Nigeria News (Standard)
Kenneth Okonkwo Rejects Peter Obi’s ₦5bn Lawsuit Threat Over Public Comments
Labour Party chieftain insists he will not retract statements despite legal action; dispute highlights deepening rift within party
Labour Party chieftain insists he will not retract statements despite legal action; dispute highlights deepening rift within party
Kenneth Okonkwo, a prominent Labour Party (LP) member and Nollywood actor, has said he will not retract statements that prompted a ₦5 billion lawsuit threat from Peter Obi, former Anambra State Governor and the party’s 2023 presidential candidate. Okonkwo made this known in Lagos on Thursday, responding to the legal notice recently issued by Obi’s legal team.
The controversy began after Okonkwo made remarks about Obi’s political activities, which the latter considered defamatory. In reaction, Obi’s lawyers demanded a public retraction and apology from Okonkwo within a stipulated timeframe or face a ₦5 billion suit for damages. However, Okonkwo dismissed the demand and insisted on his right to express personal opinions on party matters.
The disagreement has heightened existing tensions within the Labour Party as stakeholders debate issues of internal democracy and accountability following the 2023 general elections. Some LP supporters say public disputes among top members could weaken the party ahead of future polls, while others argue that open criticism is necessary for reform.
Obi’s representatives have maintained that they are only seeking to protect his reputation against what they describe as unfounded allegations. However, Okonkwo has stood his ground, saying he will not be intimidated into silence over issues affecting the party’s direction. “I have said nothing but the truth as I see it. I will not retract my words,” Okonkwo stated.
It remains unclear whether Obi will proceed with court action if Okonkwo fails to comply with the demands. Political analysts say the outcome could further influence public perceptions of unity and transparency within Labour Party leadership as preparations continue for upcoming state and national elections.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Lagos Contestant Loye Sacked from MasterChef Nigeria After Black Apron Jollof Rice Challenge
Judges faulted Loye’s dish for not making jollof rice the star; Top 5 now set for next round
Judges faulted Loye’s dish for not making jollof rice the star; Top 5 now set for next round
The MasterChef Nigeria competition took a dramatic turn in Lagos on Thursday as contestant Loye was sacked from the show after struggling in the high-stakes Jollof Rice Feast challenge. The episode, which aired on 20 June 2026, saw the remaining six contestants compete under intense scrutiny from the judges during Black Apron Day.
Contestants were instructed to prepare a feast inspired by two regions of Nigeria, with jollof rice required to be the centrepiece of their plate. The judges assessed each entry based on flavour, regional identity, execution and how well the signature Nigerian dish was highlighted. Loye, who had previously shown promise in earlier rounds, admitted dissatisfaction with his final presentation before the panel delivered their verdict.
After tasting all six entries, the judges observed that while Loye’s meal showed some potential, it failed to meet the challenge’s core requirement of making jollof rice the hero of the dish. This shortcoming ultimately cost him his place among the Top 5 contestants. The exit marks another milestone in a season that has kept Nigerian viewers engaged with regional culinary creativity and fierce competition.
MasterChef Nigeria has continued to grow in popularity since its launch, offering a platform for talented home cooks to showcase their skills and celebrate Nigerian cuisine. The show’s focus on regional inspiration has resonated with audiences across various states, reinforcing jollof rice as a unifying dish in national food culture.
With Loye’s departure, five contestants now remain in contention for this year’s title and its lucrative prize package. The next episode will see them tackle another regional food challenge as they vie for a place in the finals.
Source: https://guardian.ng/life/loye-exits-masterchef-nigeria-after-tough-jollof-rice-challenge/
Nigeria News (Standard)
SDP Denies Isaac Alade’s Withdrawal, Affirms Candidacy for Ekiti Governorship Poll
Party insists Alade remains in race as speculation of withdrawal spreads ahead of 2026 Ekiti election
Party insists Alade remains in race as speculation of withdrawal spreads ahead of 2026 Ekiti election
The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has dismissed reports suggesting that its candidate, Isaac Alade, has withdrawn from the upcoming Ekiti State governorship election. The party made this clarification on Saturday, 20 June 2026, amid rising rumours across the South-West state about Alade’s participation.
According to the SDP, Isaac Alade remains its flagbearer for the crucial poll scheduled later this year. The party stated that recent claims of his withdrawal were unfounded and aimed at misleading voters and supporters. Party officials maintained that Alade has not stepped down or decamped to any other party.
The clarification comes as political activities intensify in Ekiti State ahead of the governorship election, with multiple parties seeking to consolidate their chances. Observers note that such rumours are common during pre-election periods in Nigeria, often used to destabilise rival camps or confuse the electorate.
A statement from SDP leadership urged members and supporters to disregard the withdrawal reports and continue mobilisation efforts across all local government areas. The party emphasised its confidence in Alade’s candidacy and readiness to present a credible alternative in Ekiti’s political landscape.
With this development, attention remains on how parties will navigate last-minute alignments and propaganda as election day approaches. The SDP called on security agencies and electoral bodies to monitor misinformation closely, warning that such tactics could affect the credibility of the process.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Iranian Court Sentences Singer Parastoo Ahmadi to 74 Lashes for Performing Without Hijab
Human rights groups condemn Qom Province ruling as crackdown on women’s rights intensifies after viral concert
Human rights groups condemn Qom Province ruling as crackdown on women’s rights intensifies after viral concert
An Iranian criminal court in Qom Province has sentenced singer Parastoo Ahmadi to 74 strokes of cane, a two-year travel ban, and a two-year prohibition from artistic activities for performing without a hijab during a livestreamed concert in December 2024. The verdict, delivered this week, also affects eight members of her production team, all of whom received similar penalties after their performance went viral online.
The case centres on Ahmadi’s performance of the patriotic song ‘Az Khoone Javanane Vatan’ during an audience-free event later dubbed the ‘Caravanserai Concert.’ The concert was broadcast on Ahmadi’s YouTube channel and quickly attracted millions of views. Iranian authorities charged the artist and her colleagues with producing and publishing what they described as ‘vulgar and immoral content.’ Shortly after the concert, Ahmadi and several musicians were reportedly arrested before being released on bail, leading to formal legal proceedings.
The sentence has drawn strong reactions from international human rights advocates, who describe it as part of a wider campaign by Iranian authorities against cultural expression and women’s rights. According to Bahar Ghandehari, Director of Advocacy at the Center for Human Rights in Iran, the punishment highlights that conditions for artists and women in Iran remain largely unchanged. “Ahmadi’s punishment of 74 lashes for merely singing and appearing without a hijab is yet another reminder that human rights conditions in Iran have not changed,” Ghandehari said.
Legal experts have also raised concerns about the legitimacy of the charges. Human rights lawyer Moein Khazaeli argued that Iranian criminal law does not criminalise women singing or producing musical works. Khazaeli added that corporal punishment like flogging raises serious issues under international human rights standards, with many organisations considering it a form of torture.
The ruling comes amid ongoing tension over compulsory hijab laws in Iran, especially following nationwide protests triggered by the death of Mahsa Amini in police custody in 2022. Exiled Iranian figures such as actress Nazanin Boniadi have condemned the verdict as evidence that repression remains entrenched. Setareh Maleki, another exiled actress, praised Ahmadi’s courage in performing despite knowing the risks involved. Rights groups say prosecutions like Ahmadi’s are designed to deter dissent and enforce strict social restrictions on cultural expression.
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