Lifestyle
Makinde Kicks Off Oyo At 50 Celebration, Alaafin, Soun Absent
Two prominent monarchs in Oyo State, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, and the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Olaoye Ghandi, were conspicuously absent at the official flag-off of the state’s 50th anniversary celebration held on Monday.
The event, hosted at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, was attended by family members of former governors, traditional rulers, political leaders, religious figures, and top government officials.
However, the empty seats reserved for the two monarchs stirred fresh reactions, especially in light of the ongoing debate over the rotational leadership of the Oyo State Council of Obas.
Governor Seyi Makinde, while recently inaugurating Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, as chairman of the council, announced a new rotational structure for the leadership of the traditional council, which had previously been chaired permanently by the Alaafin.
While Makinde claimed the new arrangement had the backing of the Alaafin and Soun, the Alaafin quickly issued a rebuttal, saying he was never part of such discussions. Monday’s ceremony marked the first major state event since that controversy.
Makinde Cuts Anniversary Cake, Reflects On Legacy
Despite the absence of the two monarchs, the event proceeded with Governor Makinde delivering a keynote address and cutting the state’s golden jubilee cake.
He reiterated his administration’s focus on economic transformation, job creation, investment attraction, and inclusive development.
“The next 50 years must bring greater prosperity, fairness, dignity, and hope for all our citizens,” Makinde declared.
He paid tribute to former Governor Bola Ige, praising his focus on free education and equal opportunity, which he said shaped Oyo’s values and governance philosophy.
The governor also introduced a digital tribute platform where residents had submitted stories of opportunity, resilience, and enterprise as part of the celebration.
“These stories are not just tributes; they are evidence of opportunity, enterprise, hope, and belonging,” he said, citing one example of a youth corps member who invested his allowance in fashion design training during his NYSC year.
Earlier, the chairman of the anniversary planning committee and former House of Reps member, Saheed Fijabi, underscored the importance of the celebration as both a reflection of the past and a commitment to the future.
In his remarks, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, the Olubadan of Ibadan and new chairman of the Obas council, urged the government to remember unsung heroes and political leaders who played foundational roles in building the state. He named Chief Kolapo Ishola, Ahmed Gbadamosi, Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala, and others whose legacies still resonate in the state’s development.
Daily voice understands that the absence of both the Alaafin and Soun, particularly during such a landmark celebration, may point to deepening tensions within the traditional council, possibly linked to Makinde’s decision to restructure its leadership
Entertainment
Sisialagbo: Fears Grow as She Takes Serious Action After Husband’s Disturbing Post
There is growing concern over the whereabouts and well-being of popular herb vendor and influencer Eniola Sisialagbo after her sudden disappearance from Facebook.
A check on her page on Friday, May 1, showed that the account, which doubles as her business platform, has been locked and is no longer accessible to the public. The development has left many followers uneasy, especially coming on the heels of a troubling message shared by her husband, Akeem Adesola
Just a day before her page went private, Akeem had taken to Facebook with a short but alarming message:
“Oh Allah, save my wife.” The post immediately drew attention, with many questioning what might have gone wrong behind the scenes. At the time, the couple was already under intense public scrutiny following the circulation of their controversial private video online.
Before then, Akeem had issued a detailed public apology, accepting full responsibility for the viral incident. In his statement, he admitted that his actions had caused embarrassment and pain not only to his wife but also to family members, business associates, and supporters.
“I take full responsibility for my actions,” he wrote, describing the situation as a turning point in his life. He also appealed for forgiveness, promising to learn from the experience and rebuild trust moving forward.
Similarly, Sisialagbo had earlier addressed the issue in an emotional message, expressing regret and asking for understanding. “I own my mistakes and I apologize with all sincerity,” she wrote, adding that the situation had taken a heavy emotional toll on her.
Lifestyle
Ooni Congratulates Prince Adekanmbi As Oniko-Elect
The Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC), Arole Oodua Olofin Adimula and the Natural Head of the Oduduwa race worldwide, the Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II has congratulated Prince Sunday Adekanmbi Olayode Asinloye II on his emergence as the Oniko-Elect of Ikolaje Idiriko Kingdom in Ipokia Local Government Area of Ogun State.
Prince Adekanmbi was elected and formally appointed as the Oniko-Elect on 10th February, 2026, by the Ikolaje Idiriko Council of Kingmakers, following due traditional processes and consultations in line with the customs of the ancient kingdom.
In a press statement issued on Monday and signed by the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Ooni’s Palace, Otunba Moses Olafare, the Ooni described the emergence of Prince Adekanmbi as a testament to divine favour and the collective will of his people.
According to the statement, the Ooni commended the kingmakers for conducting a peaceful and credible selection process, noting that the stability of traditional institutions remains vital to cultural preservation and grassroots development across Yorubaland.
The Ooni urged the Oniko-Elect to embrace humility, wisdom and inclusiveness in the discharge of his royal duties, stressing that the throne is a sacred trust that demands selfless service, integrity and unwavering commitment to the welfare of the people.
He further prayed for divine guidance, long life and a peaceful reign for Prince Adekanmbi, expressing confidence that his ascension would usher in a new era of unity, growth and prosperity for Ikolaje Idiriko Kingdom.
The Ooni also reaffirmed the importance of synergy among traditional rulers in Ogun State and beyond, emphasising the need for collaboration in promoting peace, security and socio-economic advancement within their respective domains.
Signed,
Otunba Moses Olafare,
Director, Media & Public Affairs,
Ooni’s Palace,
Ile-Ife.
Lifestyle
Watch: Trending Video Of Gen. Diya Crying, Begging Late General Sani Abacha Surfaces Online
Former Ogun State Leader, General Oladipo Diya, grovelling at General Sani Abacha’s feet, crying and begging the late Head Of State over the 1997 coup allegation.
Gen. Diya was crossed examined at the Human Rights Violation Commission (HRVIC) on the coup plan 1997 to overthrow Gen. Sanni Abacha. He bluntly denied the fact that he was part of the plan but he admitted he knew about the plan.
He further explained that he was afraid of being killed by the Coup Master Planner if he revealed the plan. He denied pleading with Gen. Sanni Abacha but was shocked to see the video where he truly knelt down before Gen. Sanni Abacha as tendered by the Lawyer.
Gen. Diya Oladipo then was appointed as Chief of Defense Staff. He was appointed Chief of General Staff in 1993 and Vice Chairman of the Provisional Ruling Council in 1994. In 1997 Diya and dissident soldiers in the military allegedly planned to overthrow the regime of Sani Abacha.
The alleged coup was uncovered by forces loyal to Abacha, and Diya and his cohorts were jailed. Diya was tried in a military tribunal and was given the death penalty. pon the untimely death of Abacha in 1998, Diya was pardoned by the late Head of State’s successor, Abdusalami Abubakar.
Below is a leaked video clip
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