Nigeria News (Standard)
Olubadan Warns Newly Installed Chiefs in Ibadan Against Land Grabbing, Threatens Sanctions
Traditional ruler says titleholders found guilty will face prosecution and removal as 29 new chiefs are installed in Oyo State
Traditional ruler says titleholders found guilty will face prosecution and removal as 29 new chiefs are installed in Oyo State
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, has cautioned newly installed mogajis and baales against engaging in land grabbing or supporting illegal activities related to land in Oyo State. The warning was delivered on Wednesday during the installation ceremony of 18 mogajis and 11 baales at Oke-Aremo, Ibadan.
Represented by Ashipa Olubadan, Oba Salawudeen Ajibade, and Ekerin Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Akeem Adewoyin, the monarch charged the new chiefs to uphold the integrity and reputation of their offices. He reminded them that they act as ambassadors of both the Olubadan and the Olubadan-in-Council within their various communities. “As my ambassadors, wherever you find yourselves, do not engage in any activity that could bring disrepute to the Olubadan stool and Ibadanland. Anyone found culpable of misconduct will be sanctioned,” he said.
The issue of land grabbing has been a persistent concern in many communities across South-West Nigeria, often leading to disputes and violence. The Olubadan’s stern warning comes as part of wider efforts by traditional institutions to address these challenges and restore order within their domains.
Oba Ladoja stated clearly that any chief caught in acts of land grabbing would not only be prosecuted according to the law but also stripped of their chieftaincy title. This stance is aimed at deterring abuse of office among community leaders who may be tempted to exploit their positions for personal gain.
The installation event saw a total of 29 new titleholders assume leadership roles across various communities in Ibadanland. While no opposition or government official had issued a public response as at press time, residents have welcomed the move as a necessary step towards curbing land-related conflicts. Stakeholders expect further collaborations between traditional rulers and local authorities to ensure adherence to these directives.
Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/olubadan-cautions-new-chiefs-against-land-grabbing/
Nigeria News (Standard)
Ex-UNILAG Don Hails Tinubu’s State Police Proposal as Timely Initiative
Former university lecturer describes move as step towards addressing insecurity; calls for inclusive implementation framework
Former university lecturer describes move as step towards addressing insecurity; calls for inclusive implementation framework
A former lecturer at the University of Lagos has commended President Bola Tinubu’s proposal for the establishment of state police across Nigeria, describing the initiative as a timely response to ongoing security challenges. The endorsement came on Friday, 26 June, following Tinubu’s renewed push for state-level policing structures to tackle rising incidents of banditry and armed attacks nationwide.
The ex-UNILAG academic argued that empowering state governments with their own police formations would boost rapid response to localised threats and improve accountability in law enforcement. He stated that the federal government’s current centralised policing model has struggled to contain complex security issues in various regions, especially in the North-West and South-East geopolitical zones.
Calls for state police have intensified in recent years amid persistent security breaches and demands from state governors and civil society groups for decentralised policing. Proponents believe that locally controlled police will be better equipped to understand and address the unique concerns of their communities, while opponents worry about possible political misuse by state authorities.
“This move is long overdue and should be backed by a comprehensive legal framework to ensure checks and balances,” the ex-don said. He urged stakeholders at both federal and state levels, including lawmakers from the APC, PDP, LP, and NNPP, to support relevant constitutional amendments in order to make state police a reality. Opposition voices have previously cautioned against hasty implementation without adequate safeguards for human rights.
As at press time, President Tinubu has directed relevant ministries and agencies to begin consultations with key stakeholders. Legislative debate on the proposal is expected in the coming weeks, with public hearings likely to follow. Security experts say a successful transition to state policing could mark a major shift in Nigeria’s approach to internal security.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Super Eagles Goalkeeper Nwabali Nears Saudi Club Move After Chippa United Exit
Sources say Saudi club leads race for Rivers-born keeper as Israeli interest fades; transfer could finalise this week
Sources say Saudi club leads race for Rivers-born keeper as Israeli interest fades; transfer could finalise this week
Stanley Nwabali, the Super Eagles goalkeeper who hails from Rivers State, is set to seal a move to a Saudi Arabian club after leaving Chippa United in South Africa earlier this year. The development comes as at Wednesday, with sources close to the player indicating that talks with a Saudi side have intensified and may conclude before the end of the week.
Nwabali, who parted ways with Chippa United following the conclusion of the 2025/26 season, has attracted significant attention due to his strong performances for Nigeria at international level. While clubs in Israel previously showed interest in signing him, those options have now taken a back seat as negotiations with a Saudi club move forward. Reports indicate that the unnamed Saudi club has been impressed by Nwabali’s experience and sees him as a valuable addition capable of strengthening their squad ahead of the new campaign.
The transfer is seen as significant for both Nwabali and Nigerian football fans, given his recent rise to prominence as Super Eagles’ first-choice goalkeeper. His leadership and consistency between the posts earned plaudits during Nigeria’s recent international fixtures, even as the national team missed out on qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. His next destination is closely watched by stakeholders keen on seeing more Nigerian talent excel abroad.
A source familiar with the situation told reporters that negotiations are at an advanced stage. “At the moment, Saudi Arabia looks like the most likely destination. The club involved likes his profile and believes he can add experience and quality to their squad. There could be some developments by the end of this week if everything goes according to plan,” the source said.
If finalised, Nwabali’s move would mark another high-profile transfer involving a Nigerian player to the Middle East in recent years, reflecting growing opportunities for homegrown talents outside traditional European leagues. Fans and analysts are now watching closely for an official announcement from both Nwabali and his prospective new club.
Source: https://guardian.ng/sport/stanley-nwabali-set-to-join-saudi-club/
Nigeria News (Standard)
Cape Verde Holds Uruguay to 2–2 Draw in Historic World Cup Debut at Miami Stadium
Coach Bubista says team aims to showcase Cape Verdean culture as small island nation surprises global football audience
Coach Bubista says team aims to showcase Cape Verdean culture as small island nation surprises global football audience
Cape Verde, a Portuguese-speaking island country off West Africa with a population of about 600,000, forced its way into the global football conversation on Sunday by holding Uruguay to a dramatic 2–2 draw at Miami Stadium in their debut FIFA World Cup appearance. The Blue Sharks earlier opened their campaign with a goalless draw against Spain, marking a remarkable start for the tournament’s underdogs.
In the Sunday match, Kevin Pina scored Cape Verde’s first-ever World Cup goal with an impressive free kick from over 30 metres, while substitute Helio Varela netted the late equaliser in the second half. These performances saw fans waving flags and celebrating as Cape Verde matched up against footballing giants, defying expectations tied to their modest population size.
The result has sparked pride across Africa, as Cape Verde joins other nations in representing the continent on world football’s biggest stage. For many Nigerians, especially those following Super Eagles’ performances at previous tournaments, Cape Verde’s feat demonstrates how smaller teams can make an impact when given an opportunity.
Coach Pedro Leitão Brito, popularly known as Bubista, stated that the squad’s ambition was not just about results but also about showing the world Cape Verdean identity. “We want people to know our culture, music, history and supporters,” Bubista said after the match. Supporters echoed his sentiments as social media buzzed with praise for the team’s discipline and resilience.
With two draws from their opening games, Cape Verde remains unbeaten at their first World Cup outing and will look to build on this momentum in their next fixture. Analysts say this performance could inspire other African nations and increase interest in grassroots football development across West Africa.
