By Onyeanya Immaculata

Popular Fuji musician, Alhaji Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (KWAM1), has again written to Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, seeking the nullification of the recent Awujale of Ijebuland nomination exercise over alleged violations of chieftaincy laws.

In a letter dated January 14, 2026, Ayinde, through his lawyer, Dr. Wahab Shittu, urged the governor to void the Fusengbuwa Ruling House nomination meeting held on January 12, warning that failure to do so could lead to prolonged litigation.

He alleged that the process breached the Ogun State Obas and Chiefs Law, 2021, citing the introduction of an imposed delegate system and the exclusion of some eligible members of the ruling house.

Ayinde maintained that the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, which is next in line to present candidates following the death of Oba Sikiru Adetona, was required to conduct an open and inclusive nomination.

According to him, despite a January 6 directive from the Ijebu Ode Local Government to hold a statutory meeting, he and other members were denied access to the January 12 exercise, which he said was guarded by security operatives and restricted to selected delegates.

Describing the process as unlawful and procedurally defective, Ayinde urged the governor to order a fresh, transparent nomination exercise involving all eligible members.

Meanwhile, 95 contestants reportedly emerged from the meeting held at Bisrod Hall, Ijebu Ode, which was presided over by the ruling house leadership in the presence of local government officials.

The selection process has drawn public attention, with Ayinde expressing interest in the throne, although the Fusengbuwa family has maintained that he is not a member of the ruling house and is ineligible to contest.

By Onyeanya Immaculata

Workers under the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), have announced plans to shut down government offices across Abuja and the area councils as they commence an indefinite strike on Monday, January 19, 2026.

The action, declared by the Joint Union Action Congress (JUAC), is expected to paralyse activities in all FCTA secretariats, departments, agencies, parastatals and area councils, following what the unions described as the authorities’ failure to address long-standing labour and welfare issues.

Confirming the development on Friday, JUAC Public Relations Officer, Holina Adejoh, said workers across all cadres had been directed to withdraw their services.

The strike follows the expiration of a seven-day ultimatum issued to FCTA management on January 7, which the unions said was ignored despite several meetings.

The ultimatum was conveyed in a January 8 notice signed by JUAC President, Rifkatu Iortyer, and Secretary, Abdullahi Saleh.

The unions listed their grievances to include unpaid promotion arrears, delayed promotions, continued extension of service for retired directors and permanent secretaries, non-remittance of pension contributions and National Housing Fund deductions, as well as alleged irregularities in the 2024 promotion examinations.

Efforts to obtain a response from FCTA authorities were unsuccessful, as the media aide to the FCT Head of Office did not return calls as of press time.

By Onyeanya Immaculata

The Federal Government has imposed a ban on sand mining within a 10-kilometre radius of the River Niger to protect the First and Second Niger bridges.

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, announced the decision on Friday in Asaba, Delta State, noting that the ban was approved by the Federal Executive Council to safeguard critical national infrastructure.

He directed the Delta State Police Command to enforce the order and arrest violators.

Umahi spoke during the inauguration of the CCTV monitoring centre for the Second Niger Bridge, where he also disclosed that tolling on the bridge would commence only after the completion of all access and bypass roads on the Anambra and Delta sides.

He explained that although tolling infrastructure is in place, the government would delay implementation to ensure smooth traffic flow.

Security on the bridge, he added, would rely on technology rather than physical checkpoints.

“The tollgate is ready, but we won’t start tolling until the access and bypass roads are completed,” Umahi said, adding that security agencies would operate from the CCTV centre and respond to emergencies within five minutes.

The Asagba of Asaba, Prof. Epiphany Azinge, commended the Federal Government for completing the Second Niger Bridge, describing it as vital to socio-economic development.

Similarly, the Igwe of Obosi and Chairman of the Anambra State Council of Traditional Rulers, Chidubem Iweka, said the bridge has eased traffic on the old Niger Bridge and urged the swift completion of access roads to enhance commuter safety.