By Onyeanya Immaculata

Preparations have been concluded for the wedding of nine children of the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, scheduled to hold on February 6 at the Abuja Central Mosque.

An invitation card circulating on social media indicates that the ceremony will take place at 1:30pm and will involve five sons and four daughters of the minister.

Confirming the development, the All Progressives Congress (APC) spokesperson in Zamfara State, Yusuf Idris, said arrangements were at an advanced stage, noting that he is part of the organising committee.

“By the grace of God, the ceremony will be conducted at the Abuja Central Mosque on February 6. The minister’s children who are getting married are five sons and four daughters,” Idris said.

The children slated for the same-day wedding are Ibrahim, Suraj, Safiya, Maryam, Aisha, Fahad, Muh’d, Nana Firdausi and Farida.

By Huldah Shado

Otunba Abdulateef Owoyemi, former President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, has been appointed as the new head of the Fusengbuwa ruling house in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State. The development comes after the resignation of Dr. Kunle Hassan, founder of the Eye Foundation Hospital, who stepped down as the family head.

The change of leadership was announced during a special Fusengbuwa Ruling House Unification and Integration Meeting held at Oba Adesimbo Tunwase Court, Agunsebi, Ijebu-Ode. Hassan’s resignation was attributed to “current developments and dynamics” following the passing of Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, the Awujale of Ijebuland, who reigned for 65 years before his death on July 13 at the age of 91.

Hassan, who also chairs the Governing Board of Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Sagamu, thanked those who supported him during his tenure as the head of the ruling house. He urged family members to unite behind Owoyemi, saying, “This is the appointed time for Otunba Owoyemi. He has been in it for over 40 years, but when it is the right time, the good Lord blesses it, and that is what we witnessed today.”

In his acceptance speech, Owoyemi promised to lead the ruling house with fairness and integrity. “I have been a very senior member of the Fusengbuwa ruling house for over 44 years, including about 10 years in leadership roles. I am conversant with the challenges, but with God and the people on my side, they are not insurmountable,” he said.

By Sarah Sam Adda

The Lagos State Police Command has directed that all activities of the annual Egungun Masquerade Festival be restricted strictly to designated outing points and approved celebration venues.

The move follows escalating clashes among rival masquerade groups and reports of violence and property damage in parts of the state.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the Command’s spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, said the directive prohibits public processions and street marches.

He explained that the restriction aims to protect lives and property while ensuring residents of other faiths are not subjected to harassment during the festivities.

Hundeyin stressed that the decision was taken to forestall further breaches of public peace, noting that rivalries between Egungun groups had intensified in recent days.

He warned that individuals or groups who defy the order or engage in activities that threaten security would face the full weight of the law.