar Bilguun and Temuulen Myandal.
“With everything at stake, Fabio held his nerve,” officials said, as he beat Manlaijargal Munkh-Ochir in three tense deuce games.
In Group 6, Greece overcame a scare against Algeria to secure a 3-1 victory.
Ioannis Sgouropoulos opened with a 3-0 win over Stephane Ouaiche, before Mehdi Bouloussa levelled after edging Panagiotis Gionis 3-2.
Milhane Jellouli threatened an upset, but Georgios Stamatouros responded strongly to win 3-1 and restore Greece’s advantage.
Gionis redeemed himself in the fourth match, defeating Ouaiche in straight games to seal victory for Greece.
Meanwhile, Egypt remain the only African side to win in the women’s competition’s opening round.
Nigeria, Algeria and Rwanda all suffered defeats, leaving Egypt to carry Africa’s hopes in the early stages.
Petitions Flood Courts, LASG Against Nomination Of Saliu as Oba in Two Different Kingdoms
ShareBy David Torough, Abuja Series of petitions, legal correspondences and court filings have flooded the courts and the Lagos State...
Benue Govt, UNICEF Train Master Trainers on Digital Learning to Boost Classroom Innovation
ShareFrom Attah Ede, Makurdi A four-day capacity-building programme aimed to strengthen digital education in Benue State has commenced in Makurdi,...
Kogi Residents Lament Abandonment of Idah Township Roads Project
ShareFrom Joseph Amedu, Lokoja Residents of Idah, headquarters of Idah local government of Kogi State have called for the intervention of Governor Usman Ododo and his...
Nigeria, Egypt, Madagascar Open with Wins at ITTF Championships
ShareNigeria, Egypt and Madagascar opened their 2026 ITTF World Team Championships campaigns with hard-fought victories at Copper Box Arena in London. Egypt started strongly but had to dig deep to beat...
France Urges Citizens to Leave Mali after Rebel Attacks
ShareFrance has urged its citizens to leave Mali “as soon as possible”, after a weekend of co-ordinated attacks by separatist fighters and Islamist militants. In an update...
JAMB Extends 2026 Direct Entry Registration to May 8
ShareThe Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has extended the sale of application forms for the 2026 Direct Entry (DE) admission exercise to May 8. The board...
Army Adopts New Framework to Track, Improve Troop Performance
ShareThe Nigerian Army has intensified efforts to enhance operational efficiency and institutional performance through the introduction of a Standardised Evaluation Framework aimed at strengthening accountability and...
Tinubu Names Umar New NMDPRA CEO
SharePresident Bola Tinubu has approved the removal of Saidu Mohammed as the Authority Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and...
Tinubu Names Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu Foreign Affairs Minister
ShareBy Laide Akinboade, Abuja President Bola Tinubu has appointed Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu as Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, following the...
Anxiety Mounts as S’Court Delivers Judgment in ADC, PDP Cases Today
ShareBy Mike Odiakose, Abuja A wave of political anxiety swept across Nigeria on Wednesday as the Supreme Court prepared to...