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40 INEC Staff Held Hostage In Bayelsa As Militants Hijack Materials

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About 40 adhoc staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) are currently stranded at Aboin community in Southern Ijaw local government area of Bayelsa state.
One of the victims told TheCable that the suspected militants attacked the electoral officials who were conveying materials to riverine communities through boats. She said the suspects hijacked electoral materials in most parts of the area and abducted the party agents in all the boats they raided.
The election could not hold in the area on Saturday as a result of violence between supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Though the police denied the incident, residents, INEC staff and electoral observers who witnessed it confirmed that the party supporters engaged in a gun duel that lasted hours. Explaining that her team had its unfair share of the unfortunate incident around 3:20pm, the victim said officials of the joint task force came to their rescue after several hours but that they had to spend the night in the creek because they regained freedom very late in the day.
“I have really suffered and I blame myself for risking my life over how much,” she said.
“Yesterday (Saturday) was war. We lay on the bare floor for hours. The shootings were heavy and we managed to escape when the whole thing died down.
“I agreed to return here after I learnt that today would be peaceful. We heard that they signed peace agreement and the governor even visited Oporoma – headquarters of Southern Ijaw – to appeal for calm.
“After about 15 minutes into our journey from Oporoma, the militants just surrounded our boat. They ordered us out without firing a single shot. The policemen that followed us could not even cough. The guys had very sophisticated weapons.
They transferred us into another boat, seized the electoral materials and instructed the party agents to follow them.
“I and my team members were heading to our polling unit at Ward 15, polling unit 35 at Aboin community when this incident happened.

“After the JTF rescued us, they kept us in a place at Aboin, there again the villagers threatened to also abduct us until the party agents were freed. They accused of conniving with the militants.
“As I speak to you now, we are about 40 INEC staff, including corps members, who have been held hostage, excluding guys who are at a separate location. It was JTF that came to our rescue.
We tried to find our way out but those we called said it was late and we had no choice but to remain in this strange community. A jungle for that matter, we are being beaten by mosquitoes but we thank God to be alive.”
Efforts to get the reaction of Asinim Butswat, the police public relations officer of the state, proved abortive as he neither answered his phone nor responded to the text message sent.
Meanwhile, TheCable observed that the rescheduled election was marred by logistical challenges. Though INEC fixed the exercise for 8am, materials did not leave the commission’s office in Oporoma until 1pm and as at 5pm, some electoral officials were yet to depart for their units.
The exercise was delayed as a result of disagreement between supporters of PDP and their APC counterparts. While the APC wanted the exercise to go on as scheduled, the PDP asked INEC to shift the exercise.
Seriake Dickson, governor of the state, paid a surprise visit to the INEC office in Oporoma, trying to convince the officials to reschedule the exercise. However, when all efforts to make the commission shift ground proved abortive, PDP supporters took to singing in protest.
They were shouting on top of their voices: “We are not safe o! We are not safe!” Realising that their strategy was not working, they turned to the direction of corps members saying: “You are not safe o! You are not safe! Corpers, you are not safe!”
While the drama lasted, all the major streets in the community were taken over by rampaging youths. Security men also mounted strategic positions to apparently forestall fresh attacks. By the time the officials left for their polling stations, they were escorted by at least 10 security personnel, comprising soldiers and policemen.
Operatives of the Department of States Services (DSS) also provided cover. Some adhoc staff abandoned the exercise, alleging that INEC did not make adequate provision.
“After all I passed through during that heavy shooting yesterday, they still want to put me through all these,” a lady who refused to disclose her identity told TheCable as she boarded a canoe from Oporama to Nyama, a community in the mainland. “How much are they going to pay me? We were in the boat that was suppose to take us to centre, next they said we should disembark and we boarded another one again and they asked us to alight, the stress is too much”.

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Olowu Celebrates Former Military President, Ibrahim Babangida, At 84

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Olowu Celebrates Former Military President, Ibrahim Babangida, At 84

Olowu Celebrates Former Military President, Ibrahim Babangida, At 84

 

Olowu of Kuta, HRM Oba Dr Hammed Oyelude Makama, CON, Tegbosun III, has congratulated former military president, Gen Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, rtd, who is 84 today.

Olowu Celebrates Former Military President, Ibrahim Babangida, At 84

Olowu, in a statement he signed, eulogised the former military ruler for his modest achievements while he was in power.

 

According to Olowu, ” IBB is an enigma. He has carved a niche for himself as a former military president. His tenure witnessed the completion of many monumental legacy projects that are still visible today. His Hill Top Mansion in Minna has become a Mecca of sorts for those who aspired to lead Nigeria.”
Olowu, who described Gen Babangida as being grossly misunderstood, said history would be kind to him.

 

He said, “The launch of Gen Babangida’s Autobiography: ‘A Journey In Service’, and the testimonies from the likes of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, Tony Elumelu, Jim Ovia, Abdusalam Rabiu, Oil Magnate, Arthur Eze, and many others, testified to his goodwill despite leaving public office three decades ago.

” On behalf of myself, my Oloris and Olowu-In-Council.

All members of the defunct IBB Vision 2003 and Vision 2007, I wish President Ibrahim Babangida, rtd, a happy birthday. I also wish him all the best as he aged gracefully,” Olowu added.

 

Born on August 17, 1941, Gen Ibrahim Babangida, rtd, ruled Nigeria from 1985 to 1993.

 

His presidency was marked by significant political and economic reforms.

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HRH Oba Isiaka Babatunde Malik Adekeye Ascends the Throne of Agunjin Land

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A new dawn breaks over Agunjin — a moment etched in gold in the annals of history — as the crown of the Ariwajoye Adekeye Royal Dynasty returns to its rightful home. With this homecoming, the living legacy of Agunjin’s royal heritage is renewed, strengthened, and destined to shine for generations to come.

The proud sons and daughters of Agunjin welcome His Royal Highness, Oba Isiaka Babatunde Malik Adekeye, Ariwajoye III of Agunjin Land, with joy, reverence, and boundless hope for the future.

A distinguished Nigerian based in New York, Oba Adekeye is a dynamic and accomplished professional whose illustrious career spans cinematography, international trade, and hospitality. Born into the revered Ariwajoye Adekeye Royal Family of Agunjin, in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, His Royal Highness now carries forward an ancestral legacy steeped in honor, dignity, and purpose.

The new Oba Adekeye is the proud nephew of the late Oba Jimoh Ajide Adekeye and the grandson of Oba Alade Adekeye — custodians of Agunjin’s noble traditions whose names remain deeply woven into the history of the land.
As the Yoruba say,
“Adé kì í wọ́ lórí aláìní orí.” — The crown does not rest on a head without destiny.”
His Royal Highness wears the crown not as a mere ornament, but as a solemn trust from his ancestors to his people.

The Adekeye Royal Family extends profound gratitude to: His Excellency, H.E.AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, CON, Chaiman GFON, Sadauna Ngeri of Ilorin, Executive Governor of Kwara State; The Chairman, Kwara State Council of Chiefs, Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, Emir of Ilorin; The Chairman, Igbomina Traditional Rulers Forum, Oba (Barr.) Alh. Ismail Bolaji Yahaya Atoloye Alebiosu, Olupo of Ajase Ipo; The Chairman, Ifelodun Traditional Council, HRM Oba (Dr.) Alhaji Ahmed Awuni Babalola Arepo III, Elese of Igbaja; The Ifelodun Traditional Council Members and the Kwara State Traditional Council.

Our heartfelt appreciation also goes to the Hon. Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Community Development, Hon. Abdullahi Bata, and to the Executive Chairman, Ifelodun LGA, Hon. Femi Yusuf, for their steadfast commitment to upholding historical truths and safeguarding the cherished traditions of Agunjin.

As the newly crowned Ariwajoye III, Oba Adekeye brings decades of professionalism, global exposure, and deep cultural pride to his reign. His vision is noble and unwavering — to champion sustainable development across the Agunjin district, preserve the rich traditions of the land, and unite his people both at home and in the diaspora under one banner of progress, peace, and pride.
In the words of an old royal proverb, “When the king builds bridges, the people will cross to a better tomorrow.” Ariwajoye III now stands as that bridge — connecting the heritage of the past with the promise of the future.

Long live Ariwajoye III. Long live the Ariwajoye Adekeye Royal Family. Long live Agunjin Land.

Prince Oluwatoyin Adekeye For the Family

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From Ejigbo to the World: How Primate Ayodele’s Prophecies Shape Public Debate

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The Man Who Makes Nigeria Listen — Primate Elijah Ayodele’s Prophetic Influence

Primate ELIJAH AYODELE: The Seer, And the Country That Listens

By Femi Oyewale

Ejigbo, Lagos — When Primate Babatunde Elijah Ayodele steps onto the pulpit of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church each week, he does more than preach: he convenes a national conversation. For decades, the clergy has issued blunt, often headline-grabbing prophecies about presidents, markets, and disasters — pronouncements that are dutifully copied, debated, and digested across Nigerian newsrooms, social media, and political corridors.

 

The Man Who Makes Nigeria Listen — Primate Elijah Ayodele’s Prophetic Influence

 

Primate Ayodele is best known for two things: the regular release of New Year’s and seasonal “warnings to the nation,” and a large, loyal following that amplifies those warnings into national discourse. He publishes annual prophecy booklets, holds prayer mountain conventions where journalists are invited, and maintains active social media channels that spread his messages quickly beyond his church gates. In July 2025, he launched a compendium of his prophecies titled “Warnings to the Nations,” an event covered by national outlets, which Ayodele used to restate concerns about security, governance, and international affairs.

 

Ayodele’s prophecies have touched on lightning-rod topics: election outcomes, the health or fate of public figures, infrastructure failures, and international crises. Nigerian and regional press have repeatedly published lists of his “fulfilled” predictions — from political upsets to tragic accidents — and his followers point to these as proof of his accuracy. Media roundups in recent years credited him with dozens of prophecies he argued had been realised in 2023 and 2024, and his annual prophetic rollouts continue to attract wide attention.

 

Impact beyond prediction: politics, policy, and public mood

The practical effect of Ayodele’s ministry is not limited to whether a prophecy comes to pass. In Nigeria’s politicised and religiously engaged public sphere, a prominent seer can:

• Move conversations in electoral seasons; politicians, commentators, and voters listen when he names likely winners or warns about risks to candidates, and his claims sometimes become part of campaign narratives.

• Shape popular expectations — warnings about economic hardship, insecurity, ty or public health influence how congregations and communities prepare and react.

 

• Exert soft pressure on leaders — high-profile admonitions directed at governors or ministers often prompt responses from the accused or their allies, creating a feedback loop between pulpit pronouncements and political actors.

 

Philanthropy and institution building

Ayodele’s public profile extends into philanthropy and church development. He runs INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church from Oke-Afa, Lagos, and his ministry periodically organises humanitarian outreach, scholarships, and hospital visits — activities he frames as evidence that prophetic ministry must be accompanied by concrete acts of charity. Church events such as extended “17-day appreciation” outreaches and scholarship programmes have been widely reported and help cement his appeal among congregants who value spiritual counsel paired with material support.

 

What makes him unique

Several features set Ayodele apart from other public religious figures in Nigeria:

1. Productivity and documentation. He releases extensive, numbered lists of prophecies and compiles them into booklets — a tactic that makes his predictions easy to track (and for supporters to tally as “fulfilled”).

2. A blend of national and international focus. His pronouncements frequently move beyond parochial concerns to name international actors and events, which broadens his media footprint.

3. Media-savvy presentation. From staged press events to active social accounts, Ayodele understands how to turn a prophecy into a viral story that will be picked up by blogs, newspapers, and TV.

 

The public verdict: faith, influence, and skepticism

To millions of Nigerians — and to his core following — Primate Ayodele remains a pastor-prophet whose warnings must be taken seriously. To others, he is a media personality whose relevance depends as much on spectacle and circulatory power as on supernatural insight. What is indisputable is his role in magnifying the religious dimension of national life: when he speaks, politicians, congregants, and newsrooms listen. That attention, in turn, helps determine which social and political questions become urgent in public debate.

Looking ahead

As Nigeria heads into another cycle of elections and economic challenges, Ayodele’s annual pronouncements will almost certainly return to the front pages. Whether they are read as sober warnings, political interventions, or performative theology, they will continue to shape conversations about destiny, leadership, and the kinds of risks a deeply religious nation believes it must prepare for.

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