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Soun Appoints Interim Imam, Clears Air On Ayilara’s Status

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The installation of Sheikh Habeeb Ayilara as new Chief Imam by Soun of Ogbomoso land, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye has begun to generate controversy with the status of the incumbent Chief Imam, Sheikh Teliat Yunus Olusina Ayilara, remaining unknown.

The new Imam was turbaned before Muslim leaders and dignitaries by Soun at the Abata section of the palace.

The Parakoyi of Ogbomosoland, Alhaji Sirajudeen Aleem, clarified the new Imam would only serve as the Chief Imam of the palace, pending the outcome of a court case involving the incumbent Chief Imam.

Soun emphasised the importance of religious harmon, saying that the throne of Soun was rooted in traditional religion, warning against making it a religious issue.

The monarch said: “The throne is that of the traditionalists. Soun Ogunlola who founded the throne was a pure traditionalist; he worshiped Ogun deity.

“We Christians and Muslims are just intruding so to say, it originally belongs to the traditional religion worshippers so we should encourage religious harmony. It neither belongs to either of us Christians nor Muslims, they are only lending us the throne, eni a fi rolo to ni toun baje kinni ki oloro o wa se.

“Let me clear this the event of today is not the bus stop. We are yet to reach our destination, the bus only stopped to pick someone. I have refused to remove him (the incumbent Chief Imam Teliat) despite him taking me to court.

“But I told him you can’t take me to court and be leading me in prayer, we don’t go to court and become friends. You that took me to court your intention is to win, to win against the Oba, and you call yourself an indigene of this town.

“Such prayer can’t be answered, i believe. I am a pastor, if l take my member to court will lead in prayer and such member will say amen?”

Oba Ghandi further said: “Today’s event marks my birthday. It is historical. The person we installed today we conducted thorough research, we don’t want to make such mistake again.

“I have been an alfa (Pastor) for 32 years, I believe Imam Teliat was still wearing pant then. That is the truth. And as Christians we don’t mount the pulpit to abuse a king, I don’t know your religion much but in Christendom, we don’t do that, although there are some pastors that say nonsense too.

“We should give reverence to God, the creator on the pulpit not like he is doing on the mumbar.

“Parakoyi has been leading prayer in the palace and representing me but I told him we need an Imam who will be representing me where I am

The new Imam was later presented with Staff and Certificate of office by the Asoju Muslumi of Ogbomosoland, Alhaji Mikahel Misasco.

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Anyone Opposing U.S. Strikes Is Nigeria’s Enemy or Profiting From Insecurity — Ex-General Enenche

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A former Nigerian military general, Enenche, has described opposition to United States support and strikes against terrorists as unpatriotic, insisting that such resistance only aids insecurity or serves personal interests.
Reflecting on his experience in active combat zones over two decades ago, Enenche said he witnessed firsthand the human cost of insecurity. According to him, security goes beyond the battlefield, affecting human lives, the economy, and even cyber space.
“As a military man who fought in that area over 20 years ago, I saw with my own eyes the casualties, the rage and the devastation. When you talk about security, you are talking about human security, economic security, cyber security. It affects everyone,” he said.
He welcomed the United States’ decision to support Nigeria, describing it as a positive development for the country. Enenche referenced former U.S. President Donald Trump’s commitment to assist Nigeria, noting that such cooperation signals hope rather than danger.
“America has come out boldly to say, ‘We are going to help you’. President Donald Trump said they will assist Nigeria. For me, this is the beginning of good things to come for this country,” he stated.
The retired general criticized individuals who consistently oppose foreign support, accusing them of spreading fear and pessimism.
“Where some people see negatives, we should see positives. Those who constantly project fear and pessimism, I see them as enemies of this country,” he said.
Drawing comparisons with Nigeria’s past peacekeeping missions, Enenche questioned why similar objections were not raised when Nigerian troops intervened in countries such as Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Congo.
“Anytime Nigerians cooperate and act as a team, we get results,” he added.
He further clarified that while foreign allies may not deploy ground troops, Nigeria must still take responsibility for on-ground operations, with strong backing from state and local governments.
“They may not put boots on the ground, but we must do the foot-on-ground work. We must deploy the necessary resources, and that is where state governments and local governments must support this effort,” he said.
Highlighting the sophistication of recent operations, Enenche emphasized that the strikes were intelligence-driven and precise, targeting terrorist strongholds.
“Look at the capacity, look at the weapons used. Do we have that capability? This was intelligence-driven and precise. These terrorists do not want to be followed to their staging or assembly areas,” he concluded.

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‘Give Them Their Money Directly’ — Tinubu Warns Governors Over LG Allocations

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has issued a stern warning to state governors over the handling of Local Government (LG) allocations, insisting that funds meant for LGs must be paid directly to them in line with the Supreme Court judgment.
Speaking on Friday at the 15th APC National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja, Tinubu stressed that the apex court has once again made its position clear, leaving no room for ambiguity. According to him, compliance is no longer optional, as the judgment is binding on all tiers of government.
“The Supreme Court has capped it for you again, saying, ‘give them their money directly’. If you wait for my Executive Order, because I have the knife, I have the yam, I will cut it,” the President said, adding that he has chosen to be patient and respectful with governors.
However, Tinubu warned that continued delay or refusal to implement the ruling would attract consequences, noting that enforcement could begin through FAAC disbursements if necessary.
Emphasizing the rule of law, the President said the ultimate authority remains the Supreme Court and its judgment must be obeyed without excuses.
“We have to comply. We have to respect the judgment,” he concluded.

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Accord Party Welcomes Adeleke for 2026 Governorship Bid

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The Accord Party in Osun State has indicated that Governor Ademola Adeleke would be granted a waiver if he decides to contest the 2026 governorship election under its platform.

Victor Akande, Chairman of Accord Party in Osun, told The PUNCH on Sunday that Adeleke or his aides have not formally approached the party, describing speculation about a potential defection as “mere rumours.”

Accord Party has emerged as a possible platform for Adeleke’s re-election amid internal tensions in his current party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

Akande said the party already has two aspirants for its ticket in the August 8, 2026 election but would welcome Adeleke if he chooses to join.

“The issue of Governor Adeleke is still a rumour. I have not met with anyone from the government about this. Accord Party is not the only option being speculated for his defection, but if he comes, we will receive him wholeheartedly,” Akande stated.

He added, “Our doors are always open. People are free to join or leave at any time. If Adeleke comes, he will receive a waiver to contest just like any other aspirant. Currently, two individuals have shown interest in running under our platform, though they have not made financial commitments yet.”

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