**Describes it as empty threat

**It’s affront to my authority, Alaafin

The Spokesperson for Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, Moses Olafare, , has explained the reasons why the monarch will not react to the 48-hour threat by the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, to reverse the title conferred on a popular Ibadan-based business mogul, Dotun Sanusi as the Okanlomo of Yorubaland.

Olafare, in a Facebook post on Tuesday, disclosed that Oba Ogunwusi had particularly directed him to ignore the revered Oyo monarch.

According to him, the Ooni will not dignify what he described as “undignifyable” with an official response, stressing that he had left the matter to be handled in the public court of opinion.

He wrote, “My principal has directed me against issuing a press release on the empty threat. I beg to disappoint you, gentlemen of the press.

“We can not dignify the undignifyable with an official response. We leave the matter to be handled in the public court of opinion, as it is already being treated.

“Let’s rather focus on narratives that unite us rather than the ones capable of dividing us. No press release, please. 48 hours my foot!”

Oba Owoade described the Ooni’s action as an “affront” after he issued a 48-hour ultimatum for the revocation of the chieftaincy title.

He also claimed it was a direct challenge to his authority.

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, has given the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, a 48-hour ultimatum to revoke the Okanlomo of Yorubaland chieftaincy title recently conferred on Ibadan business tycoon, Engineer Dotun Sanusi.

In a statement on Monday signed by his Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, the Alaafin described the Ooni’s action as an “affront.”

He also claimed it was a direct challenge to his authority.

The Alaafin reiterated that he holds the exclusive right to bestow titles that cover the entire Yorubaland.

“The conferment of a Yoruba-wide chieftaincy title by the Ooni is not only ultra vires but an insult to the Titan of Yorubaland.

“The Supreme Court itself has ruled that only the Alaafin has such authority. Yet, the Ooni continues to act above the law, trampling on both tradition and the courts.”

The Alaafin warned that if the Ooni fails to withdraw the title within 48 hours, “consequences will follow.”

Recall in 1991, a similar occurrence happened when the late Alaafin, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, wrote to the military governor of Oyo State, Colonel Abdulkareem Adisa, to inform him about an aberration by the late Ooni, Oba Okunade Sijuade, of conferring an imaginary chieftaincy title of Akinrogun of Yorubaland on the National Chairman of the National Republican Convention, Chief Tom Ikimi.

Oba Adeyemi described Oba Sijuade’s action as an outright desecration of the sacred institution, especially when such abuses come from quarters that are expected to protect and embellish such institutions.

** Launches Iwere Trust Fund, ITF with Steven Hundred & Fifty Million Naira

The Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, says without laying the right foundation for repentance, true reconciliation cannot occur in the desire to achieve peace and unity.

The Monarch made the declaration at the Olu Palace in Warri, Delta State, Thursday August 21, when representatives of various families, communities and groups, paid him homage as part of activities to celebrate his 4th year anniversary as Olu of Warri.

The King, who spoke in Itsekiri and English Languages intermittently, averred inter-alia: “For as much as we all desire peace and unity, it has to be on the right foundation of repentance, without which, true reconciliation cannot occur.

“As long as all these conditions are in place, that door will remain open and we shall achieve the peace and progress, we all desire as a United Kingdom.

“Amongst us, they are still a few, who remain aggrieved and continue to justify their course of action, as long as they are Itsekiri, they remain our children.

“For me, this is more than a show or a celebration, it is a sign of God’s kindness, his blessings and his love towards us. We will continue to acknowledge history and fact in our life.

“In this past years, there have been many storms, even though we still have a long way to go, we remain resolute, committed to ensuring that the affairs and direction of Itsekiri Nation, does not go off from us.

“As we remain alive to our responsibilities, God will bless us and will not let us see shame. Beyond that He will lead us to the path of restoration.

“We are not under illusion that this is a kingdom of only domesticated animals, the king is the keeper of the forest, and he’s responsible for balancing the ecosystem between the wild and the domesticated animals and every animal has its use and it is the responsibility of the keeper of the forest to ensure that natural equilibrium, is firmly in place.

“There must be order and as far Itsekiri is concerned, the Palace under Ogiame, remains the rallying point and pacesetter for that order.

“As a father, I encourage you all, let us continue to be kind to one another, let us be supportive to each other, let us patronize each other and be our brother’s keeper.

“God has already blessed us. But He will not leave his throne to come down and help us.

“If we keep perpetuating the notion that we cannot trust ourselves, we are only delaying the breakthrough that we so desperately desire. We have torn ourselves and pulled ourselves down long enough, the truth must be spoken and it must be spoken with love.”

The Olu of Warri, added: “I want to use this as an opportunity to announce the activation of Iwere Trust Fund, ITF, of which I am the chairman. I am personally funding this trust with the sum of seven hundred and fifty million naira (N750,000,000.00). This trust, is for the development of our people and our home.

“I am leading by example and I have put my own resources into this vehicle, a vehicle that God willing, will inspire much progress and development for our people. Eyiwe ewa di akpeunje,

“I invite all well-meaning sons and daughter of Iwere, our friends, our partners and those that believe in what we have set out to do, to come and join us in this effort to build Iwere.”

Below is the complete speech of the Warri Monarch:

4TH CORONATION ANNIVERSARY

Omiwere dede, Mo ki aghan!

Oton mi dede, mo ki aghan!!

ene mu ranran gb’orukor Oluwa

tay S’Oritse, bo ko ene ma ka gha sin?

Ayiri Orukor Oritse gbegberegbe

Onuway, ofor mi a wa yay by

mo bie, aghan re tin

We acknowledge the presence of all our dignitaries and guests who have come from far and wide

The representative of HE The Gov of Delta state, Rt Hon Momotimi Guwor. Your excellency, we thank you for the very kind words.

The rep of the SGF

The rep of the DG DSS

The representative of the service chiefs here present

The CP of our great state,

The LG chairmen of Warri north and Warri south.

The representative of our royal brother, Agabaidu, the Onu Igala.

We acknowledge & appreciate your presence here with us today

We thank and appreciate all Omiwere for coming out in their large numbers this week, to join us in celebrating how far God has helped us.

I am truly overwhelmed. I am humbled. We set out in planning to make this years celebration a low key one. But for all that we tried to do, its as though even the land itself did not want it to be quiet or small. For me this is more than a show, or a celebration. It is a sign of God’s kindness, His Blessings and His love towards us.

We will continue to acknowledge this truth and fact in our lives.

In this last year, there have been many storms, many winds, many shakings.

Kenike de, Oritse gbi-ene queer aghan ren

Even though we still have a long way to go, we remain resolute, we remain determined and committed to ensuring that the affairs and direction of the Itsekiri nation, does not go off course.

As we remain alive to our responsibilities, God will bless our efforts and not let us see shame.

And beyond that, He will lead us into the path of reclamation and restoration that comes with recompense.

Amongst us, there are still a few who remain aggrieved, and continue to justify their course of action. As long as they’re Itsekiri, they remain our children.

For as much as we all desire peace and unity, it has to be on the right foundation of repentance, without which, true reconciliation can NOT occur. And as long as those conditions are in place, that door will remain open, and we shall achieve the peace and progress that we all desire as a united people.

We are not under any illusion that this is a kingdom of only domesticated animals. The king is the keeper of the forest, and he is responsible for balancing the ecosystem between the wild and the domesticated animals. And every animal has its use, and it is the responsibility of the keeper of the forest to ensure that the natural equilibrium is firmly in place.

There must be order, and as far as Itsekiri is concerned, the palace under Ogiame, remains the rallying point, and the pace setter for that order.

As father, I encourage you all, let us continue to be kind to one another. Let us be a upportive to each other. Let us Patronise each other and be our brothers keepers.

God has already blessed us. But He will not leave His throne in heaven to come down and help us.

Olaja-yibo nokan, e wa mini m’utieyin gbene

Aghan to su se kpo-nokan, e wa mini m’utieyin gbene

Ene nokan, owun e wa m’utieyin gbar-ene

And if we keep perpetuating the notion, that we cannot trust ourselves, then we are only delaying the breakthrough that we so desperately desire as a people.

We have torn at ourselves and pulled ourselves down long enough.

The truth must be spoken, but it should be spoken in love.

I want to use this as an opportunity to announce, the activation of the Iwere Trust Fund, ITF, of which I am the chairman.

I have personally funded the trust with the amount of N750million. This trust, is for the development of our people and our home.

I am leading by example, and I have put my own resources into this vehicle, that God willing, will inspire much progress and development for our people.

Eyi we, e wa kpin ogho we

(Kpenje no de inside this one)

It is for sewing & cultivating seeds of development for Itsekiri.

I invite all well meaning sons and daughters of Iwere, our friends, our partners, and those that believe in what we are set out to do. Come and join us in this effort to rebuild Iwere Nation.

I continue to encourage every one of you, not to loose hope, and also encourage you, to renew your mind. A former mentor always reminds me when he speaks to me: He quotes the book of 2 Chronicles 2:11 and he always turns that into a prayer: It is because God loved Israel, that He made Solomon King over them.

It is because God loves Itsekiri, that He has given us Ogiame.

Oton mi, God has put the love and care for you my people, in my heart. And He will enable and equip me to adequately manifest that to you.

Not only is our destiny the blessing of this nation, our transformative story, is also the testimony of this nation.

Ale we, wa san gbaghan

E wan su bi gb’aghan

Aranini, we se t’aghan

Emikiko, we se t’aghan

Niba Oritse, Itsekiri ra re n’ogua

D’Oritse gb’aghab winoron

Doh san gb’aghan

Aja mo ki aghan

Warri NASS Member, Chief Ereyitomi, felicitates Olu of Warri, Atuwstse III, on his fourth Coronation Anniversary

By: Celestine Ukah 

The Member representing Warri Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives and Chairman of the House Committee on Petroleum Resources Training Funds, Hon. Chief Dr. Thomas Ereyitomi, has felicitated the Olu of Warri Kingdom, His Majesty Ogiame Atuwstse III CFR, on the occasion of his Fourth coronation anniversary celebration.

Hon. Ereyitomi, while extending his goodwill message to the revered Warri monarch on Thursday, August 21, 2025, hailed the Olu of Warri for piloting the affairs of Warri Kingdom since he ascended the throne of his forefathers, describing him as a results-oriented royal father.

He commended Ogiame Atuwstse III CFR for his visionary leadership in attracting development to Warri Kingdom and for creating an enabling environment as well as empowerment for the people.

Chief Ereyitomi, on behalf of his family and the good people of Warri Federal Constituency, prayed to God to grant the royal father good health, more wisdom, and years of celebration.

The Warri Federal lawmaker urged Warri Federal constituents to continue to be united in order to move the domain forward.

NSC Intensifies Grassroots Sports Intensifies Grassroots Sports Development For Olympics Podium Performances

Podium performances at the Olympics are not accidental hence there must be a deliberate and intentional effort to develop sports at the grassroots as a driver for sustained success at the highest level.

This was the view of National Sports Commission Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko while hosting the victorious TIG Nigeria gymnastics team just back from the African International Club Championship in South Africa. To this end, the National Sports Commission is pursuing aggressive development of all sports to the grassroots.

His words, “Our eyes are on the big prizes at the highest level such as the African Games, Commonwealth Games and Olympics that is why we have set up the Elite Athletes Development and Podium Board to ensure sustained and professional elite Atheletics Development. But we also know that we have to develop these podium performers from the grassroots because you cannot build a house from the top. For a sustained success at the Olympics levels, we have to make sure that the conveyor belt of talents is strengthened.

“I have tasked the TIG gymnastics coach to give us a roadmap for the development pathway of these gymnasts, so that we know the ones that we can pick up and nurture with a projection on either the 2028 Olympics or beyond. This is so because I know that the peak period of gymnasts is actually in their teenage years.

“Before the Olympics, we have to target the Youth Olympics and we will be deliberate about this with specific athletes in mind. I monitored your performances in South Africa because I was getting regular updates and I must commend you. It is heart-warming to note that you have started winning at this early stage and hopefully, you will win medals for Nigeria at the Olympics.”

He assured the gymnasts and their parents of the Commission’s support as well as improved facilities.

“You can be assured that we will provide the enablers to ensure that you take this to the next level. Similarly we know that gymnastics is heavily dependent on modern equipment and we will do our best to make sure that you have the facilities that will help you actualize this goal”, he added.

Dikko also congratulated the parents for the immense support to the kids in pushing their choosing career forward and assured them of more support and collaboration from the Commission.

Earlier, the TIG coach Tony Asuquo thanked the NSC Chairman for the support thus far while promising to produce talents that will make Nigeria a global force in gymnastics.

Tompolo-led PBAT DOOR-2-DOOR Extends Condolences to APC Chairman Over Mother’s passage 

The PBAT Door-to-Door Movement has extended its heartfelt condolences to Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), following the passage of his beloved mother.

The movement’s founder, High Chief Dr. Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo (Alias Tompolo), led the condolence message.

 The PBAT Door-to-Door Movement expressed sympathy with Professor Yilwatda and his family during this difficult time.

The movement acknowledged the deceased mother’s legacy of faith, humility, and nurturing care, which is reflected in Professor Yilwatda’s character and leadership.

The movement prayed for the family’s fortitude and comfort, and assured them of continuous prayers and support.

Here Is The Full Press Release:

PBAT Door-to-Door Movement Commiserates with APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, over the Passing of His Mother.

The leadership and entire members of the PBAT Door-to-Door Movement under the distinguish leadership of the founder and grand patron, High Chief Dr. Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo (Alias Tompolo) extend our heartfelt condolences to the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, and his family over the sad demise of his beloved mother.

This painful loss is deeply felt not only by the family but by all who knew Mama’s legacy of faith, humility, and nurturing care. We recognize that her remarkable life and values are reflected in the character and leadership of her son, our National Chairman, Professor Nentawe, who continues to serve our great party and nation with distinction.

On behalf of the PBAT Door-to-Door Movement, we pray that Almighty God grants the family the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss, comfort their hearts, and reward Mama’s good deeds with eternal rest in paradise.

We stand in solidarity with the National Chairman and the entire Yilwatda family during this period of mourning and assure them of our continuous prayers and support.

Signed:

Hon. Sunday Adekanbi Asuku,

National Coordinator,

PBAT Door-to-Door Movement

Former Federal Lawmaker, Ossai to Chair Ndokwa reporter’s 12th Anniversary celebration 

The former member of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Dr. Ossai Nicholas Ossai, and a three-term federal lawmaker who represented the Ndokwa/Ukwuani Federal Constituency, has been named Chairman of the 12th Anniversary celebration of Ndokwa Reporters and the maiden edition of the Bel Media Dialogue. The landmark event which holds on Thursday, August 21, 2025, at Top View Hotel, Asaba, Delta State, begins at 11:00 a.m.

In a statement announcing the event, Emmanuel Enebeli, President/CEO of Bel Media and Publisher of Ndokwa Reporters, said the anniversary would not only celebrate a decade and two years of impactful community-focused journalism but also introduce the Bel Dialogue, a flagship platform designed to drive informed public engagement.

According to Enebeli, the inaugural dialogue will examine the theme: “Development or Displacement: Understanding the Cost of Unregulated Land Acquisition in Our Communities – The Role of Government and Traditional Institutions in Safeguarding Community Lands.” He stressed that the forum will amplify voices and provide actionable solutions to pressing issues of land use, governance, and community rights.

The event will feature an array of distinguished discussants including Godfrey Chukwudifu Osakwe, FNIPR, a chartered PR practitioner and environmental advocate; Barr. Thomas Otunuya Anigara, lawyer, journalist and traditional leader; Chief Monday Ogheneruona Itoghor, environmentalist and NGO leader; Tpl. Oguafor Innocent Ifeanyi, chartered town planner and environmental management expert; Odih Christian Udoka, community development advocate; ESV. Mike Mbagwu, FNIVS, registered estate surveyor and valuer; Barr. Ngozi Chukura, principal counsel of Ngozi Chukura & Co; and Joy Anthonia Ochei, media personality and broadcasting professional, who will moderate the discussion.

The Bel Dialogue is expected to feature robust exchanges, audience participation, and contributions from government officials, lawmakers, traditional leaders, business executives, civil society actors, and the media, all aimed at strengthening policy discourse and safeguarding community interests.

“For 12 years, Ndokwa Reporters has been at the forefront of telling our stories and defending community interests. The launch of Bel Dialogue marks the next chapter, creating a platform for inclusive, solution-driven conversations that will shape development in our state and beyond,” Enebeli added.

Super Falcons Star Ihezuo Donates Jerseys, Balls To Ajegunle United Sporting Club

By Akeem Busari 

Super Falcons star Chiwenzu Ihezuo has donated balls and jerseys to Ajegunle United Sporting Club through her Ihezuo Foundation. The gifts shows her commitment to nurturing young football talent in Nigeria.

According to the rising star of the Super Falcons, the donation aims to encourage and support the development of the young academy players. By providing essential equipment, as well as, helping to create a more conducive environment for these aspiring footballers to hone their skills.

Ihezuo was represented by Kehinde Soremekun, who was her childhood and grassroots football coach. While presenting the kits to Founder and President of Ajegunle United Sporting Club, McAnthony Anaelechukwu, he admonish the team to take advantage of the gifts.

Responding, Anaelechukwu who also doubles as the Director-General of Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government sports council, remarked that the act of kindness and generousity of the star footballer, not only benefits the club, but also reflects Iheazuo’s dedication to giving back to the community.

“As a role model, Chiwenzu Ihezuo continues to inspire young players to work hard and pursue their dreams. We really appreciate this gesture and I know the young lads would wear the jerseys their eyes on future stardom.

“Ajegunle United Sporting Club can now focus on developing their skills. This donation is a testament to the positive impact that professional athletes can have on their communities,” he added.

**Bags Excellence leadership Award in Strategic Communication, Information Management

Director General of the Delta State Bureau for Communications and Orientation, Dr Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, has said that governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s transformational leadership has impacted the state and people positively in the past two years, and counting.

He made the assertion on Friday while speaking to newsmen at the sideline of the Governing Council members inauguration of the Chartered Institute of Information and Strategy Management, at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre in Abuja, noting that governor Oborevwori deliberate focus on the non-oil sector development had upscaled the economic fortune of the state, placing Delta in an enviable status as the 4th largest economy in Nigeria.

The Bureau Chief stated that in human capital development, Delta State government under Oborevwori administration will continue to invest in youth development through sports, digital innovations, vocational training, as well as building the capacities of government spokespersons, media, information and communication professionals.

He said governor Oborevwori has approved the 6th edition of Delta Strategic communication Workshop (Delcom), designed to sharpen the communication skills of 150 political appointees and media partners drawn from the three senatorial districts, adding that the Head of Department of Mass Communication at Dennis Osadebay University Asaba, Professor Joyce Ogwezi, has been named as the Chief Trainer of Delcom 2025.

Dr Oghenesivbe who was honoured with the Award of Professional Excellence and Leadership, in recognition of his invaluable contributions to the growth of strategic communication, media and information Management, by the Chartered Institute of Information and Strategy Management, CIISM, thanked Governor Oborevwori and Delta State Government for building a productive workforce that enable him to excel in his assigned responsibilities.

He thanked CIISM Governing Council for honouring him with the prestigious Award, and for re-electing him as a Council member and Head of Media and Communication Unit for another term of two years.

The Award was presented to Dr (Barr) Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, on behalf of CIISM Governing Council by a Distinguished Fellow of the Institute, His Royal Majesty, Dr Richard Oghenevwogaga Ebelle, the Okorefe 1, Ovie of Agbarha-Otor Kingdom. The royal father commended Dr Oghenesivbe’s consistency and professional excellence spanning over two decades.

In the same vein, the President of CIISM, Ambassador Dr (Mrs) Oritseweyinmi Temile, described Dr Oghenesivbe as a highly proactive and efficient media manager and communication strategist who had contributed immensely to the growth of CIISM, Delta State and Nigeria, noting that his professional expertise would continue to earn him enviable position in the sector far ahead of his contemporaries.

Registrar of CIISM, Dr Adelanke Oyintoke in his remarks commended Dr Oghenesivbe for his creativity and unique style in information dissemination, and strategic communication devoid of misinformation and disinformation.

Oyintoke said Council members overwhelmingly presented Dr Oghenesivbe as the Institute’s image maker and head of strategic communications for second term of two years, making four years as Council member and unit head.

FIBA AFROBASKET: Tunisia wins First Game, Sends Off Madagascar 81-60 in Group B

Tunisia this afternoon in Luanda, Angola won her first match at the FIBA AFROBASKET games men’s championship beating Madagascar 81-60 points.

Tunisia won the 1st quarter 16-12; lost the 2nd quarter 15-20; won the 3rd quarter 19-10 with another massive 4th quarter win of 31-18.

Madagascar lost 77-80 to Cameroon and also lost 59-77 to Nigeria. Tunisia got a shocking 65-86 points loss to Cameroon and another 66-87 points loss to Nigeria in their 2nd game.

Thus, Madagascar is out of the tournament placing an irretrievable 4th in group B and Tunisia will be praying that Nigeria beat giant killers, Indomitable Lions of Cameroon for a chance to play the play off for a quarterfinals ticket.