Fadairo made the pronouncement at a world press conference on Wednesday held at his private residence located within Government Reservation Area (GRA), Ibara, Abeokuta.

The octogenarian explained that having actively participated in the political landscape of Nigeria at both the state and national levels for several decades, he was convinced that he had made his contributions and fulfilled his obligations

‘Gentlemen of the Press, I warmly welcome you to my residence and appreciate your presence at this world press conference convened to formally announce my decision to resign and withdraw from partisan politics’, he said.

‘For the purpose of clarity and to dispel any possible misconceptions, I consider it necessary to clearly state that this decision is purely personal and devoid of any hidden motives or external pressures. It is a well-considered choice made after deep reflection.

‘Having actively participated in the political landscape of our great nation at both the state and national levels for several decades, I am convinced that I have made my contributions and fulfilled my obligations. I believe the time has come for me to step aside and take a well-deserved rest, in line with the timeless saying that there is a season for everything.

‘I wish to use this opportunity to express my profound gratitude to my family, political associates, supporters, and well-wishers, as well as media whose unwavering encouragement and support have been instrumental throughout my political journey.

‘Consequently, following my retirement from active politics, I hereby declare that, effective immediately, I shall no longer be affiliated with or aligned to any political party. I will henceforth assume the role of a father to all, maintaining neutrality and offering goodwill without partisan inclination’.

Fadairo, who is Asiwaju of Ifoland and Fiwagbayi of Egbaland, said he would, however, continued to work for the progress of his community and state, and will equally have time to discharge his traditional responsibilities as high chief.

‘Once again, I reiterate that I, Chief Joju Fadairo, from this day forward, remain non-partisan and will no longer be actively involved in politics. I extend my best wishes to all my political associates and wish them well in their various endeavours. Thank you all, and may God bless you abundantly’.

Nigeria’s immediate past High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola OFR, was one of the dignitaries present as the Egba Muslim Community on Tuesday, 30th June, 2026 held a special prayer session for Alhaja Fatimoh Jimoh.

The prayer session, which took place at LUKJIM Hotel and Resorts, Abeokuta, formed a segment of the week-long activities marking the 70th of the wife of Alhaji Nojeem Jimoh, veteran journalist and media consultant.

Leading the prayer session was the
Chief Imam of Egbaland, Sheikh Sa’adullah Bamgbola, supported by
many senior Muslim clerics across Egbaland.

Other dignitaries present apart from Ambassador Isola, who is the Baba Adinni of Yorubaland, Edo and Delta were his wife, Alhaja (Dr) Soliat Abolanle Isola; Dr Sunday Sotiloye, former Chief Medical Director of the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta; Alhaji Mikail Adegoke Mumuni, Publisher of The Shield Online; Asiwaju Kamaldeen Akintunde, Secretary of Ogun State Muslim Council; Alhaji Amusan Yusuf Olatunji, Seriki Adeen Gbagura Adatan Muslim and a host of others.

The government also issued a stern warning to residents against ignoring evacuation notices on distressed structures.

The Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Gbenga Omotoso, gave the warning on Friday while briefing journalists at the scene of the incident on behalf of Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

Omotoso said emergency responders moved swiftly to the site immediately after the collapse, resulting in the rescue of 27 persons.

“Our first duty is to commiserate with the families who lost their loved ones in this unfortunate incident.

“On behalf of Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, we sympathise with them and pray that such a tragedy never occurs again,” he said.

According to him, nine persons lost their lives in the collapse in spite of intensive rescue operations carried out throughout the night.

“By the grace of God, we have been able to rescue 27 people.

“Unfortunately, we lost nine persons and this is very sad. We share the pain of the affected families,” Omotoso said.

The commissioner disclosed that the collapsed building had previously been marked as defective, while occupants were directed to vacate the premises.

“As you can see, these buildings had been marked as distressed and people were asked to leave.

“Unfortunately, some residents returned after pretending to have moved out, leading to this tragic outcome,” he said.

He noted that other structurally defective buildings within the vicinity would be demolished to prevent future disasters.

“All the buildings that have been identified as defective will go down. We cannot wait until another tragedy occurs before taking action.

“The protection of lives remains our priority,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) on Thursday confirmed that 26 people were rescued alive following the early Wednesday collapse of a three-storey shopping complex in the Alakija area of Lagos.

The agency added that eight others, including a baby girl, lost their lives in the incident.

Omotoso commended LASEMA, Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the police, military, neighbourhood safety personnel and other emergency responders for their prompt intervention.

“I must commend all our emergency responders who worked tirelessly throughout the night to save lives and bring the situation under control,” he said.

The commissioner stressed that residents must place greater value on human life than economic activities.

“The most important lesson from this incident is that nobody should prioritise livelihood over life.

“Once life is lost, everything is lost. No business is worth risking human lives for,” he said.

Omotoso also condemned the construction and occupation of buildings under high-tension power lines, describing the practice as dangerous and unacceptable.

“It is not done in any civilised society. Such developments show disregard for safety regulations and contempt for the law.

“Government will continue to clamp down on such violations,” he said.

He assured residents that a full investigation had commenced into the collapse and that those found culpable would face prosecution.

“The owners of the building are under investigation. Anybody found complicit in this tragedy will face the law.

“They will be prosecuted because no one is above the law,” Omotosho said.

He added that most of the rescued victims did not suffer life-threatening injuries, while those requiring further medical attention had been taken to hospitals for treatment.

The commissioner reiterated the government’s commitment to enforcing building safety regulations and preventing avoidable disasters across the state.

Other officials at the briefing were the Commissioner for Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Relations, Mr Gbenga Oyerinde and LASEMA’s Permanent Secretary Dr Olufemi Osanyintolu.

On 21st June, 2026, at about 1600hrs, a report was received at Owode-Egba Police Station regarding suspicious circumstances at the residence of one Madam Olakitan Oyesiku. Preliminary information indicated that the front door of the residence had been partially damaged while the security house within the compound was found locked, prompting immediate police intervention.

Police detectives were immediately mobilised to the scene. Upon gaining access to the premises, the lifeless body of Pelumi Adetayo ‘m’ aged 38 years, the security guard, was discovered inside the security house, while the body of Madam Olakitan Oyesiku was found lying in a pool of blood within the living room of the main building.

The crime scene was scientifically processed. Preliminary investigation further revealed that a Lexus RX 330 vehicle belonging to the deceased was missing from the compound, raising suspicion of robbery and murder.

Consequently, the Command launched intensive investigation, intelligence gathering, and technical tracking operations aimed at identifying those responsible and recovering the missing vehicle.

Acting on credible intelligence and technical tracking analysis, operatives of the Command successfully traced and recovered the missing Lexus RX 330 vehicle belonging to the deceased on 22nd June, 2026. Although the ignition key had been removed and the registration number plates detached from the vehicle, detectives recovered the vehicle’s registration plate concealed underneath one of the seats, which enabled investigators to positively identify and confirm the vehicle as the property of Madam Olakitan Oyesiku.

One critical piece of evidence recovered from the scene was a handwritten note apparently left behind by the perpetrators. The note was subjected to forensic examination and analysis, which generated valuable investigative leads that significantly aided detectives in identifying and tracing those responsible for the crime.

Further intelligence gathering and painstaking investigation led to the identification and arrest of the principal suspect, Sodeinde Olajuwon Philip ‘m’ aged 22 years, on 24th June, 2026, at a construction site in Ibara GRA, Abeokuta, where he was working as a labourer.

Further follow-up operations by detectives of the Command led to the successful arrest of Sakirudeen Abdulraheem Ayoola ‘m’ aged 27 years, a security guard, and Sobu Obafunsho ‘m’ aged 36 years, a bricklayer, thereby bringing into custody all identified suspects directly linked to the criminal conspiracy.

During interrogation, Sodeinde Olajuwon Philip made a confessional statement, admitting his involvement in the murder of Madam Olakitan Oyesiku. He further disclosed that he had recruited Sakirudeen Abdulraheem Ayoola ‘m’ aged 27 years and Sobu Obafunsho ‘m’ aged 36 years to participate in the crime.

According to his confessional statement, the suspect planned and coordinated the attack following grievances with the deceased during the period he worked as a security guard in her employment.

The suspect stated that the murder of Madam Olakitan Oyesiku was intended to “teach her a lesson”.

The suspects carried out the act on Saturday, 20th June, 2026, in the afternoon. According to the statement, they first overpowered the security guard, Pelumi Adetayo ‘m’ aged 38 years, and used him to gain access to the residence. Upon gaining entry, they attacked Madam Olakitan Oyesiku and subsequently murdered the security guard.

After committing the crime, the suspects fled the scene with the deceased’s Lexus RX 330 vehicle, which was later recovered through intelligence-led and technical tracking operations at Onikolobo area of Ogun state.

The criminal conspiracy involving Sodeinde Olajuwon Philip ‘m’ aged 22 years, Sakirudeen Abdulraheem Ayoola ‘m’ aged 27 years, and Sobu Obafunsho ‘m’ aged 36 years ultimately resulted in the tragic deaths of both Madam Olakitan Oyesiku and her security guard, Pelumi Adetayo ‘m’ aged 38 years.

Following the suspects confessional statements, detectives conducted further searches at locations linked to them. During the operation, a broken hammer, a cutlass, a plank, a black pen, and other relevant exhibits connected to the investigation were recovered.

The Ogun State Police Command wishes to emphasize that while the suspects have made useful statements and substantial evidence has been recovered in the course of the investigation, all suspects remain entitled to due process under the law. Investigation is ongoing to consolidate all available evidence and ensure diligent prosecution of all suspects connected with the crime.

The Command remains committed to ensuring that justice is served and that all persons connected with this heinous crime are brought to book.

The suspension, said to be with immediate effect, was issued by the Council Secretary and Seriki of Imo Township, Chief Emmanuel Olaotan Olude in consent with the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Aremu Gbedebo.
The order said Joseph should henceforth desist from parading himself as Baale of Olojede.

‘On the directive of His Royal Majesty, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, CFR, the Okukenu IV, The Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, please be informed that you have been placed on indefinite suspension with immediate effect’, the suspension letter reads.

‘The foregoing action is necessary as a result of your unbecoming and traditionally unacceptable steps taken in settling certain grievances which include but not limited to taking a legal action against the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland and general abuse of your chieftaincy title.

‘In view of this, you are hereby expected to desist from parading yourself as Baale of Olojede Village or as any other chieftaincy title holder in any of the suburb of Imo Township until further notice’.

The Alake of Egbaland had earlier written the Imo traditional council to place the community head on suspension, adding that it is on record that he (Joseph) has taken a legal action against the Alake.

Oba Gbadebo, in the letter addressed to Chief Babatunde Akeem Adesina, Odofin Imo, titled ‘Suspension of Chief Olakunle Olalekan Joseph as Baale Olojede Village, Orile Imo’, emphaised that the suspended chief has been found wanting in action – which is unbecoming and unacceptable.

‘You are no doubt aware of the unbecoming and traditionally unacceptable steps being taken by the above-named in settling certain grievances. It is on record that Chief Olakunle Olalekan Joseph, Baale Olojede Village, Orile-Imo, has taken a legal action against the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland’, Alake’s letter reads.

‘In view of this, I hereby direct the Imo Traditional Council to take an appropriate action by placing the erring Baale on indefinite suspension with immediate effect, please.Thank you for your usual co-operation’.

As part of preparations for the projects, the Office of Infrastructure in the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure held a stakeholders’ engagement meeting with residents and other affected parties to discuss the scope of work, expected benefits, and possible disruptions during construction.

Speaking at the meeting, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Infrastructure, Mr. Olufemi Daramola, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Office of Infrastructure, Mr. Tokunbo Oyenuga, urged residents to cooperate with the government to facilitate the timely completion of the projects.

According to him, the roads will be reconstructed with concrete pavement technology and complemented with solar-powered street lighting and other modern infrastructure aimed at improving durability, safety, and traffic flow within the estate.

He added that the Ministry would continue to engage stakeholders throughout the project cycle to ensure effective implementation and sustainability of the infrastructure. He also advised property owners to adhere to approved building limits and avoid encroaching on road setbacks.

Responding on behalf of residents, Chairman of the Ikeja GRA Residents Association, Mr. Muiz Banire, represented by Mr. Ade Atobatele, commended the state government for addressing critical infrastructure needs in the area.

He noted that improved road infrastructure would enhance mobility, support economic activities, and contribute to the overall development of the state.

While expressing support for the initiative, he appealed to the government to ensure the timely completion of the projects to minimise disruptions to residents and businesses.

“We urge the government to ensure prompt completion of the road projects to minimise the hardship that residents and businesses may experience during construction. We assure the government of the maximum cooperation of residents towards the success of the projects,” he said.

The contractors handling the projects assured stakeholders of their commitment to delivering the roads on schedule, describing the works as an investment in community growth and long-term development.

Stakeholders at the meeting also called on the government to address concerns raised during the engagement process to ensure the successful execution of the projects.

According to the Yoruba think tank in a statement released on suddenly and signed by its National Organising Secretary, Otunba Kole Omololu, Governor Sanwo-Olu’s successful hosting of over 200 potential investors at the Invest Lagos 3.0 Summit, held on June 8 and 9, 2026, at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos State, in partnership with the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CWEIC), is a significant achievement that deserves national recognition.

The statement reads in part, “These are the kinds of visionary initiatives Nigerians expect from their governors, particularly at a time when increased fiscal resources made available through the economic reforms of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu have created new opportunities for subnational governments to drive development and attract investment.

“By assembling an impressive lineup of distinguished global leaders and economic stakeholders, including Lord Marland, Chairman of the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council, and Wamkele Mene, Secretary-General of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, Governor Sanwo-Olu has demonstrated through concrete action that Nigeria remains a safe, viable, and attractive destination for investment.

“Today, no governor in Nigeria has done more to positively project the image of our country on the global stage than Governor Sanwo-Olu. His administration has consistently leveraged innovation, culture, tourism, and economic diplomacy to showcase the immense potential of Lagos and Nigeria.” The statement said.

The statement added that, “from the highly successful Detty December initiative, which attracted approximately 1.2 million visitors to Nigeria in 2025, to hosting the prestigious E1 World Championship electric powerboat racing event, and to the remarkable expansion of Lagos’ economy to an estimated GDP of $259 billion based on Purchasing Power Parity (PPP), making it the second-largest city economy in Africa after Cairo, Governor Sanwo-Olu has continued to set new benchmarks for subnational leadership.

“Afenifere is proud of these achievements and firmly believes that they exemplify the type of visionary, development-driven leadership required to reposition Nigeria for sustained economic growth, prosperity, and global competitiveness.

“Afenifere, therefore, urges other state governors to emulate this model of governance by pursuing initiatives that attract investment, create jobs, stimulate economic growth, and strengthen Nigeria’s standing among the comity of nations,” it said.

Sanwo-Olu issued the congratulatory message in a statement released on Friday morning following the declaration of Dr. Obafemi Hamzat as winner of the direct primary election that was held across the State on Thursday.

The Governor stated that the huge numbers of party faithful that thronged different polling centres was a reflection of the confidence reposed in Dr. Hamzat to consolidate the audacious and transformative leadership of the current administration.

Sanwo-Olu expressed gratitude to all members of the party in Lagos for their show of love, loyalty and solidarity with the leadership and conducting themselves in orderly manner since the start of the primary election process.

The Governor charged members not to relent on their efforts, noting that there is more to be done in the run up to the general elections next year.

“On behalf of my family, I congratulate Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat on his emergence as the standard bearer of our great party, the All Progressives Congress, in next year’s gubernatorial election in Lagos. It is my belief that your personal vision for the continuous growth and development of our State will be for the benefit of all,” Sanwo-Olu said.

NextGENE Advocate, a Nigerian US-based non-governmental organization, has admonished the Nigerian youth to prioritise, among others, genotype compatibility before choosing their life partners.

The advice was given at a one-day sensitization workshop organized by NextGENE Advocate, in collaboration with the National Association of Psychology Students (NAPS), LASU Chapter. The event was held Wednesday, May 20 at the faculty of Social Sciences of the Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo Campus, with the theme: “Genotype Compatibility and Sickle Cell Anemia: Looking beyond physical, emotional, and material factors before choosing life partner.”

In her remarks, the convener of the workshop and Founder of NextGENE Advocate, Miss Bisola Osundairo, said acting foolishly while in love and choosing wrongly matched genotype, would lead to far-reaching personal and social consequences.

“The stats are griming. The excruciating pains that sickle cell patients and survivors go through is heartbreaking. The cost of maintaining them is totally out of pocket. We can’t continue to act ignorantly,” Osundairo warned.

Stressing the emergency status of the subject matter, Osundairo noted that “It is high time we make informed decisions about choosing our life partners. Health status, genotype compatibility, among others, are priorities that we must not joke hence.”

*Osundairo

According to World Health Organisation, Nigeria hosts the world’s largest and contributes roughly one-third of global annual Sickle Cell Disorder (SCD) births. 40-50 million Nigerians, about 1/7th of the entire population, carries sickle cell genes (AS trait). Roughly 4-6 million Nigerians currently living with SCD and about 150,000 Nigerian children, from the 7-8 million born annually, according to UNICEF, are birthed with SCD.

Statistics also show that in most African countries, including Nigeria, 50% to 90% of children born with SCD may die before age five, suggesting about 100,000 or more infant mortality annually in the country.

“This scary reality can be prevented with knowledge to aid informed decisions.Students and young adults must embrace the importance of premarital counselling, genotype screening, new born testing, and public healthcare awareness campaign as this one,” Mr. Tayo Sekoni, a Psychology Lecturer at LASU, told the listening students.

Miss Modupe Adedayo, President, NAPS-LASU, who was accompanied by the Speaker of the parliament of students group, Francis Abiola, said it was important for young people to look beyond the surface before considering a life partner.

“All that glitters are not gold. We must use the knowledge being passed here wisely and make informed decisions in choosing our life partners. We must not base everything off of social media frenzies. Life is much more complex than that,” she said,

In their submissions, the duos of Dr. Precious Pelumi Dasaolu, the Founder of Your Pad Partner, who delivered the keynote address, and Miss Anabaraonye Oluchi Mercy, a sickle cell warrior, provided illuminating context and vivid visualization of the topic sentence.

In her lecture, Dasaolu defined Sickle Cell disease as an inherited blood disorder caused by abnormal hemoglobin called “sickle-shaped” cells.

According to her, the infected “sickle-shaped” cells does a lot of damages to the smooth operational activities of the entire body system by “blocking blood vessels, reduce oxygen supplies, damage organs, and causes body breakdown frequently and rapidly.”

The Medical Doctor stressed that often times, this situation leads to a dilemma for sickle cell patients and survivors, as they experience unbearable and recurrent pains all over their body, regardless of whether or not they have access to quality medical care. She said this pain is medically classified as Vaso-Occlusive Crises.

According to her, “the pain would trigger when the sickle cell becomes rigid and sticky due to the blockage of blood flow in their typical tiny vessel, thereby causing severe bone pain, chest pain, abdominal pain, joint pain, stroke risk, and organ damage.

“This is why the theme of this event – Genotype Compatibility and Sickle Cell Anemia: Looking beyond physical, emotional and material factors before choosing life partner” is apt and very important. We must realise our marital actions carry weighty consequences. For us and for our unborn children. This is why we must act right and take informed decisions,” Dasaolu pleaded with the students.

She explained that in all the classifications of blood groups and genotypes available, “AA genotype with positive Rhesus factor, is the only healthy and safer blood type that can cohabit and successfully produce healthy offspring without sickle cell disease.”

The workshop became emotionally sobering, when Miss Anabaraonye, took her turn, to share what she has been going through as a sickle cell carrier and survivor.

“Yes, I am a beautiful young lady. I have dreams and desires just like every one of you. But my condition – sickle cell disorder – has stripped me off the opportunity to live the kind of life I have wanted to live,” she started, sobbing quietly and fighting off balls of tears rolling down her cheeks.

She said everything was normal with her, as she had a memorable childhood, filled with parent love and care, until two years ago, well into adulthood, when the Vaso-Occlusive Crises begun.

“You would say I look beautiful, yes I know that, but If I open my body to you, you will all cry for me,” she exhaled.

According to her, the regular, compulsory and frequent injections she takes have damaged her skill tissues, have caused sourness and inflicting unhealed scars al over her delicate and tender skins.

“I have open wounds all over me,” she added, making the audience pay more attention.

She said her situation is a normal occurrence for every SCD carieer, particularly those with crises.

“This is because sickle cell patients have tiny and invisible veins. It is always difficult to locate it during injections. Yet, one must take injection multiple times to prevent serious crises.,” she noted.

Anabaraonye said she used to be a Caterer with busy schedules to cater for client, until her crisis started two years ago.

“In the last two years ago, my life has turned upside down. I have lost my business because I do not have the energy and health to cater for my clients anymore. I have also lost my relationship.

“Nobody is willing to marry me because SCD is quite expensive to manage. You have to visit the hospital every time, take injections, run tests, abstain from certain foods, drink certain water, always in a ventilated and airconditioned environment and in addition, providing emotional supports. No man seems to be willing to do this,” she added, forcing the listening students into emotional display.
END

EBC Financial Group (EBC) recently visited Isolo Junior Secondary School in Lagos and donated notebooks and school bags as part of its community initiative supporting education in Nigeria.

According to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), access to education remains a major national challenge across Nigeria. About 10.5 million children aged 5 to 14 are not in school, while only 61% of children aged 6 to 11 regularly attend primary school. Against this backdrop, EBC’s visit focused on one immediate need within the school environment: helping students access essential school materials needed for writing, organising their work and participating in daily lessons.

EBC handed over 250 notebooks and 47 school bags to the school management, led by Principal Mrs Adewole F.A. and Vice Principal Mrs Ajawuihe.

Supporting Daily Learning

Books and school bags are everyday school essentials, but they play an important role in helping students stay prepared for classroom lessons. The visit also gave EBC representatives the opportunity to meet and spend time with the school’s representatives and students.

“It was a privilege to visit Isolo Junior Secondary School and spend time with the school community,” said David Precious, Project Coordinator for EBC’s Isolo Junior Secondary School Initiative. “Items such as notebooks and school bags are simple, but they are used every day in the classroom. We are glad to contribute in a practical way and hope these materials help students feel more prepared for their daily schoolwork.”

The school’s management received the donation on behalf of the students and expressed appreciation for the support.

Part of EBC’s Wider Community Work

The visit forms part of EBC’s wider community work across education and health. Alongside this education initiative in Lagos, EBC also supports the United to Beat Malaria programme, as malaria continues to affect communities across Nigeria.

In 2026, EBC served as a Gold Sponsor of the Move Against Malaria 5K (MAM5K) Virtual event and extended its partnership with the programme by three years.

Through its local and global initiatives, EBC continues to support communities through practical action and sustained engagement.