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I Was Shot By Epe Community Chiefs In Sagamu – Victim Cries Out

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Jamiu Balogun, a landowner in Orile Sagamu, Ogun State, has cried out for help after being attacked and shot allegedly by some palace chiefs from Epe community in Sagamu over a land dispute.

Speaking from his hospital bed, Balogun explained that the incident happened on Friday, September 12, 2025, while he was on his wife’s two plots of land along Ikenne Road where she was building shops. According to him, a bus and four motorcycles arrived at the site carrying armed men whom he recognized as chiefs from Epe community.

“They came down with guns and other weapons. I identified Jogodo, Lisa Epe, Balogun, Councillor, and some security men among them. They suddenly attacked me, shot me in the leg, and used machetes on me. They even dragged me on the floor. I don’t have any issue with them, I only know them because we live in the same area. My wife bought the land and we were just working on her shops when they stormed the site. They even destroyed her containers,” Balogun recounted.

He added that though he was first taken to OSUTH, he had to leave due to challenges and is now receiving treatment in a private hospital. “I want Nigerians to help me so that I won’t die from this injury,” he pleaded.

Backing his claims, Prince Abdul Fatai Anoko, one of the family members that sold the land to Balogun’s wife, explained that the land dispute had earlier been reported to the Akarigbo of Remoland, who instructed both parties to maintain peace until his return from a trip. He alleged that despite this directive, the Epe community chiefs invaded the land, destroyed shops, and eventually attacked Balogun.

“We have video evidence of their repeated destruction. Just yesterday, they shot one of our clients. We are crying out to authorities to save us because our lives are now in danger,” Prince Abdul said.

Similarly, Chief Abdulateef Adewale Anoko condemned the attack, describing it as one of several attempts by the Epe community to forcefully seize their land. “For weeks, we have seen thugs invading our properties, destroying valuables, and now they have attacked a land buyer. Though some of the perpetrators have been arrested, we are begging government and security agencies to follow this case through. They have been threatening us and even the victim, and we fear for our safety,” he warned.

Confirming the incident, the Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Omolola Odutola, said four suspects had been arrested in connection with the attack while investigations are ongoing at the State Criminal Investigation Department. “The victim was on the land when he was shot on the leg. Four suspects have been arrested, and SCID is investigating,” she stated.

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OSA Movement Convener, Solomon Sunday Olarewaju Commends Governor Abiodun’s Visionary Initiative to Deepen Grassroots Democracy

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The OSA Movement, under the leadership of its Convener, Solomon Sunday Olarewaju, has today issued a statement of profound appreciation for the recent appointment of 1,200 political assistants by His Excellency, Governor Dapo Abiodun. The Movement hails the initiative as a landmark achievement in a genuine commitment to empowering citizens at the grassroots level and bringing governance closer to the people.

In a press briefing held over the weekend, Olarewaju lauded the governor’s strategic move, describing it as a testament to his all-inclusive and people-centered approach to leadership. “The appointment of five political assistants from each of the 236 wards across Ogun State is not just a political gesture; it is a clear and decisive action that shows Governor Abiodun’s dedication to strengthening democratic governance from the ground up,” Olanrewaju stated. “This initiative effectively bridges the communication gap between the state government and our communities, ensuring that the voices of ordinary citizens are not only heard but acted upon.”

According to the Founder, OSA Foundation, the new political assistants will serve as crucial conduits for development, tasked with articulating the needs of their respective wards and providing accurate feedback to the government. This, he noted, will ensure that policies and projects are a direct reflection of community needs and aspirations, thereby fostering a more responsive and effective government. “This model of governance empowers our people, giving them a direct stake in shaping the policies that affect their daily lives. It is a true revolution in grassroots politics,” he added.

Solomon Sunday Olarewaju emphasized that the initiative perfectly aligns with the principles and objectives of the OSA Movement, which has always championed the cause of grassroots participation and equitable development. He commended Governor Abiodun for fulfilling his electoral promise to carry every ward along in his administration’s development programs. “This is leadership with a vision,” Olarewaju said. “It shows that Governor Abiodun is not just a leader in name but a leader who is genuinely committed to building a prosperous Ogun State for all, leaving no one behind.”

The OSA Movement of Ado-Igbesa constituency concluded by pledging its full support for Governor Abiodun’s administration and its forward-thinking initiatives. “We are confident that this move will accelerate the delivery of democratic dividends and usher in a new era of unprecedented growth and development in every corner of our state. We stand in full support of His Excellency, Governor Dapo Abiodun, as he continues to transform Ogun State,” Olarewaju concluded.

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Femi Oyewale’s “Brand-New Beginnings” Launches on Selar and Amazon

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Femi Oyewale’s “Brand-New Beginnings” Launches on Selar and Amazon

Femi Oyewale’s “Brand-New Beginnings” Launches on Selar and Amazon

 

Publisher of Sahara Weekly Magazine and Sahara Online, Femi Oyewale, has released a powerful new book, “Brand-New Beginnings: Finding God in the Midst of Endings,” now available on Selar and Amazon.

 

The book speaks directly to anyone who has faced sudden loss, heartbreak, or the silence of unanswered prayers. With compassion and authenticity, Oyewale weaves together real-life–inspired stories, biblical truths, and reflective lessons that remind readers that endings are not final—they are God’s way of preparing the stage for something greater.

 

Structured in five uplifting chapters—When the Curtains Close, The Silence Between Seasons, Rising from the Rubble, The Birth of the New, and Living with Expectation—the book takes readers on a journey from pain to purpose. Each chapter includes reflection questions and key takeaways designed to help readers not only process their struggles but also embrace hope.

 

“Life has a way of surprising us with sudden endings—jobs end, relationships fracture, dreams collapse,” Oyewale explains. “But what feels like the end is often God’s way of setting the stage for a brand-new beginning.”

 

Oyewale’s writing offers encouragement to the “weary heart and silent sufferer,” blending personal insights with timeless biblical examples. From Joseph’s pit to Job’s ashes and Ruth’s loss, the stories in the book point to one truth: every ending can become a doorway to a new beginning when God is involved.

 

This inspiring release comes at a crucial time, as many are navigating uncertainty and searching for renewed faith. Whether in seasons of silence, rubble, or transition, Oyewale’s words equip readers to trust God’s process and step into fresh hope.

 

Brand-New Beginnings: Finding God in the Midst of Endings is available now on Selar and Amazon.

 Selar –  https://selar.com/785xml5554

For anyone standing at the edge of an ending, Oyewale’s message is clear: Your story isn’t over. The best is yet to come.

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THE OLISA OF IJEBU-ODE IS NOT UNDER SUSPENSION: APPOINTMENT OF THE AWUJALE WITHOUT THE OLISA IS CALCULATED TO RIDICULE IJEBULAND

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Prince Olusegun Babatunde Fowokan, FCNA, ACMA sets the record straight

My attention and those of the good people of Ijebu Ode has been drawn to the interview of one Dr. Fassy Yusuf where he claimed “THE OLISA OF IJEBU-ODE IS ON SUSPENSION AND ONLY A NEW AWUJALE CAN REINSTATE HIM”

Dr. Fassy Yusuf’s admission to have recently released a document purportedly suspending the Olisa of Ijebu Ode, Olisa Rasheed Adeoye Adesanya, Ademoku II, FCA and his claim of being a Deputy Family Head of Fusengbuwa, the next Ruling House to produce the Awujale, exposes him and his accomplices’ sole intent to capture the traditional architecture of Ijebuland by foisting an illegitimate Awujale on the Ijebus. It is glaring that Fassy Yusuf and his accomplices had long identified the Olisa of Ijebu Ode as a likely stumbling block to their agenda and as such repeatedly instigate campaign of calumny against the Olisa.

Ordinarily, Fassy Yusuf and his associates schemes to sustain their dependency on the office of the Awujale of Ijebuland which is an open secret, does not require a response. However, his choice of misinforming the public through interviews compels my humble self a son of the immediate past Olisa of Ijebu Ode, to address Dr. Fassy Yusuf’s false narratives. This is aimed at preventing misinformation of the public and for the sake of posterity. It is hereby clarified as follows;

1. If not for the popular Yoruba adage that says “at the demise of the Elephant, various kinds of knives will arrive”, Fassy Yusuf have no say whatsoever in the succession of the Awujale much more his pretense of belonging to a Ruling House of the Awujale.

2. The Olisa of Ijebu Ode is not only a traditional ruler but a part II Chief like the Orimolusi of Ijebu Igbo and the Dagburewe of Idowa. He is not only the next in command to the Awujale but heads Ijebuland’s Aristocrats “Ilamuren”. The Olisa is the head of Kingmakers for the Awujale Chieftaincy stool as well as the Chairman of the Ijebu Ode Town Council. See: Para. 110 Page 37 of the Intelligence Report on Ijebu Ode Town & Villages by Mr. T.B Bovell-Jones (District Officer) dated 7th May, 1943.

3. While myself and the good people of Ijebu Ode are in no doubt that Fassy Yusuf and his types are the ones misleading the Ogun State Government and dictating its recent assault on the Awujale of Ijebuland Chieftaincy Declaration in flagrant disregard for the ancient custom and tradition of Ijebuland, it is height of mischief for Fassy Yusuf, a supposed Lawyer, to boldly misrepresent Olisa’s salary to his suspension. The public is hereby informed that the Olisa of Ijebu Ode was at no time suspended.

4. Contrary, to the self-serving claims of Fassy Yusuf, the traditional Rulership of the Olisa of Ijebu Ode is backed by law, history and tradition. The Olisa is addressed by the Ijebu Traditional Council in its official correspondences spanning over twenty years as a traditional ruler “Kabiyesi or Alaiyeluwa”. It should be noted that except the Awujale and the Olisa of Ijebu Ode, no member of the Ijebu Traditional Council signs any legal document in respect of Ijebuland, as their stools never existed until its recent creation by the Awujale of Ijebuland. See: Treaty of cessation Ikosi and Area dated 6th July, 1892 and others in respect of some other parts of Ijebuland signed by the Awujale of Ijebuland, the Olisa of Ijebu Ode and the authorities of Ijebu Ode.

5. Fassy Yusuf’s claim as being a “Deputy Family Head” of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, Ijebu Ode is not only sacrilegious but a joke taken much too far and smacks of ignorance as no such office exist anywhere in Ijebuland much more for a Ruling House of the Awujale.

6. While it is left for the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, Ile Nla Agunsenbi Quarters, Ijebu Ode to either put impostors in their proper place or continue to condone Fassy Yusuf and his accomplices growing assault on their heritage. The general public is hereby informed that Fassy Yusuf, has no connection whatsoever to any of the four Ruling Houses of the Awujale and neither himself or his ancestors have any ancestral building at the Fusengbuwa Compound, Agunsenbi Quarters, Ijebu Ode. His pretence is compounded by his ignorance of the fact that traditionally, Alhaji Lateef Owoyemi from Idowa whom he claims to deputize also has no right to the Family Headship (Olori Ebi) of any family in Ijebu Ode much more Fusengbuwa Ruling House. Fassy Yusuf is hereby educated by referring them to para. 110 Page 37 of the Intelligence Report on Ijebu Ode Town & Villages by Mr. T.B Bovell-Jones (District Officer) dated 7th May, 1943, which declared “Persons from outside could not be regarded as Heads of families in Ijebu Ode”.

7. Contrary to Fassy Yusuf’s false claim that the Olisa of Ijebu Ode is an ordinary chief, a claim which might have been informed by a popular saying in Ijebu Ode that “Oba mi dade Olisa mi de Aboro” interpreted as the King (Awujale) adorns a Crown while the Olisa adorns a Coronet. Had Fassy Yusuf had simple understanding of the foregoing, he should have chosen another route in his desperate attempt at denigrating the ancient stool of the Olisa. It is pertinent to note that only the Awujale was originally addressed as an Oba throughout the Ijebu country which gave rise to the above Ade and Aboro saying. According to the renowned historian and former Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Professor E.A Ayandele, at page 3 of his book ” The Ijebu of Yorubaland 1850 – 1950″, the Awujale wore a crown, an honor he shared only with a “brother” King Lenuwa of Ode Omi, the latter in charge of the waterside.

8. Before and after the Awujale’s creation of junior Obas in the outlying districts, the Olisa of Ijebu Ode had maintained his Royal status without any challenge to his rights and privileges in deferrence to the Awujale, his only superior in Ijebuland. While a few youths may be misled by the outlying districts usual copying of the Ijebu Ode model of administration which had giving rise to Olisas in the various Ijebu communities. To this day only the OLISA of Ijebu-Ode adorns Crown, own a palace and Royal attendants called Odis. It need be noted that originally only the Awujale and the Olisa of Ijebu Ode shared the privilege of owning Odis in the entire Ijebuland.

9. Failing to expose Fassy Yusuf’s pretentious claims to the Awujale Royal House, is to subscribe to his arrogant posture that everyone like himself are ignorant of Ijebuland’s history. For the records; only the direct and biological descendants of the Awujale of Ijebuland, HRM Oba Fusengbuwa Adejoko have legal claims to the Awujale throne under the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, Ile Nla Agunsenbi Quarters, Ijebu Ode. Fassy Yusuf and his associates are hereby challenged to present to the general public ANY OUTLYING DISTRICT OBAS OR BAALES, RELATION OR NON DIRECT OFFSPRING OF THE AWUJALE who have contributed, participated in the transition, aspired or contested for the stool of the Awujale of Ijebuland during the era of the LAST TEN AWUJALES OF IJEBULAND.

10. The interview under review exposes Dr. Fassy Yusuf and his accomplices attacks on the Olisa of Ijebu Ode, as a deliberate attempt to blackmail and prevent the Olisa from his official duties at this period of the transition of the Awujale mindful that non-Ijebu Ode people and non-direct descendants of the Awujale Fusengbuwa (1790 – 1819) who Fassy Yusuf and his men had recently being parading as parallel Fusengbuwa Ruling House, may not endorsed by the Olisa of Ijebu Ode who by virtue of his age, years of reign, educational and professional background would know better.

11. Fassy Yusuf is hereby educated that the traditional status of the Olisa of Ijebu Ode and the actual lineages of the four Ruling Houses of the Awujale had being identified as long as over one hundred (100) years ago and kept at the archives. Hence, himself and associates’ very recent attempt to re-write the history of Ijebuland is merely an academic exercise bound to fail the test of time.

12. It is unfortunate that ongoing self-serving affront of the likes of Fassy Yusuf on the status of the Olisa of Ijebu Ode have since the demise of Awujale Sikiru Olukayode Adetona GCON, being exploited by mischievous foreign elements who though are not unaware of the Awujale’s ancient radical title to Ijebuland but driven by sudden overambition mute the derogatory an diminishing idea of an “Awujale of Ijebu Ode and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland” against his ancient legitimate Royal status, THE AWUJALE AND PARAMOUNT RULER OF IJEBULAND.

13. It is imperative to state that Fassy Yusuf’s suggestion that the Olisa of Ijebu Ode being the Head of the Ijebuland’s Aristocrats “Ilamuren” makes him a chief emerged from his shallow knowledge of the history and tradition of Ijebuland. For the records, The following Obas in Ijebuland are Ilamuren members and Kingmakers for the appointment of the Oba Oloko of Ijebu Imushin;
i. Obelu of Ensure.
ii. Magunsen of Ita-Marun
iii. Lapoekun(Elesugbon) of Esugbon
See: Chieftaincy Declaration of the Oloko Chieftaincy, 1957.

14. While every right thinking Ijebus keep watching as events unfold with the Ogun State Government’s macabre dance to the whims and caprice of extraneous interests over the Olisa of Ijebu Ode’s legal and customary rights and attempts to infiltrate the Awujale Royal House. Impostors like Fassy Yusuf should rather concentrate their efforts at exonerating themselves from the various illegalities which they abused the late Awujale’s name and office to perpetrate towards the tale end of his reign and be ready to give account of how the collective patrimony of the Ijebu people were connered by a few non-royals bloods whose desperation to hold on to the stool of the Awujale, now lobbies political office holders to ridicule and destroy the ancient custom and tradition of Ijebuland.

Long live the Awujale of Ijebuland
Long live the Olisa of Ijebu Ode
Long live Ijebuland
Long live Ogun State.

Prince Olusegun Babatunde Fowokan FCNA, ACMA, is the son of the former Olisa of ljebu Ode, descendant of Awujale Fidipote,
His Royal Highness
Olisa Henry Taiwo Adesubomi Fowokan, Matuluko II
1981 – 1991.

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