Public Affairs

The Progressive Witches and Wizards Association has held its first anniversary gathering in Osogbo, Osun State, with members calling for peace, responsible use of spiritual gifts and an end to the wave of killings across Nigeria. The event took place at Araba Castle, the residence of renowned Ifa priest, Chief Ifayemi Elebuibon, and brought together members of the association, who were dressed in traditional white attire for prayers and other ceremonial activities. Addressing the gathering, Elebuibon urged members to deepen their understanding of their spiritual abilities and use them for personal development and the benefit of society. He encouraged them to channel their gifts toward improving their lives and contributing positively to the country’s progress. The Ifa priest also expressed concern over the persistent insecurity in Nigeria, condemning the killing of innocent citizens across different parts of the country. According to him, the continued bloodshed has attracted divine displeasure, warning that those responsible would face severe consequences. Elebuibon called on political leaders and security agencies to intensify efforts to tackle banditry, cult-related violence, ritual killings and other forms of criminality, warning that failure to act could have grave consequences for the nation. He also cautioned traditional worshippers against engaging in human sacrifice, stressing that such practices have no place in genuine traditional religion and would attract punishment. Speaking at the event, the association’s coordinator, Oyelola Elebuibon, sought to challenge public perceptions of witchcraft, describing members of the group as responsible individuals committed to the wellbeing of their families and communities. He said the association was established to foster unity among traditional practitioners and promote a more positive understanding of African spirituality, which he argued is often misunderstood and unfairly portrayed. The gathering concluded with prayers for peace, security and national development, as participants called for greater efforts to address the country’s security challenges.

The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has opposed the idea of a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket for the 2027 general elections, insisting that Nigeria’s leadership should reflect the country’s religious and ethnic diversity. In a communiqué issued after its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, the Christian body said inclusive governance is essential for promoting national unity, fairness and public trust. The statement follows the All Progressives Congress’ adoption of President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima as its presidential ticket for the 2027 election. The PFN also expressed concern over proposals that could restrict public preaching, arguing that such measures would violate the constitutional rights to freedom of religion and expression. While acknowledging the need for lawful regulations to maintain public order, the fellowship stressed that such laws must not be used to suppress religious activities or limit freedom of worship. The organisation urged governments at all levels to uphold the provisions of the Constitution and called on Christians to remain peaceful, law-abiding and committed to constructive dialogue in the interest of national unity and cohesion.

Traffic was brought to a standstill on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway on Friday after a multi-vehicle crash on Kara Bridge left one person dead and triggered a massive gridlock. According to the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), the accident involved three articulated trucks, two Canter trucks, a Sienna vehicle, and a trailer transporting chemicals that overturned on the bridge. The crash blocked a significant section of the expressway, causing heavy traffic that stretched from Kara through Berger to Otedola Bridge. Emergency responders from LASTMA, the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and the Nigeria Police Force arrived at the scene to manage the situation and begin rescue and clearance operations. A motor boy who was trapped in the wreckage was confirmed dead at the scene. His body was later recovered by emergency officials. Reacting to the incident, LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, urged truck operators to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy and to avoid reckless driving to prevent similar accidents. He also advised motorists to use alternative routes through Isheri-Olowora and Ogunnusi while efforts to clear the affected section of the expressway continue.

The leadership of the ANLCA Murtala Muhammed Airport Command (MMAC) Chapter has dismissed the recent court order sought by the Association’s Board of Trustees (BOT), insisting that the ruling was obtained through misrepresentation and would not withstand legal scrutiny.In a statement issued on behalf of the chapter, the MMAC leadership maintained that the dispute over control of the chapter’s secretariat is not new, noting that the BOT had, over the past four years, repeatedly approached the courts in an effort to gain control of the facility without lasting success.According to the statement, the latest court order tailed to disclose that the secretariat had beensealed by the Nigeria Police Force as a crime scene following an ongoing investigation. The chapter argued that the court would not have granted the order if it had been informed of the true status ofthe property.The chapter also alleged that the counsel representing the BOT in the matter had earlier secured bail for BOT members facing a criminal case instituted by the Inspector-General of Police and had undertaken before the court that his clients would not interfere with evidence or witnesses during the bail period. It further claimed that the court was led to believe the dispute was a fresh disagreement between the Police and the BOT, describing the development as an abuse of court process that would be corrected once all relevant facts were presented.Recounting the history of the leadership crisis, the MMAC chapter said previous attempts by the BOT and the National Executive Committee (NECOM) toinaugurate a new executive without conducting an election were resisted in court.The statement recalled that a competent court eventually declared Hon. Bola Ashiru-Balogun as the duly elected Chairman of ANLCA MMAC, adding that although the BOT appealed the judgment, it later withdrew the appeal, effectively affirming his mandate.Following the judgment, the chapter said the Police reopened the secretariat to enable Ashiru-Balogun assume office before the facility was later sealed again after an alleged break-in, which is now under police investigation.The chapter accused the BOT of acting outside the provisions of the ANLCA Constitution, insisting that neither the BOT nor NECOM possesses the constitutional authority to remove a duly elected executive committee and replace it without an election. It maintained that political offices within the association can only be occupied through democratic elections and warned against what itdescribed as attempts to undermine members’ electoral mandate.The MMAC leadership disclosed that all parties involved in the dispute had been invited to appear before the Inspector-General of Police in Abuja on July 30, expressing confidence that the issues would be addressed through due process.The statement urged members of the association to remain calm and allow the ongoing legal and police processes to take their course.

The House of Representatives has resolved to investigate the human and economic losses suffered by Nigerians during repeated xenophobic attacks in South Africa, as part of efforts to facilitate compensation for victims, strengthen diplomatic engagement and improve the protection of Nigerians living abroad. The resolution followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by the member representing Ikorodu Federal Constituency, Lagos State, Babajimi Benson, during plenary on Tuesday. Presenting the motion, Benson said that despite years of xenophobic attacks targeting Nigerians in South Africa, there had never been a comprehensive assessment of the number of casualties, property destroyed and economic losses incurred by victims. He recalled Nigeria’s role in the fight against apartheid, noting that the country made significant diplomatic, financial and political contributions to South Africa’s liberation through international advocacy, scholarships, the Southern African Relief Fund and economic sacrifices by Nigerians. Benson expressed concern that, despite the long-standing relationship between both countries, Nigerians legally residing in South Africa had continued to face recurring xenophobic violence for nearly two decades. He said the attacks had involved killings, mob violence, physical assaults, looting, destruction of businesses and properties, forced displacement and intimidation. According to him, major outbreaks of xenophobic violence were recorded in 2008, 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2021, each leading to diplomatic tensions, emergency evacuations of Nigerian citizens and renewed commitments by the South African government to prevent future attacks. The lawmaker also raised concerns over what he described as a resurgence of organised anti-foreigner campaigns by groups such as Operation Dudula, saying the threats had forced many Nigerians to abandon their homes, businesses and investments while seeking emergency evacuation. He argued that although previous National Assembly sessions had condemned the attacks and called for diplomatic action, no detailed legislative inquiry had been carried out to determine the actual number of Nigerians killed, injured or displaced, or the total value of losses suffered. Benson said the absence of verified data had weakened Nigeria’s ability to pursue effective diplomatic engagement, seek justice for victims and formulate appropriate policies. Following the adoption of the motion, the House mandated its Committees on Integration and Cooperation in Africa and Diaspora, and Foreign Affairs to investigate the casualties, losses and damages suffered by Nigerians during previous and recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa. The committees were also directed to compile an inventory of properties abandoned by Nigerians as a result of the attacks and recommend diplomatic initiatives, legal measures and bilateral engagements aimed at ensuring accountability for perpetrators, securing compensation for victims where applicable and strengthening the protection of Nigerians living in South Africa. The committees are expected to submit their findings to the House within four weeks for further legislative action.