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Mixed Reactions as Olubadan Oba Rashidi Ladoja Stands to Greet Sheikh Onikijipa at Ramadan Lecture

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Mixed Reactions as Olubadan Oba Rashidi Ladoja Stands to Greet Sheikh Onikijipa at Ramadan Lecture

By George Omagbemi Sylvester | Published by saharaweeklyng.com

“A gesture of respect during the Omituntun Ramadan lecture sparks debate over tradition, protocol, and interfaith harmony in Ibadan..”

Ibadan, Nigeria — His Imperial Majesty Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja (Arusa I), the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, drew mixed reactions on 26 February 2026 after he stood to greet respected Islamic cleric Sheikh Dr. Sulaiman Faruq‑Onikijipa during the 12th annual Omituntun Ramadan public lecture held in Ibadan. The gesture, captured in a widely circulated video, prompted both applause and debate across social media platforms.

Some attendees and commentators praised the monarch’s act as a powerful demonstration of interfaith respect and unity. One participant told journalists, “It was a beautiful reminder that in times of peace and religious observance, dignity and honour come first,” emphasizing the importance of mutual respect during the holy month of Ramadan.

Others, however, questioned the hierarchical propriety of the act. Social media users debated whether a traditional ruler standing for a religious leader blurred customary lines, suggesting the gesture was unusual in formal cultural contexts.

Religious leaders present framed the moment as a symbol of Ibadan’s enduring tradition of tolerance and peaceful coexistence, emphasizing the positive role such gestures play in fostering community harmony.

The Omituntun Ramadan lecture, held annually, brings together scholars, civic leaders and the public to reflect on moral, social, and spiritual issues during the Islamic holy month. Its prominence in Ibadan underscores the city’s role as a hub of religious dialogue and education. The Olubadan’s gesture, therefore, was not only symbolic but also a reminder of the city’s ongoing commitment to interfaith collaboration and mutual respect in an increasingly pluralistic society.

Sahara weekly online is published by First Sahara weekly international. contact [email protected]

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DR. CHIDI ANTHONY HAILS NEW IGP, OLATUNJI DISU, SEES BEACON OF HOPE FOR NIGERIA

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*DR. CHIDI ANTHONY HAILS NEW IGP, OLATUNJI DISU, SEES BEACON OF HOPE FOR NIGERIA

 

The National President of the Christian Police Fellowship of Nigeria (CPFN), Bishop Chidi Anthony, has extended warm congratulations to Olatunji Disu on his appointment as the new acting Inspector-General of Police.

In a statement, Bishop Anthony expressed his confidence in the new IGP’s ability to lead the Nigeria Police Force to greater heights, saying, “We believe that Nigeria will prevail under your committed leadership.”

He prayed that God would grant the new IGP wisdom, courage, and strength to tackle the challenges facing the nation, emphasizing the importance of integrity, fairness, and justice in policing.

“Your leadership is a beacon of hope for a better tomorrow,” Bishop Anthony said, urging the new IGP to remain focused on his vision for a safer Nigeria.

The CPFN president also called on all police officers and men to support the new IGP, saying, “Together, we can make a difference in the lives of Nigerians.”

In his message, Dr. Chidi Anthony, General Overseer of Kings In Christ Power Ministries and president of Pentecostal Ministers Forum, advised the new IGP to prioritize community policing, engage with local communities, and address the root causes of insecurity in the country.

“We urge you to be bold, courageous, and unwavering in your commitment to serving the nation,” Dr. Anthony said. “Remember that your leadership is not just about enforcing laws, but about serving humanity and promoting peace.”

Dr. Anthony also conveyed a message of hope to Nigerians, saying, “We are at a critical juncture in our nation’s history, but we are not without hope. With leaders like IGP Olatunji Disu at the helm, we are confident that Nigeria will overcome its challenges and emerge stronger.”

The Christian community and the CPFN look forward to working with the new IGP to promote peace, security, and nation-building in Nigeria.

*Message of Hope to Nigerians:*

Fellow Nigerians, we are reminded that our nation is greater than any challenge we face. Let us unite in support of our new IGP and the Nigeria Police Force as they work tirelessly to ensure our safety and security.

Let us pray for our leaders, that they may be guided by wisdom, integrity, and a commitment to serving the people.

Together, we can build a brighter future for ourselves, our children, and generations to come. Nigeria, we are counting on you, IGP Disu!

 

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RAMADAN CHARITY: TY BURATAI HUMANITY CARE FOUNDATION AND UFAM HOLDINGS LTD EXTEND FOOD RELIEF TO MANDO COMMUNITY

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*RAMADAN CHARITY: TY BURATAI HUMANITY CARE FOUNDATION AND UFAM HOLDINGS LTD EXTEND FOOD RELIEF TO MANDO COMMUNITY*

 

 

 

In a remarkable display of compassion and community support, the TY Buratai Humanity Care Foundation, in collaboration with UFAM Holdings Ltd, successfully distributed food relief to over 1,000 less privileged individuals in the Mando community, Afaka, Igabi, Kaduna State, as part of the Ramadan celebrations.

 

The initiative, aimed at alleviating hunger during this sacred month, saw community members receiving essential food items to ensure they can observe Ramadan with dignity and sustenance. The distribution took place at the Skill Acquisition Centre, where beneficiaries gathered to collect their food packages.

 

During the event, the Deputy Chief Imam of Mando Central Mosque, Sheikh Bashir Adam Saleh Algoni, expressed his gratitude for the philanthropic effort. “We appreciate this gesture immensely,” he stated. He urged the public to keep the Grand Patron of the Foundation, His Excellency Amb Lt Gen Tukur Yusufu Buratai, in their prayers, acknowledging his ongoing commitment to helping the less privileged. He also highlighted the contributions of UFAM Holdings Ltd, urging support for their charitable endeavors.

 

Beneficiaries of the food relief expressed their profound gratitude, offering prayers for Allah’s blessings on both the foundation and the company for their generous assistance during this holy month.

 

In his remarks, the Special Guest of Honour, His Excellency Amb Lt Gen Tukur Yusufu Buratai CFR Rtd, former Chief of Army Staff and Grand Patron of the Foundation, who was represented by Col Haruna Idris Zaria Rtd, thanked the public for their continuous prayers. He emphasized the importance of using the month of Ramadan to pray for the betterment of the country and an end to the insecurity plaguing the nation. He also urged the community to support and pray for security agencies, recognizing their sacrifices in maintaining peace and safety.

 

This charitable initiative not only highlights the spirit of Ramadan but also reinforces the importance of community solidarity and mutual support during challenging times.

RAMADAN CHARITY: TY BURATAI HUMANITY CARE FOUNDATION AND UFAM HOLDINGS LTD EXTEND FOOD RELIEF TO MANDO COMMUNITY*

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Obi’s Reform Agenda Rekindles Scrutiny of Nigeria’s Political Wealth

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Obi’s Reform Agenda Rekindles Scrutiny of Nigeria’s Political Wealth

By George Omagbemi Sylvester | Published by SaharaWeeklyNG

“Momodu’s remarks spotlight elite affluence as analysts warn of resistance to cost-cutting reforms.”

Prominent publisher and politician Dele Momodu has reignited debate over the vast wealth attributed to sections of Nigeria’s political class, asserting publicly that certain politicians could raise as much as $500 million at short notice to secure presidential power. Though no names were mentioned, the claim has sharpened national conversations about transparency, accountability, and the true cost of governance.

Nigeria’s persistent struggle with corruption is well documented by bodies such as Transparency International, whose global assessments frequently rank the country low on public sector integrity. The optics of expansive private mansions, luxury assets, and foreign-based lifestyles among political families continue to fuel public suspicion, particularly in a nation grappling with inflation, debt pressures, and widespread poverty.

The controversy unfolds against the backdrop of reform advocacy by Peter Obi, who has consistently argued for cutting governance costs and institutionalizing fiscal discipline. Political economist Professor Pat Utomi maintains that entrenched elites often resist structural reform, describing elite capture as a systemic barrier to democratic accountability. Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka has similarly warned that democracy without transparency breeds cynicism and instability.

While no specific officeholders have been formally indicted in connection with Momodu’s remarks, the broader issue remains potent: public demand for principled leadership is rising, and scrutiny of political wealth is unlikely to fade as future elections approach.

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