Category: News

MURIC urges Oyo Muslim Community to appoint and Turban Chief Imam without delay

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has called on the Muslim community of Oyo town to immediately appoint and turban their Chief Imam, bypassing the traditional involvement of the Alaafin of Oyo. This directive was coming in response to the controversial appointment of Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo, a decision currently under legal scrutiny.   In a statement released on Saturday, January 11, 2025, Professor Ishaq Akintola, the Executive Director of MURIC, emphasized the need for the Muslim community to act independently in appointing their religious…

Edo State Govt pledges justice for 12-Year-Old Gang Rape Victim, Three Suspects in Custody

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Edo State Government has vowed to secure justice for a 12-year-old girl who was allegedly gang-raped by five men on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2024, in Igiafodo Awuyemi, Okpella, Etsako East Local Government Area. Mrs. Edesili Anani, Administrator of the Office of the Edo State First Lady, made this commitment during a visit to the victim, Esther, at the Daisy Ehanire Danjuma Centre. She assured that the perpetrators would face the full wrath of the law under the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law. “The Edo State Government will…

Kingmakers reject Owoade’s Appointment as Alaafin of Oyo, demand adherence to Tradition

Emporium Reporters

A major dispute has erupted in Oyo as the town’s kingmakers have rejected the appointment of Prince Abimbola Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo, a decision announced by Governor Seyi Makinde. In a statement released on Friday, five kingmakers declared the appointment null and void, stating it did not follow the traditional selection process outlined in the Alaafin of Oyo Chieftaincy Declaration of 1961 and 1967.   According to the kingmakers, Prince Lukman Adelodun Gbadegesin was the legitimate candidate, chosen by the majority vote during a meeting held on…

NYSC confirms increase in Corps Members’ allowance to N77,000

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has confirmed that Corps Members will soon begin receiving an increased monthly allowance of Seventy-Seven Thousand Naira (N77,000). This confirmation was made by the Director General of the NYSC, Brigadier General YD Ahmed, during the commissioning of a 32-seater bus donated by Capital Express Insurance Company in Abuja. He assured Corps Members that all necessary arrangements for the commencement of the new allowance have been finalized. “The Director General of National Youth Service Corps, Brigadier General YD Ahmed, has assured Corps Members that the…

MURIC decries Makinde’s Appointment of Alaafin, Citing Legal Implications

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has condemned the appointment of Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo, described it as illegal, illegitimate, unlawful, and unconstitutional. The Oyo State government, through its Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, announced the appointment on Friday, 10th January 2025.   MURIC emphasized that the appointment is subjudice due to a pending court case regarding the selection process. The condemnation was issued in a press statement by Barrister Abdulwaheed Lawal, Chairman of MURIC’s Oyo State chapter, and Ambassador Mallam Ibrahim…

MURIC Celebrates ACADIP’s 30 Years of Da’wah Excellence

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has praised the Academy of Islamic Propagation (ACADIP) Nigeria as it mark 30 years of dedicated da’wah activities. The five-day event, which commenced on Wednesday, 8th January 2025, is set to culminate on Sunday, 12th January 2025, at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan.   In a statement released on Friday, 10th January 2025, and signed by its Oyo State Chairman, Barrister Abdulwaheed Lawal, and Secretary, Ambassador Mallam Ibrahim Agunbiade, MURIC lauded ACADIP for its outstanding contributions to Islamic propagation through comparative da’wah.  …

MURIC applauds TVC’s Resilience as New Eko Atlantic City Facility Opens Four Years After #EndSARS Attack

Lukman Laleye Babalola

Television Continental (TVC) has unveiled a state-of-the-art facility at Eko Atlantic City, Lagos, marking a major comeback four years after its Ketu-Ikosi headquarters was destroyed during the #EndSARS protests. The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has commended this milestone, praising TVC’s resilience and dedication to press freedom.   In a statement released on Thursday, 9th January 2025, MURIC’s Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, congratulated TVC, describing the new location as a triumph over adversity. He highlighted the significance of the media in sustaining democracy and condemned all forms of violence against…

Makinde announces Prince Abimbola Owoade as new Alaafin of Oyo

Lukman Laleye Babalola

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has appointed Prince Abimbola Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo. The decision, based on the recommendation of the Oyomesi, the traditional kingmakers, aimed to continue the legacy of the revered late monarch who passed away on April 22, 2022.   Prince Abimbola Owoade, a scion of the Agunloye ruling house, is known for his deep-rooted knowledge of Yoruba culture and traditions. He holds a degree in Public Administration and has been actively involved in community development projects across Oyo State. His background in traditional…

MMIA Customs Command surpasses 2024 Revenue Target by 20%, Records ₦71.6 Billion

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has achieved a historic milestone by generating ₦71.63 billion in revenue for the year 2024, significantly surpassing its target of ₦56.86 billion. This achievement marks a 20% increase over the set target and is the highest revenue ever recorded by the command.   Comptroller Effiong John Harrison, the Customs Area Controller (CAC), disclosed these figures during a meeting with his management team. He expressed pride in the command’s unprecedented performance, highlighted that July 2024 was particularly outstanding,…

Tinubu Decorates ADC, Lt. Col. Nurudeen Yusuf, with Colonel Rank

Emporium Reporters

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially decorated his Aide-de-Camp (ADC), Lieutenant Colonel Nurudeen Alonwonle Yusuf, with the rank of Colonel. The brief ceremony took place at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Thursday, in the presence of Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, the ADC’s wife, and other distinguished guests.   Lt. Col. Yusuf, who has served as the President’s ADC since April 2023, has an impressive military background. After earning an Ordinary National Diploma in Computer Science from Offa Polytechnic in 2000, he joined the Nigerian Defence Academy in Kaduna. Yusuf’s…