Abeokuta North LG Chairman, Lanre Oyegbola-Sodipo Inaugurates Lisabi Festival With ‘Ayo Olopon’ Competition

 

Every year in the month of March, the Egba people in their wisdom and vision will gather once in a year to remember their illustrious and brave liberator, Lisabi Agbongbo Akala in the famous Lisabi Festival. So, yesterday 4th of March 2025, Council Chairman at Abeokuta North Local Government Akomoje, Dr. Oyegbola-Sodipo ‘Lanre in Habeeb Ajayi Multipurpose Hall of the Local Government Secretariat has declared the Year Festival open with Ayo Olopon Competition (Traditional Game).

The festival is a rallying point for all Egba sons and daughters from far and wide to celebrate the fearless and brave feats of Lisabi in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria. Little wonder the festival itself took after the name of the warrior.

Dr. Oyegbola-Sodipo who showed enthusiasm while joining the participant in the Game with his Vice Chairman to demonstrate the reach culture of the festival. He however used the medium to beckon on to Egba descendants in oversees to imbibe in the Culture further advised not to forget their sources.

He said this that 38th LISABI Day Celebration is yearly done to unite all Egbas in the World.
That, Egba people are one of the Yoruba sub-ethnic groups comprising of Ake, Owu, Oke Ona and Gbagura in Ogun Central Senatorial district which is divided into six local government areas, namely, Abeokuta North, Abeokuta South, Ewekoro, Ifo, Obafemi Owode and Odeda local governments.

Those in attendance in the opening event were: the Vice Chairman of the Local Government, Hon. Egbeyemi Taiyelolu, Leader of the Legislative Arm of the Local Government, Hon. Moruf Erubami, Secretary to the Local Government; Engr. Mutiat Agbaje, Head of the Local Government Administration, Mrs. Kikelomo Ajayi and the Head of Community Development and Social welfare Mrs. Adekunle Aderonke.

Tensions Soar in Rivers State as Ijaw Groups Warn Against Fubara’s Impeachment

The political crisis in Rivers State has reached a boiling point as major Ijaw groups, including the Ijaw National Congress (INC) and the Ijaw Youths Council (IYC), issued a stern warning against the impeachment of Governor Siminalayi Fubara. The groups declared their readiness to defend the governor’s mandate, warning that any attempt to remove him could destabilize the Niger Delta and disrupt oil production in the region.

Political Tensions Escalate

This warning comes after the expiration of a 48-hour ultimatum issued by the Martin Amaewhule-led Rivers State House of Assembly, demanding that Governor Fubara resubmit the 2025 budget for approval. The political face-off intensified after the Supreme Court’s ruling on February 28, 2025, reaffirmed the legitimacy of the Rivers Assembly while ordering the seizure of state allocations and nullifying the October 2024 local government elections.

At its first sitting following the ruling, the Assembly instructed Fubara to present the budget within 48 hours, emphasizing that failure to comply could result in severe consequences. With the deadline set to expire on March 5, 2025, tensions have escalated, prompting strong reactions from Ijaw groups and other stakeholders.

Ijaw Leaders Vow to Defend Fubara

Reacting to the developments, INC President Prof. Benjamin Okaba strongly condemned the impeachment threats, describing them as a direct attack on the Ijaw people, who he said have historically played a crucial role in Rivers State politics. He warned that any attempt to remove Fubara could have dire consequences for national peace and economic stability, particularly in the oil-rich Niger Delta.

“If Governor Fubara’s tenure is truncated by the Martin Amaewhule-led Assembly or any other force, the INC cannot guarantee the sustenance of the current peace in the Niger Delta, nor the continued rise in oil production,” Okaba declared.

Historical Context and Ijaw Contributions to Rivers Politics

Okaba recalled the sacrifices made by the Ijaw people in shaping Rivers State’s political landscape. He cited instances from 1999 when Ijaw leaders backed Dr. Peter Odili’s governorship bid, the assassination of Chief Marshal Harry in 2003 for supporting Sergeant Awuse, and the role of Ijaw warlords in securing electoral victories for Celestine Omehia and subsequent administrations.

Despite these sacrifices, Okaba lamented what he described as the systematic marginalization of the Ijaw people, warning that the ongoing political maneuvering to unseat Fubara would be fiercely resisted.

“The Ijaw nation will defend Fubara with every pint of blood in their veins,” he vowed.

Ijaw Youths Council Issues Ultimatum

The Ijaw Youths Council (IYC), led by its President Worldwide, Dr. Theophilus Alaye, also condemned the Supreme Court ruling, alleging political interference aimed at destabilizing Rivers State. Alaye warned that any attempt to impeach Fubara would be met with strong resistance from Ijaw youths across the Niger Delta.

“The nullification of the Rivers State local government elections while similar elections in other states were upheld is provocative and unacceptable. We have also noted how certain individuals, including the FCT Minister, have continuously boasted about a political tsunami in Rivers State,” Alaye said.

The IYC, Eastern Zone, also echoed similar concerns, warning the Rivers Assembly against plunging the state into violence. In a statement signed by Chairman Datolu Sukubo and Secretary Tamunokuro Dango, the IYC emphasized that the ultimatum given to Fubara was part of a broader scheme to create chaos and push for his impeachment.

“This is not only an attack on our leadership but also an affront to the will of the Rivers people who freely elected Fubara. We will resist any such attempts,” the statement read.

National and Economic Implications

The Ijaw groups further warned that any attempt to undermine Fubara’s government could have devastating consequences for the national economy, given that Rivers State plays a key role in Nigeria’s crude oil production.

“If Rivers State is starved of its economic rights, we will also starve the economy of Nigeria,” the IYC declared, hinting at possible disruptions to oil production should the impeachment efforts continue.

The groups called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene, urging the federal government to ensure that Rivers State’s political crisis is not dismissed as ordinary politicking. They stressed that the stakes were too high, warning that prolonged instability could jeopardize national security and economic stability.

Police and Security Responses

When contacted for a response to the threats issued by Ijaw groups, Rivers State Police Command spokesperson Grace Iringe-Koko declined to comment and referred journalists to Commissioner of Police Olugbenga Adepoju. However, efforts to reach the commissioner were unsuccessful, as he neither answered calls nor responded to messages at the time of filing this report.

As the political impasse continues, all eyes remain on the Rivers State Assembly’s next move and the potential fallout from the deepening crisis. Observers fear that if not carefully managed, the standoff could spiral into broader unrest, with grave implications for Rivers State and the Niger Delta at large.

 

The 49-Day Reign of Mojisola Meranda Ends as Mudashiru Obasa Returns as Speaker

The Lagos State House of Assembly witnessed a dramatic political shift as Mojisola Meranda’s brief 49-day tenure as Speaker came to an end on Monday, paving the way for the return of Mudashiru Obasa. The leadership change follows intense mediation efforts by a panel led by former Osun and Ogun State governors, Chief Bisi Akande and Chief Olusegun Osoba, who were tasked by President Bola Tinubu with resolving the crisis that had gripped the Assembly since January 13, 2025.

The Crisis That Led to Obasa’s Removal

Obasa was removed from his position while he was in the United States, with Meranda, his then-deputy, taking over as Speaker. However, Obasa fiercely opposed the move and pursued legal action to challenge his removal. The crisis escalated, drawing the intervention of key figures within the All Progressives Congress (APC), including members of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

On Monday, in a significant political recalibration, the lawmakers reconvened, leading to Meranda’s resignation alongside other principal officers elected under her leadership, including Deputy Speaker Mojeed Fatai and Chief Whip Okanlawon Sani. Before the plenary session where Meranda stepped down, she and other lawmakers had met with the APC state chairman, Cornelius Ojelabi, and Lagos State Attorney General, Lawal Pedro (SAN), to finalize the resolution.

Meranda’s Emotional Resignation

In her resignation speech, Meranda emphasized that her decision was in the interest of democracy and to prevent further crises within the Assembly.

“I wish to let every one of you know that I have made a personal sacrifice towards resolving the leadership crisis rocking the Lagos State House of Assembly,” she stated.

Meranda acknowledged her family’s legacy in promoting democracy and assured that her decision was not out of weakness but to uphold the integrity of the Assembly.

“I took this decision carefully and with firm consideration. On one hand, I accepted the position of Speaker on January 13, 2025, and on the other hand, I resigned the position as it is threatening the democracy of this House. I am not a quitter; however, I took this bold decision in order to save this legislative institution from further unnecessary conflict and embarrassment.”

She concluded by reaffirming her loyalty to the party, stating, “The party is supreme.”

Obasa Returns Amid Uncertainty Over His Future

Following his re-election, Obasa assured Lagosians that the House would focus on enacting laws for the progress of the state. He expressed gratitude to Akande, Osoba, and other stakeholders for their intervention.

“We want to assure Lagosians that we are determined to serve and protect their interests always. What is happening here today shows that the Lagos State House of Assembly is capable and is a House of integrity. It is a House that has an internal mechanism to resolve issues in the interest of the institution and our party,” Obasa said.

However, questions remain over whether Obasa will abide by the earlier resolution proposed by the mediating panel, which suggested that he, too, should resign after his re-election to allow for a fresh leadership transition. While some APC sources indicated that Obasa’s resignation was initially part of the peace deal, recent comments from party officials suggest that he may remain in power indefinitely.

Chief Muraina Taiwo, a GAC member, stated, “The whole party is in support [of Obasa’s return]. You can see the resignation address of the former Speaker. She did it wholeheartedly and she abided by the decision of the party.”

When asked about the possibility of Obasa stepping down, Muraina said, “That is his own personal decision. If he chooses to resign tomorrow, fine; if he insists on staying on the seat, it’s left to him.”

Legal Battles and Ongoing Tensions

A significant question mark remains over the lawsuit filed by Obasa challenging his removal. His legal counsel, Chief Afolabi Fashanu (SAN), stated that Obasa has yet to decide whether to withdraw the suit. Justice Yetunde Pinheiro of the Lagos State High Court has set March 7, 2025, for the hearing of all pending applications.

“Withdrawing the case still has to be at his instance,” Fashanu said. “Just as you saw what transpired with respect to him coming back, he still has to formally brief us on what he wants us to do.”

Lawmakers Praise Meranda’s Leadership

Despite the turbulence, Meranda’s leadership was praised by her colleagues, who commended her selfless decision to step down.

“The entire chamber is in tears. You have restored the spirit of friendship, comradeship, and loyalty to this House,” lawmaker Temitope Adewale stated.

Another legislator, Tobun Abiodun, said, “You did very well, but as we know, we are politicians, and in politics, our party is supreme. Madam Speaker, I pray for you—may God Almighty be with you.”

Even actor-turned-lawmaker Desmond Elliot was visibly emotional and declined to speak during the session.

Tight Security at the Assembly Complex

Given the tensions surrounding the leadership tussle, security was significantly heightened at the Assembly complex. Operatives from the Lagos State Police Command, Lagos Neighbourhood Security Corps, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the Department of State Services were stationed around the premises. Journalists were denied entry until after 1 PM as strict screening measures were enforced.

The APC’s Official Position

In an official statement, the APC’s Lagos spokesperson, Seye Oladejo, congratulated Lagosians and the Assembly for reaching a peaceful resolution.

“As a truly democratic party, we refrained from needless interference in the affairs of the legislature, whose independence we hold in high esteem. However, when the conflict festered and defied all suggestions for settlement, we stepped in. Our role remained advisory, and the final decision was made within the House.”

The APC chairman, Cornelius Ojelabi, reaffirmed that Obasa’s return was the current resolution, and there were no immediate plans for him to step down.

“That’s where we resolved it. We just want peace in the House generally,” Ojelabi said.

What Next for the Lagos Assembly?

While Obasa’s return marks the end of an intense leadership crisis, lingering questions remain about his future. Will he uphold the previous agreement and resign in due time, or will he consolidate power further? For now, the APC seems to have found a temporary fix, but the political dynamics in Lagos suggest that further developments may unfold in the coming weeks.