Prominent Ibadan natives, including senior traditional title holders, are stepping up their attempts to convince High Chief Rasidi Ladoja, the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, to accept a beaded crown as a monarch rather than being acknowledged only as a High Chief. This action is intended to defuse the ongoing tension around Ibadan's chieftaincy titles and succession question.

This new pressure is in line with the tradition set by Oba Lekan Balogun, the late Olubadan of Ibadanland, who gave some members of the Olubadan Advisory Council crowns. Remarkably, High Chief Ladoja had turned down this offer, insisting that he could only accept the crown of the Olubadan of Ibadanland. Due to his reluctance, Ladoja was faced with a legal challenge, which he eventually abandoned to allow Oba Owolabi Olakulehin to take office as the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland.

Even so, the matter is still unresolved, especially in light of the Oyo State Government's recent publication of a new gazette. The Ibadan Chieftaincy Declaration is amended in several sections by the gazette, which now recognizes only crowned Obas as legitimate heirs to the Olubadan throne. Claims that Ladoja is the sole target of the reform have been officially refuted by Prince Dotun Oyelade, the State Commissioner of Information. 

Stakeholders, however, still think that Ladoja's acceptance of the beaded crown is essential to preserving the smooth Olubadan selection procedure and lowering tensions around the succession.

The head of Glorious Word Power Ministries, Reverend Isaac Owusu-Bempah, has claimed that US President Joe Biden sent a team to ask for help in the 2024 presidential race.

During a sermon on Sunday, July 14, 2024, Rev. Owusu-Bempah revealed that Biden's delegates visited him. He told them to return on Friday, July 19, 2024, so they could continue the conversation.

Despite Biden's suggestion, Owusu-Bempah stated that she preferred to back former President Donald Trump in the forthcoming election. He brought up the heated climate of today's politics while referring to a purported assault on Trump. "Politics has turned violent these days. Trump was shot, I've heard, but he survived. I'm not sure why they want to assassinate Trump, but do you recall when I noticed that they had taken the key away from him and that he would have to lose for Joe Biden to show up?" stated Owusu-Bempah?

He went on to say that his choice to endorse Trump is not a prophecy but rather a personal one. "It happened, and he's returning now. I promised he would come back, and he is returning to compete. I'm going to pray for him instead of saying anything this time. I hope he comes out on top. This is not a prophecy; this is my endorsement of him." In response to Biden's request, Owusu-Bempah clarified that, despite his earlier remarks, he will continue to pray for Biden to win the election.

"Joe Biden's supporters have approached me, telling me that I ought to do all within my power to help Joe Biden gain the will to win the election. Joe Biden has heard about what I just stated regarding Trump. Since this is problematic, I will also pray for Joe Biden." He acknowledged that at first, he had overlooked Biden's delegation. He spoke about how, while he prayed for both candidates, he recalled their desire. "Sending prayers to Trump and Joe Biden. Even the fact that Joe Biden sent his emissaries to me has slipped my mind. I invited them to visit on Friday. I had forgotten that Joe Biden had sent his staff to visit me when they arrived, and the pastor was in my home."

Two Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs), Abdulwahab Mohammed and Adeola Adedipe have been recommended by a Federal High Court in Abuja to the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) for an inquiry and appropriate punishment on allegations of professional misconduct. Yahaya Bello, the former governor of Kogi State, is being sued by Mohammed and Adedipe for allegedly laundering N82 billion. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is the prosecuting attorney in this case. In a verdict on Wednesday, July 17, Justice Emeka Nwite declared that both Senior Advocates behaved unprofessionally as they had promised to present their clients in court but had neglected to do so.

The appeal came from the AAC in a press release issued by Kayode Babayomi, the party's Oyo Chairman, in response to Makinde's comments following the recent Supreme Court ruling that maintained financial autonomy for all 774 councils in Nigeria.  The African Action Congress (AAC) has called for Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde's immediate resignation for openly opposing the financial autonomy of local governments.

The appeal came from the AAC in a press release issued by Kayode Babayomi, the party's Oyo Chairman, in response to Makinde's comments following the recent Supreme Court ruling that maintained financial autonomy for all 774 councils in Nigeria.

Governor Makinde had declared that the Federal Republic of Nigeria's constitution and the Supreme Court decision giving local government councils authority conflicted.     He had emphasized that, by the 1999 Constitution, the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) would keep depositing local government funds into the States/Local Governments Joint Account.

The AAC Chairman responded to the governor's comments on the matter by stating that Makinde was concerned that the ruling from the Supreme Court would prevent him from purportedly diverting funds intended for the state's councils. "Makinde's concern about local government financial autonomy demonstrates his administration's lack of transparency and corruption," the author stated. If Makinde's corrupt style of governing conflicts with the sovereignty of the local government, he ought to step down from office. The African Action Congress was not shocked by Makinde's response on the day the Supreme Court authorized local governments to have their finances. Makinde has been seen shouting in the media in the past, which is understandable given how his government lacks accountability and openness in its operations.

The money from the local government is Makinde's headache. He is aware that the populace at large will start pressuring their local officials to provide better leadership. Makinde squandered taxpayer funds to set up a selection procedure for the most recent local government elections because he fears being exposed, but it's too late for him. Makinde is determined to thwart any efforts by the local government, as he is aware that this is where the majority of their funding originates from.

His administration is opaque and unaccountable, prioritizing media manipulation and disinformation over sound policymaking. He ought to obey the ruling and adhere to all legal procedures.   "Any local government kangaroo committee that tries to mislead the good people of Oyo State will not be allowed to continue." Oyo State's citizens are fully aware of the benefits of democracy they stand to gain if they can hold the elected chairman and council members responsible. Makinde needs to follow the law and quit tampering with funds allocated to the local government.

Barrister Abiodun Amole, a lawyer from Ibadan, has expressed disapproval of the recently revised Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration for 2023.

The attorney also characterized the proposal as spiteful and discriminatory.

Documents presented at the Friday coronation of Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin, Ige Olakulehin 1, the new Olubadan of Ibadanland, including some portions of the 2023 Olubadan chieftaincy declaration. In contrast to the previous law, which stipulated that a candidate for Olubadan of Ibadanland must be a member of the beaded crown Obas, the new law stipulates that the nominee must be a member of the High Chiefs.

In response, Amole insisted that it is clear from the new law that it is intended to keep High Chief Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, who is currently Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, from assuming that role. He clarified that the wording "the most senior High Chief" and not "the most senior Beaded Crown Oba" was found in Section 4 of the relevant Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration of 1957, which Ladoja had joined several years prior.

"The Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration of 2023, as amended, is blatantly against natural justice, equity, and good conscience," the statement declared. It is hateful and discriminatory, and all decent men need to denounce it. The goal is to keep Senator Rashid Ladoja from fulfilling his lifelong dream of becoming the Olubadan.

A Chieftaincy Declaration is a type of customary law, and it is well-established that customs that violate natural justice, equity, or good conscience—as they do in this instance—are void and have no legal significance. "The so-called amendment is subject to the doctrine of estoppel by conduct, which is outlined in Section 169 of the Evidence Act. This is because, when Senator Ladoja first entered the race for the Olubadan stool several years ago, the phrase "the most senior High Chief"—rather than "the most senior Beaded Crown Oba"—was secretly inserted into Section 4 of the relevant Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration of 1957. It equates to modifying the guidelines.

In actuality, a competition has already begun and is about to conclude. It's incredibly unjust and ought to be denounced by all decent men. A Yoruba proverb states that if a society or household experiences peace and harmony, it simply indicates that the bastards within have not reached adulthood. It seems, however, that the bastards in Ibadanland have not only reached adulthood, but have also taken hold of political power, and with their previously unprecedented and crisis/rancor-free ascent to the Olubadan throne, things may never be the same.

Martin Amaewhule, the leader of the Rivers State House of Assembly, wrote to Governor Siminalayi Fubara on Monday to prevent him from using money from the state's Consolidated Revenue Fund. This came up as a result of the MPs who support Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike giving the governor a seven-day ultimatum to submit the 2024 budget or face consequences.

During a conversation called by President Bola Tinubu to bring the factions of Wike and Fubara together in Abuja, the new budget presentation was one of the terms for peace that were agreed upon. In 2023, Fubara brought an over N800 billion Appropriations Bill for the 2024 fiscal year to the legislators that supported him, then led by Edison Ehie, for approval.

The four-member Assembly approved the budget and sent it to Fubara for ratification barely twenty-four hours after it was first presented. After Ehie, the factional Speaker of the House at the time, resigned, Fubara named him Chief of Staff in Government House, Port Harcourt. The Amaewhule-led Assembly awaited the governor's budget resubmission following the peace accord.

But when the situation worsened, the pro-Fubarak members chose Victor Oko-Jumbo to be the factional Speaker. After the members defected to the All Progressives Congress, the court prevented them from serving as state legislators, and the governor announced that they were no longer recognized by the law. Following an appeal by the politicians, the Court of Appeal overturned the high court's decision on July 4. It restored the pro-Wike lawmakers to their positions in the state House of Assembly. During their meeting on Monday, May 9, they gave Fubara a deadline of one week to produce the budget.

At its fourth Legislative Sitting, which took place at the Assembly Quarters on Aba Road on Monday, the Assembly declared that Fubara had broken the Constitution by using state funds from the Consolidated Revenue Fund without a state appropriations bill. The decision to prevent Fubara from receiving any more funding was made in response to a comment made by Major Jack, the House Leader, according to a statement sent by the Speaker's media assistant, Martin Wachukwu.

At its fourth Legislative Sitting, which took place at the Assembly Quarters on Aba Road on Monday, the Assembly declared that Fubara had broken the Constitution by using state funds from the Consolidated Revenue Fund without a state appropriations bill. The decision to prevent Fubara from receiving any more funding was made in response to a comment made by Major Jack, the House Leader, according to a statement sent by the Speaker's media assistant, Martin Wachukwu. "Given the combined provisions of Sections 121 and 122 of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as altered, Governor Siminialayi Fubara has flagrantly continued to violate the Constitution by spending from the state's Consolidated Revenue Fund without an Appropriation Law," Jack brought up to the Assembly.

During the House Leader's statement, members unanimously and strongly denounced Governor Fubara's willful disregard for the Constitution, even after being repeatedly reminded of the consequences of his actions. As a result, they expressed their support for the immediate suspension of all state spending from the Consolidated Revenue Fund. "It is regrettable that Governor Fubara now views a violation of the Constitution's provisions and court rulings as a method of governance," Amaewhule stated. The House would not stand by while the governor continuously violates the Constitution, which he took oath to defend, in his capacity as representative of the people.

As a result, the House decided to notify Fubara in writing that all state spending from the Consolidated Revenue Fund had been stopped.

The House also decided to inform banks, local and international donor agencies, the Federal Government, and its pertinent agencies about the development and advise them not to do business with the Rivers State government until the issues surrounding the 2024 Appropriations Law are resolved. At the time of filing this story on Monday evening, our correspondent was unable to get through to Joseph Johnson, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, as he was not returning calls to his mobile phone or responding to texts. In the meantime, the G-23 group in Rivers State has urged Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere, a federal legislator, to refrain from meddling in state politics.

On Friday, July 12, 2024, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde gave Oba Owolabi Olakulehin the staff of office after he was officially crowned the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland. Residents flocked to the ceremony, packing the venue as many came out to watch. Chief Toye Arulogun read the citation of the Olubadan, while the Secretary to the Oyo State Government, Olanike Adeyemo, gave a welcome speech.

Following a tour of the Oluwo Labosinde Compound in Oja'ba, where he carried out customary rites, the recently crowned king proceeded to the Ose Meji Shrine to be crowned as the new Olubadan of Ibadan land. Governor Seyi Makinde then gave him the staff of office and the instrument of office at the famous Mapo Hall.

Makinde commissioned the recently finished Olubadan palace and the Olubadan's official residence at Oke-Aremo on Wednesday, in advance of Friday's coronation.

Additionally, on Thursday, July 11, 2024, the Egungun-Amala-Fuji Festival was held at the Lekan Salami Sports Complex in Adamasingba, Ibadan, as part of the ceremonies leading up to the coronation. The monarch thanked the president, the governors, and other dignitaries who congratulated him when the governor gave the Olubadan the staff of office during the main event. In addition, he prayed for the prosperity of Ibadan's residents and the land.

The Olubadan-in-Council member and former governor of Oyo State, Rashidi Ladoja, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa'ad Abubakar, the deputy governor of Osun State, Kola Adewusi, who was representing the governor of Osun State, and former Senate Leader, Teslim Folarin, were among those present at the crowning, which took place at the Labosinde compound. Additional figures comprise the delegates of President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu; Tayo Ayinde, the Chief of Staff of Lagos State; Olayide Adelami, the Deputy Governor of Ondo State; Bayo Lawal, the Deputy Governor of Oyo State; Adesola Ajayi, the Vice Chancellor of the First Technical University,

Donald Trump, the former US president, declared that he is "supposed to be dead" following an attempted murder on Saturday night at a rally in Pennsylvania. In one of his first interviews following the event, Mr. Trump expressed to the US media his belief that God had saved him. The bullet that skimmed his ear might have easily killed him, he said, adding, "The most incredible thing was that I happened to not only turn [my head] but to turn at the exact right time and in just the right amount." "I shouldn't be here; I should be dead," he murmured.

The incident claimed the life of a spectator and left two more critically hurt. Thomas Matthew Crooks was the name of the gunman, who also passed away.

Mr. Trump claimed he now had a "chance to bring the country together" as he got ready to board a plane to the Republican National Convention (RNC) in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he is anticipated to be officially announced as the party's presidential nominee.

He announced that his address would no longer be the "humdinger" he had originally intended, which was mostly directed at the policies of President Joe Biden. "This would have been one of the most amazing speeches if [Saturday's attack] hadn't occurred."It is going to be a whole different speech from now on. It's an opportunity to unite the nation.

After Oyarzabal's deft finish with four minutes remaining in Berlin, Spain became the first team in history to win the European Championship four times. Nico Williams' first-half goal had been canceled out by substitute Cole Palmer, but Oyarzabal of Real Sociedad stunned the English in the Three Lions' second straight Euro final. The last-minute comeback attempt by Gareth Southgate's team nearly brought the score equal, but Unai Simon and Dani Olmo saved the day for Spain, making England the first team to lose consecutive Euro championships.

Against England's well-drilled defense, Spain dominated possession without generating any clear-cut opportunities during a timid first half. The best opportunity before halftime was wasted by Phil Foden, who volleyed blandly straight at Simon. In a major blow for Spain, the injured Rodri was substituted for Martin Zubimendi at halftime, but it made little difference as La Roja tore through England in the minutes that followed. Yamal slipped in from the right side and then drifted to the left of the area, allowing Williams to score with his left foot in the bottom-right corner without any opposition.

In minutes, Williams found space again, slicing a left-footed drive wide from the same angle as the first. While Williams struck a long-range shot that missed the mark and Jordan Pickford brilliantly stopped Yamal, Stones had to clear the line from Alvaro Morata. Eight minutes later, Spain paid a price for failing to capitalize. Bukayo Saka rolled inside for Jude Bellingham during a sweeping Three Lions move, and his ball set Palmer up for a precise left-footed shot from outside the box that hit the bottom-left corner just three minutes after Palmer's arrival.

Eight minutes from time, Pickford equaled Yamal once more, blocking another powerful two-handed stop after Olmo and Williams collaborated to put up their young teammate. Pickford was left speechless as Oyarzabal headed the game-winning goal into the bottom-left corner after Marc Cucurella sent in a low cross. There remained time for one more twist, but as Spain hung on for triumph, Simon and Olmo stood firm to stop Stones and Rice, respectively.

At the 1958 World Cup, Yamal, a winger for Barcelona, became the youngest player to ever appear in a major tournament final, surpassing Pele of Brazil by just one day. Yamal is barely 17 years old. Yamal, who has contributed to more goals for Spain in all competitions than any other player since making his debut in September 2023 (10 – three goals, seven assists), could not settle for just another piece of history. His superb pass to Williams added another memorable moment to his developing career, and Spain fans will likely be enjoying the future years of their two-star winger relationship.

But it was Oyarzabal of La Real who emerged victorious, slipping past Pickford to provide more agony for Southgate's England when two substitutes scored their first goals in a World Cup or Euro final. Three Lions' fate is not unfamiliar. After losing to Italy in a penalty shootout, England was devastated in the postponed Euro 2020 final. Despite their best efforts, they were unable to avenge their defeat in their first international tournament held outside of their country. Immediately following the break, the Three Lions continued an unsettling trend by giving up the fastest goal in the second half of a Euros final.

For the first time since May/June 1985, England has now allowed the first goal in four straight games. Oyarzabal's goal showed how vulnerable their defense was once again when he found a gap. Southgate, who may soon leave his position as manager of England and become the first head coach in the history of the European Championship to lose two finals, may always be haunted by Oyarzabal's magical moment. A new era may be in store as the Three Lions came so close without winning again, as England becomes the first team to lose two straight Euro finals.

At Arsenal, Bukayo Saka isn't used to this level of attention, but with England, things have gone a bit differently. The Hale-End star's spot at Arsenal is still assured under Mikel Arteta, even if he is not playing well. The Arsenal forward, however, has had a different experience for England at Euro 2024 after he disproved his detractors on Saturday. England defeated Switzerland on penalties to secure a spot in the semi-finals. Gary Neville praised and cheered for Arsenal's Bukayo Saka, who was named Man of the Match.

Saka's goal in the 80th minute sent the match into extra time, and the former right-back was not only thrilled with his performance but also delighted that he had converted his penalty shoot. Neville said in their build-up to the Netherlands vs Turkey that the Arsenal player "looked so calm" before taking his penalty and that his actual spot-kick was "beautiful." Saka has faced criticism and questions throughout the competition, but at crucial moments, he stood tall and demonstrated his values to the world.

It should be mentioned that he missed his penalty kick in the Euro 2020 final, which resulted in Italy defeating England; yet, this served as his atonement. Neville did point out, though, that Saka was able to bounce back from similar situations, while many players in the past were unable to. The Sky Sports analyst also observed Saka appearing to mouth the phrase "stop talking, blah, blah, blah" to the detractors following the full-time whistle. At Euro 2024, Bukayo Saka assists England in defeating Switzerland. As Saka took his penalty, Neville retorted, "He looks calm, doesn't he, he looks relaxed, to be fair." Neville applauds as Saka scores, saying, "Ooooh, that was beautiful." Take a look at that smile.

You know what, I adore that smile. That smile truly is beautiful. Congratulations. I'm happy for Saka. Even though what he went through four years ago was challenging, his smile just beams happiness. Numerous guys that I have witnessed go through it never come back. Their confidence has diminished. However, he is an excellent player. Neville talked about Saka, who began the competition in his customary right-wing position but ended up playing as a wing-back against the Swiss.

"He was a huge threat," the former Manchester United player continued. To provide balance to that left side, I assumed he would play left-wing-back. It did not occur. We weren't expecting to see him on the right. He kept that aspect to himself, exerted genuine dominance, and posed by far the greatest threat to England.

That's right, he's telling you to shut up and quit talking. That is, I believe, to us. "He is one of those players who, in my opinion, is appreciated by every fan from every club. I don't know many players who can transcend certain types of club rivalries. When you look at him, all you can think is that he is such a delight to be around, and his game exudes happiness and spirit. He is a combatant. He never gives up, is constantly chasing the ball, and is everything a child might hope for in a football player.

The Arsenal player is currently in a phase of his career where he is beginning to play at a high level and consistently. However, others doubt whether he is up to that elite level given that he has only participated in one Champions League season and has only won the FA Cup. Those folks are free to ask any questions they want because Saka is climbing the football ladder faster and faster. The pressure he was under and the way he performed when it counted most made this most recent England performance one of his greatest, if not his best yet.