
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has called on Nigerian opposition parties to maintain unity, warning that a weakened opposition could negatively impact the country’s democracy. Speaking at an opposition leaders’ summit in Ibadan, Makinde emphasized that the gathering, which included leaders from the Peoples Democratic Party PDP, African Democratic Congress ADC, and New Nigeria Peoples Party NNPP, aimed to strengthen coordination and promote responsible political engagement. He stressed that the meeting was not about division or confrontation but about fostering thoughtful dialogue across party lines for national stability. Makinde highlighted that Nigeria's current socio-economic and security challenges necessitate collaboration and honest discussion among political actors. The summit, themed "That We May Work Together for a United Opposition to Sustain Our Democracy," was organized in response to national concerns regarding governance, security, and economic pressures.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Must ReadUS envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner arrived in Islamabad, Pakistan, on Saturday for a new round of peace negotiations with Iran. However, Iranian state media indicated that Tehran’s representatives had no immediate plans for face-to-face talks with the US. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, already in Islamabad, met with Pakistan’s army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Araghchi thanked Pakistan for its efforts in establishing a ceasefire and explained Iran’s positions on the conflict. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that the Iranians had requested the in-person conversation, hoping it would advance a deal. Vice President JD Vance, who led previous negotiations, was on standby. Iranian state television reported that Araghchi would not meet directly with the Americans, with Islamabad serving as a bridge to convey Iranian proposals. Araghchi is also scheduled to visit Oman and Russia to discuss efforts to end the war, which Iran states was launched by Israel and the United States on February 28. Iran’s military remained defiant, warning of a response if the US military continues its blockade and piracy in the region. Efforts to resume talks have been stalled due to Iran’s refusal to participate while a US naval blockade on its ports is in place. Iran has also imposed its own blockade on the Strait of Hormuz, impacting global energy markets. European Council President Antonio Costa emphasized the vital need for the s

The organisers of the annual Osun-Osogbo Festival anticipate approximately 500,000 participants for the 2026 edition, scheduled from July 27 to August 7. Mr. Oyindamola Olukanni, Media Head of Our Heritage Branding and Advertising Limited, the festival’s marketing consultant, announced this in a statement. Olukanni stated that the globally recognised cultural event is launching new campaign visuals to reposition the festival as a living and uninterrupted civilisation. He highlighted that the festival has been continuously practiced and preserved for over 600 years as a living tradition. The 2026 edition, themed “Preserving Heritage, Inspiring the Future,” emphasizes tradition as a guide to progress. The Osun Sacred Grove, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is noted as one of the last surviving sacred ecosystems where spirituality, culture, and community actively continue. Monthly campaign rollouts have been ongoing since February to boost audience engagement and visibility for participating brands. Pre-festival activities, including the Osun-Osogbo Global Summit on May 29, will gather stakeholders to outline the festival’s strategic direction and announce partners. Olukanni noted that under the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun, the festival remains one of Africa’s most enduring cultural institutions, describing it as unbroken, authentic, and globally significant.
Must ReadAdebayo Adelabu, the immediate past Minister of Power, has confirmed that President Bola Tinubu approved his resignation from the Federal Executive Council. Adelabu, through his media aide Femi Awogboro, dismissed reports suggesting his decision was against the President's wishes, calling such claims “baseless.” He stated that he secured full consent before stepping down. Adelabu also mentioned that criticisms regarding his departure are unfounded, attributing them to those unsettled by the crowd that welcomed him in Ibadan. His clarification follows earlier reports that he resigned despite presidential attempts to dissuade him, reportedly to pursue his governorship ambition in Oyo State. Adelabu formally resigned in a letter dated April 22, 2026. His exit is linked to a directive from the Presidency requiring political appointees seeking elective positions in the 2027 general elections to resign by March 31, 2026, in line with Section 881 of the Electoral Act, 2026.

The Nigerian Bar Association NBA, Ibadan branch, has expressed strong disapproval regarding the insufficient funding of the judiciary and the non-operation of Rent Tribunals and Customary Courts in Oyo State. Mr. Ibrahim Lawal, Chairman of the NBA Ibadan branch, highlighted these concerns during a courtesy visit from the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Oyo State Council. Lawal described the state of the judiciary as "unimpressive," noting that the NBA executives have repeatedly urged Governor Seyi Makinde to address these issues, particularly concerning the lower courts. He pointed out that the governor has not inaugurated the Presidents of the Grace C Customary Courts in seven years, courts which are crucial for delivering justice at the grassroots level. The Customary Courts and Rent Tribunal Courts have not been functional since the administration of late Governor Abiola Ajimobi. Lawal also raised concerns about the lack of official vehicles for some Magistrates, the poor condition of many courts, and the recent disconnection of electricity to the Customary Court of Appeal due to unpaid bills. He further stated that the State Ministry of Justice is also facing difficulties, with staff sometimes relying on private individuals for basic support. Lawal emphasized that while Governor Makinde may have performed well in other sectors, judicial reform has not been a priority. He also mentioned delays in the appointment of judges due to a lack of basic