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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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Foreign

China Reaffirms Commitment to Supporting Nigeria’s Fight Against Terrorism

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China has restated its readiness to continue supporting Nigeria in the ongoing fight against terrorism and efforts to maintain national stability.

Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, gave the assurance after a meeting with the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, on Thursday.

In a statement shared via X, the ambassador said China “firmly supports” the Nigerian government’s development strategies that align with the country’s realities and long-term goals.

Dunhai also emphasized that China remains opposed to any external interference in Nigeria’s internal affairs “under the pretext of religion and human rights.”

The meeting further strengthened diplomatic ties between both nations, with discussions centered on security collaboration and sustainable development.

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Tanzania Erupts in Protests Over Controversial Election as President Samia Faces Mounting Pressure

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Tanzania has been plunged into chaos as citizens flood the streets to protest alleged irregularities in the country’s presidential election.

The unrest, which erupted shortly after the announcement of preliminary results, has spread rapidly across major cities. In Dar es Salaam — the nation’s commercial hub with a population exceeding seven million — the situation escalated as angry demonstrators set government offices and several public buildings on fire.

The tension comes amid heightened political scrutiny of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who became Tanzania’s first female president following the death of her predecessor, John Magufuli, in 2021. Many opposition supporters allege that the current election was manipulated to keep her in power, raising concerns about transparency and fairness in the democratic process.

In response to the violence, the police have imposed an overnight curfew in Dar es Salaam to restore order and prevent further destruction. Security forces have also been deployed across key areas of the city to contain the growing tension.

Authorities have urged citizens to remain calm while investigations into the alleged electoral misconduct continue. However, opposition figures and civil society groups are demanding accountability, insisting that the people’s mandate must be respected.

As the crisis deepens, many fear the situation could spiral into nationwide unrest if dialogue and swift action are not taken.

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U.S. Revokes Wole Soyinka’s Visa, Restricting His Entry Into the Country

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Nobel laureate Professor Wole Soyinka has disclosed that the United States government has revoked his visa, effectively barring him from entering the country for now.

Speaking at a media briefing on Tuesday at Kongi’s Harvest Gallery, Freedom Park, Lagos Island, Soyinka said he was notified of the development through an official letter from the U.S. Consulate dated October 23, 2025.

He explained that he decided to make the matter public to inform organizations and individuals expecting him in the U.S. not to proceed with any travel-related plans.

> “I have no visa; I am banned, obviously, from the United States. And if you want to see me, you know where to find me,” Soyinka said, expressing shock at the decision. “I don’t have any criminal record or even a misdemeanour that could warrant such an action. I keep asking myself—have I ever misbehaved toward the United States?”

According to Soyinka, the letter from the Non-Immigrant Visa (NIV) Section of the U.S. Consulate stated that the revocation was in accordance with U.S. Department of State regulations but gave no specific reason for the decision.

His revoked visa was a B1/B2 category, typically granted for business and tourism purposes.

Earlier in September, PM News reported that Soyinka had declined a request from the U.S. Consulate to attend a visa re-interview, saying he initially believed the notification letter was fake or a scam.

Despite the development, Soyinka emphasized that he bears no animosity toward U.S. authorities, adding that his previous interactions with American diplomats had always been cordial.

He concluded by noting that he would continue to seek clarification on the matter but does not regard the revocation as a personal attack.

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