馃嚦馃嚞NigeriaWest Africa
European lawmakers urge FIFA ethics probe into Infantino over Trump 'peace prize
via Punch Nigeria1 min read
Fifty members of the European Parliament have called on FIFA's ethics committee to investigate President Gianni Infantino for awarding a 'peace prize' to US President Donald Trump. The MEPs, from 13 European countries, signed a letter supporting a complaint made in December by the British-based sports human rights lobbying group FairSquare. The letter, dated June 29, states that FIFA's code of ethics requires Infantino to "remain politically neutral." It requests an investigation into whether the decision to introduce an annual FIFA peace prize and award it to President Trump was made by the FIFA Council, its bureau, or unilaterally by Infantino. The MEPs, primarily Social Democrats, Liberals, and Greens, view this complaint as an opportunity for FIFA to demonstrate its commitment to political neutrality, transparency, and accountability. Only Norway's football federation has previously called for an investigation into the 'peace prize'. FairSquare noted that this intervention by European policymakers is the most significant since the European Parliament called for Infantino's predecessor, Sepp Blatter, to resign in 2015. The letter also criticized FIFA's ties with Saudi Arabia, the host of the 2034 World Cup, and its sponsorship deal with Aramco, which the MEPs described as "the world鈥檚 biggest corporate polluter."
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The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has drawn criticism on social media after actor James Olarenwaju, known as Baba Ijesha, announced that the monarch gifted him a new car, luxury items, and a chieftaincy title. This announcement followed the birth of Baba Ijesha's son. Many Nigerians questioned the decision to honor the actor, who was convicted in 2022 for sexually assaulting a minor. Baba Ijesha expressed gratitude to the traditional ruler on social media for the "royal reception and fatherly support" extended to him and his wife, Abiodun Tokunbo. However, social media users, including #cutie_juls and Oliver John, argued that the gesture rewarded misconduct and undermined the moral values expected of traditional institutions. They stated that traditional titles should be reserved for individuals who exemplify integrity and good character. Eluwande Bode described the gifts as misplaced priorities. Conversely, some social media users defended Baba Ijesha, arguing that he had served his prison sentence and deserved a chance to rebuild his life, with Ola Christopher and Adeniran O. Oladipupo offering support.
Must ReadThe African Union convened an emergency meeting regarding its military mission in Somalia following an announcement from Washington to cease critical funding. The United States stated it would end payments to the UN Support Office in Somalia UNSOS, which largely funds the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia AUSSOM, by the end of the year. A senior African diplomat confirmed the decision as "irreversible," indicating the mission is "finished." The US cited Somalia's government for failing to maintain progress against Al-Shabaab, take ownership of security functions, or undertake serious security sector reform, attributing this to "internal rivalries and political infighting." The US has provided substantial funding to UN missions and African troops in Somalia since 2007. Somalia has been battling the Al-Shabaab insurgency for approximately two decades, with the group still controlling significant areas. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud extended his term earlier this year, leading to political crisis and violent clashes, and much of the progress made against Al-Shabaab after he took office in 2022 has since been lost.
The Court of Appeal in Ibadan has overturned a previous Oyo State High Court judgment that permitted Muslim students at the International School, University of Ibadan, to wear hijabs as part of their school uniform. In a split decision, the appellate panel ruled by a two-to-one majority that the Supreme Court's decision on hijab use applies only to public schools, not private institutions like the International School. The court set aside the earlier judgment by Justice Moshood Ishola, which had stated that the school's hijab ban violated students' constitutional rights to freedom of religion and non-discrimination. Justice Biobele Georgewill, delivering the lead majority judgment with Justice K.I. Amadi concurring, stated that the International School is a private institution and that students had waived their right to wear hijab by agreeing to the school's dress code. Justice Fadawu Umar, however, dissented, arguing the appeal lacked merit. The dispute originated in 2018 when Muslim students challenged the school's uniform policy, leading to the 2022 Oyo State High Court ruling in their favor, which the school authorities subsequently appealed.