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Aare Gani Adams Appreciates Kwara Govt’s Cooperation…hails Abdulrazaq, Alabi’s commitment to install Yoruba Oba in Ilorin

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The Aare Onakakanfo of Yoruba land, Otunba Gani Adams has commended the Kwara State Government for its cooperation and support for the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC), a Pan-Yoruba nationalist organization.

Speaking during a courtesy visit to the Kwara State Deputy Governor, Kayode Alabi in Ilorin yesterday, Adams said “for the first time, the OPC is receiving attention and unprecedented support from the Kwara State Government.

“This is great and we appreciate the State Government under the effective leadership of Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq and Your Excellency, Kayode Alabi,” he added.

The OPC leader said the organisation was planning to deepen its operations in Kwara State by solidifying its presence and base in all the 16 local government areas of the State.

He also showered praises on Governor Abdulrazaq for his commitment to the Yoruba agenda by giving a nod to the installation of a Yoruba Oba in Ilorin, which has been a long-time desire of the OPC and other Yoruba groups.

In his words “We recall that during the Campaign, the Governor promised us that he would be fully committed to the entrenchment of Yoruba ideals and values in Kwara State and from our observation so far, he appears to be in the sync with that promise.

“The issue of Yoruba Oba is long overdue and we will be very glad to see to its realisation under this current dispensation. While Kwara by geography is in the North, Kwara has huge Yoruba identities, and it is for this reason that we reckon a Yoruba monarch for Ilorin will help to entrench those identities and fully establish Kwara as an Ooduduwa State.”

The Deputy Governor Kayode Alabi, in his own remarks, promised that the State Government would continue to give full and unreserved cooperation to the Yorubas and other indigenous groups, noting that the present administration is for all.

Aare Gani Adams has always held that the installation of a Yoruba Oba in Ilorin is a must. In his book, “My Life and Struggle” published some years ago, Adams declared that there was no going back in installing Oba in Ilorin.

He disclosed that no amount of intimidation can deter him from championing a movement that would see to the installation of a Yoruba traditional ruler in Ilorin.

“I am very happy with Yoruba elders who have embraced the idea but we are not saying that there will be violence in Ilorin. Our rights as a Yoruba nation had been exterminated in Ilorin several years ago when Afonja was on the throne,” an excerpt in a chapter of the book reads.

Also, several Yoruba leaders in Ilorin such as
the President of Afonja Descendants Union, Alhaji Olola Kasum and Alhaji LAK Jimoh have always expressed their hope and determination for the installation of a Yoruba Oba in Ilorin.

It will be recalled that before the last general elections, an Islamic cleric based in Ilorin, Kwara State, Sheikh Abdulrahim Aduranigba, has said that, the emergence of Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq as Kwara governor would pave way for the enthronement of a new royal father in the ancient town of Ilorin to be known as Oba of Ilorin.

Aduranigba, who claimed to be Chief Imam of Yoruba in Ilorin, added that “after winning the next governorship election, we shall have an Oba of Ilorin once our own son, Abdulrahman becomes the governor of the state.

Signed:

Alhaji Oluwadamilare Saka
Oodua People’s Congress,
Kwara State Chapter.

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Tinubu Appoints Grace Henry as First Female Chair of Nigerian Legion

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Grace Henry as the new chairman of the National Council of the Nigerian Legion, marking a historic first as both the first woman and the first non-commissioned officer to lead the country’s foremost veterans’ organization.

The announcement was made on Thursday in Abuja via a statement by Abdul Lauya, Senior Special Assistant on Media and Digital Communications to the chairman.

According to the statement, Henry’s appointment was formalized through a letter signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, and takes effect from June 7.

Born on October 5, 1964, Henry brings with her over 25 years of military and administrative experience. She retired from the Nigerian Army in 2000 and most recently served as Director of Corporate Affairs at the Legion’s headquarters in Abuja. She is also the current National Coordinator for Female Military Veterans of Nigeria.

She succeeds retired Major General AbdulMalik Jibrin. Her appointment is widely seen as a reflection of the Federal Government’s commitment to promoting gender inclusion and equal representation within the military veterans’ community.

President Tinubu expressed confidence in her leadership and urged her to leverage her experience to reposition the Nigerian Legion, which serves as a vital support system for the nation’s ex-servicemen and women.

Her appointment is expected to usher in a new era of reforms and revitalization for the Legion amid growing calls for improved veteran welfare and institutional development.

The Nigerian Legion, a statutory body established to support the welfare of ex-servicemen and their dependents, plays a critical role in the rehabilitation, reintegration, and economic empowerment of military veterans. It also promotes national unity through remembrance events such as the Armed Forces Remembrance Day and collaborates with various agencies to uphold the dignity of retired military personnel.

In response to certain media reports describing her as “one of the most powerful non-commissioned ex-service personnel,” Henry distanced herself from the characterization.

“She wishes to make it clear that leadership is not about grandstanding or media posturing,” Lauya stated. “There is no such thing as being ‘most powerful’ under her leadership.”

Henry emphasized that the Legion remains a unified body, representing all veterans—commissioned and non-commissioned—without bias or division. She condemned any effort to create artificial hierarchies within the organization and called on the media to refrain from spreading unverified claims.

“She remains committed to the principles of unity, service, and integrity,” the statement added. “Ms. Grace Morenike Henry belongs to all and to none in particular. Her mission is to serve all Nigerian veterans equally and selflessly.”

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Former Kwara Governor Cornelius Adebayo Dies at 84

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Chief Cornelius Olatunji Adebayo, a former governor of Kwara State and one-time senator, has died at the age of 84.

Lagos Lately TV confirmed his passing through a close family associate, who disclosed that Adebayo died early Wednesday morning in Abuja.

Born on February 24, 1941, in Igbaja, Kwara State, Adebayo’s political journey began with his election as senator under the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) in 1979. He later served briefly as the state’s governor in 1983. Between 2003 and 2006, he held the position of Nigeria’s Minister of Communications.

A respected advocate for democracy, Adebayo was a leading voice in the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), which pushed for the actualization of MKO Abiola’s June 12, 1993 presidential mandate. Notably, he declined an appointment to serve in General Sani Abacha’s military government in 1993, standing firm in his democratic convictions.

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Fear of Assassination: Iran’s Supreme Leader Khamenei Picks Three Potential Successors—Excludes Son

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Amid rising tensions and fears of targeted attacks, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has reportedly named three possible successors, excluding his son, in preparation for a worst-case scenario during the ongoing conflict with Israel.

According to a Saturday report by The New York Times, the 86-year-old leader, who is said to be operating from a secure underground bunker, privately selected three senior clerics to take over leadership if he is killed. The decision follows a wave of high-profile assassinations allegedly carried out by Israeli forces, which has heightened concerns at the highest levels of Iran’s leadership.

Crucially, Khamenei’s son, Mojtaba—who has long been rumored to be his heir apparent—was not included among the chosen candidates. This marks a significant departure from previous speculation suggesting a dynastic transition was in the works. The Jerusalem Post also confirmed the report, adding that Khamenei has made additional contingency plans by appointing replacements within Iran’s military hierarchy in anticipation of further Israeli attacks.

Traditionally, Iran’s Supreme Leader is selected by the Assembly of Experts, a powerful clerical body of 88 members. However, Khamenei’s move suggests he may be attempting to influence the succession process in advance, seeking to ensure ideological continuity and maintain regime stability amid external threats.

Experts believe the choice of three clerics rather than a single successor points to internal disagreements and the urgent need for contingency planning as the situation escalates. While the identities of the chosen individuals remain undisclosed, sources say they are trusted hardliners closely aligned with Khamenei’s vision.

Regional Impact and Rising Concerns

The reported development comes at a volatile time in the Middle East, with recent Israeli strikes targeting senior Iranian and Hezbollah figures. Analysts warn that any sign of instability in Iran’s leadership could further destabilize the region.

“This is not just theoretical succession planning — it’s being done under the very real threat of attack,” a regional intelligence source told The New York Times. “The regime clearly views the risk of a leadership vacuum as imminent.”

Khamenei’s decision underscores the high level of concern within Tehran’s leadership circle as it braces for potential escalations and prepares for scenarios that were once considered unlikely.

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