Breaking News: Shekoni Emerges As New Isolo of Isolo

Prince Isa Abiodun Shekoni-Faronbi has officially been installed as the new Osolo of Isolo town.

In a presentation ceremony held this morning at the Conference Hall of the Ministry of Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, Alausa, Lagos Prince Shekoni was installed and presented with the Staff of Office by the Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, Hon. Bolaji Kayode Roberts who represented the state governor, Mr Babajide Olushola Sanwo-olu.

Oba Isa Abiodun Shekoni-Faronbi (Mobandele Arolagbade, Alagbeji ('iiI) hails from the Akinlagun branch of the Alagbeji Ruling House.

His emergence comes on the heels of the demise of Oba Kabir Agbabiaka who joined his ancestors early last year.

Among the dignitaries who attended the installation ceremony this morning are the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, Mrs. KIKELOMO Bolarinwa, who was ably represented by the Director of Administration of the ministry, Nr. Rasak Amodu; the Executive Chairman of Isolo LCDA, Otunba Bayo Olasoju; Baales and Chiefs; Isolo Kingmakers; party and community leaders.

In his remark at the epoch making ceremony, Isolo council boss, Hon. Olasoju prayed for God's protection and benevolence for the new king even as he sang a solidarity song in honour of Isolo kingdom.

Oba Shekoni- Faronbi's installation brings to an end the intense tussle for the Isolo throne.

 

Nigeria Battles England For Arsenal Prodigy, Ethan Nwaneri

Egg heads at the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) are currently locked in a fierce battle with England over the international future of Arsenal prodigy, Ethan Nwaneri.

The 18-year-old is facing a major decision over his international future. He has enjoyed an impressive breakthrough season at Arsenal, scoring eight goals and providing one assist in 28 matches.

Nwaneri has since been fast-tracked through the England youth system, making his first start for the Under 21s against Portugal on Monday. He stood out, netting their first goal in a 4-2 win. It was a trademark finish from the teenager as he cut in from the right before curling an inch-perfect shot into the bottom corner.

There has been talk that Nwaneri could be next in line for a senior England call-up after Phil Foden and Jarrod Bowen struggled in his position during the international break. Nwaneri's Arsenal teammate Bukayo Saka is first-choice in that area but he hasn't featured since December after undergoing hamstring surgery.

Although Nwaneri has been playing for England throughout the age groups, he is expected to have a huge decision to make over his long-term international future. Investigation at the NFF office in Abuja indicate that Nigeria have 'launched a bid' to lure Nwaneri away from the Three Lions and convince him to change his allegiance.

It's claimed that high-ranking officials from the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) plan to meet with the youngster's family and make their case. Nwaneri's father is Nigerian and is eligible to play for the Super Eagles.

In recent years, Nigeria have secured the services of Ola Aina, Calvin Bassey, Ademola Lookman and Alex Iwobi, despite all of them being eligible to play for England. It's hoped that Nigeria can make Nwaneri their next acquisition, as they look to build a squad ready for the 2026 World Cup.

But former Nigerian international Sam Sodje believes the nation's football federation will have a tough job convincing Nwaneri to move from England. "He's a fantastic talent," the ex-Charlton man was quoted as saying. "I watched him play against Brentford, and I was very impressed.

"However, convincing him to choose Nigeria over England will be a challenge. The English FA is also keen on keeping him, and they won't let such a talent slip away easily. But in football, you never know."

Nwaneri made his debut for England U21s as a late substitute against France last Friday. He followed that up with playing 73 minutes in the win over Portugal and Lee Carsley is delighted with his progress. In fact, Carsley insisted that he will be regular contact with Arsenal to monitor Nwaneri's development.

"But what we have to keep remembering, [is that] he's 18 [years old], like [it is] unbelievable. So we just have to encourage these guys, it's important the rest of the team support him as well because I'm not sure it's always gonna be as progressive as it is," Carsley said.

 Need To Reward Loyal APC Members In Isolo, Ejigbo

An Open Letter to Political Leaders of Oshodi-Isolho Federal Constituency ll.

By Abdulsalam Olasunkanmi (Aiyekooto)

Dear Esteemed Political Leaders,

We, the dedicated members of your party, write this letter with the utmost respect and a deep sense of loyalty to the ideals and values that have guided our political journey. We stand as the backbone of the party, tirelessly working to uphold its principles, mobilizing supporters, and ensuring electoral victories. 

However, it is imperative to address the growing concerns regarding the recognition and reward for our sacrifices and struggles.

Party members, from grassroots organizers to committed volunteers, invest their time, resources, and energy to advance the party’s mission. They endure personal and financial hardships, often working under challenging circumstances without adequate appreciation. 

Indeed, many have dedicated years—if not decades—to the party’s success, only to find themselves sidelined when it comes to appointments, economic opportunities, or political considerations.

Loyalty and dedication should not go unnoticed or unrewarded. It is demoralizing for hardworking members to see outsiders, newcomers, or individuals with little or no contribution reap the benefits of positions and privileges. This growing discontent has the potential to weaken the party’s foundation and create a disconnect between leadership and its loyal base.

To strengthen party cohesion and morale, we urge the leadership to:

1. *Establish a Transparent Reward System* – Create a structured system to recognize and reward members based on their contributions, loyalty, and dedication.

2. *Prioritize Internal Growth*– Offer opportunities for dedicated party members to rise through the ranks rather than favouring external candidates.

3. *Economic and Social Empowerment*– Facilitate access to economic opportunities, skill development programs, and social benefits for long-serving members.

4. *Inclusivity in Decision-Making*– Ensure grassroots members have a voice in decision-making processes to foster inclusivity and trust.

5. *A Fair and Equitable Appointment Process* – Ensure that political appointments reflect merit and commitment rather than favouritism and patronage.

A strong party is built on a foundation of fairness, recognition, and reward. When party members feel valued, they are more motivated to work towards collective success. We trust that you, as visionary leaders, will take the necessary steps to address these concerns and fortify the party’s unity and progress.

We remain steadfast in our commitment to the party and look forward to seeing positive changes that recognize the sacrifices of loyal members.

Yours sincerely,

Abdulsalam Olasunkanmi (AIYEKOTO)

Convener Advocate for Old Boys & Ladies Rewards

Cc: Chief H.O Ajomale Member GAC

Cc: Chief M.A. Taiwo Member GAC

Cc: Hon Ladi O. Ajomale (Member House of Assembly Oshodi-Isolo Constituency II)

Cc: Otunba Bayo Olasoju (Chairman Isolo LCDA)

Cc: Hon. Monsuru O. Bello (OBE)

Chiarman Ejigbo LCDA. 

Cc: Barrister Gani Bello

(L.G.A Chairman Isolo LCDA)

Cc: Alhaji Fatai Abiodun Kasumu

(LGA chairmam Ejigbo LCDA)

Cc: All former members of Federal House of Representatives. 

Cc: All former members State Assembly.

Cc: All former council chairmen.

Ikosi-Isheri Chairmanship Aspirant Hosts Ramadan Tafseer

Otunba Habeeb Oluwaseyi Odufowokan, APC Chairmanship aspirant for Ikosi-Isheri Local Council Development Area (LCDA), hosted the 2025 Ramadan Tafseer and Special Prayer on Thursday, March 20, 2025 (20th day of Ramadan) at the Olowora Town Hall, Deji Omoowo Street, Olowora, Lagos.

Renowned Islamic scholar, Fadilat Sheikh Alhaji Muhammad Awwalu Solihee Salaty (Fahru-l-Ulamah), emphasized the multifaceted nature of Ramadan, highlighting not only the physical fast but also the importance of piety, peaceful coexistence, kindness, and steadfastness in Islam. 

 He urged Otunba Odufowokan to embody these virtues – trustworthiness, sincerity, compassion, and courage – in his future leadership role. 

 Alhaji Musa AbdulKareem, a speaker at the event also addressed the congregation, emphasizing the importance of the fear of God and the transient nature of life.

The event also featured a special prayer session for Otunba Odufowokan's success in the forthcoming chairmanship election, led by the Grand Chief Imam of Olowora Town, Fadilat Sheikh Muhammad Mukhtar Diekola Qoseem Alao.

The well-attended program drew prominent community leaders, including party officials, Islamic clerics, royal figures, and CDA executives.  The Baale of Olowora Town, Alhaji Chief Sulaiman Kareem Ogungbeye, was represented by key community figures.

Party Leaders in attendance include:

Hon. Odun Agunsoye, Otunba Dare Odufowokan (Special Adviser to Ogun State Governor), Hon. Usman Ajibola Akanni (former legislative leader), Alhaja Olashile Ahmed (ROT Ladies President), Hon. Ayodele Ayeyemi (CPS Chairman Emeritus), Ambassador Olayinka Oreshile (NYCN Chairman Emeritus), Comrade Sesan Adewunmi and Hon. Apena Segun ( Chairmanship Aspirant, Kosofe LG.

Others include Hon. Rotimi Olowe, Hon. Akeem Babatunde Adeyemi, Alawiye Rasheed (ROT General Coordinator), Hon. Adebajo Abiodun Adetunji, Mr Segun Makanju, Hon. Moruf Adeleye, Chief Mrs. Okewunmi, Mrs. Opabola, Mrs. Tabiti, Mrs. Toyas Adelaja, Mrs. Arabambi Adenike, Mr. Olatunde Rasak and other APC faithfuls. 

 

 Lagos Assembly Crisis: 

Why Obasa Won’t Withdraw Lawsuit Against Lawmakers

Despite the intervention of the president, the leadership crisis bedeviling the Lagos State House of Assembly is far from being resolved as combatants in the crisis are back in their trenches as lack of trust has undermined the peace efforts.

At the height of the crisis, Presided Bola Ahmed Tinubu had waded in on the matter in what many thought would bring an end to the crisis. The president in a peace meeting held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja had ordered the immediate reinstatement of Mudashiru Obasa as Speaker of the House while Mojisola Meranda returns to her position as Deputy Speaker. This was after the president had reportedly scolded the embattled speaker for the various infractions levelled against him by his colleagues.

The president nevertheless ordered Obasa to withdraw the court case he instituted against the lawmakers over his impeachment even as he enjoined the lawmakers to cooperate with the speaker for peace to reign.

However, while Obasa has since returned to his position as Speaker of the House, he is yet to withdraw the lawsuit as instructed by the president almost two weeks ago after Tinubu’s intervention sparking fears of the elongation of the crisis.

On his return to the saddled, Obasa had adjourned plenary indefinitely even as he commended his colleagues for embracing peace, there are, however, reports of secret meetings by the 36 opposing lawmakers aimed at orchestrating plots to stay ahead of the speaker in this intense game of wits.

In a bid to douse tension in the house and promote a robust and cordial relationship, the embattled speaker was said initiated peace meetings with the lawmakers individually and collectively all to no avail. He was said to have been rebuffed by the lawmakers.

This development, according to a source in the speaker’s office is the reason why the speaker has refused to withdraw the court case he instituted against the lawmakers over his impeachment.  

Obasa is challenging is impeachment by the 36 lawmakers at the Lagos High Court. His counsel, Afolabi Fasanu, (SAN), argued that despite Obasa’s re-election, the lawsuit remains relevant.

He maintained that the Speaker is contesting the allegations in the removal notice—ranging from fraud and high-handedness to abuse of office and gross misconduct—on the grounds that he was denied a fair hearing.

Obasa filed the suit (ID/9047GCM/2025) contesting the constitutionality of the Lagos State House of Assembly’s sitting and proceedings during a recess, which occurred without the Speaker reconvening the House or delegating authority.

The suit addresses the constitutionality of the Lagos State House of Assembly’s proceedings on January 13, 2025, when Obasa was allegedly impeached as Speaker.

Obasa’s application presents nine grounds, including interpretations of various sections of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), as well as the Rules and Standing Orders of the Lagos State House of Assembly.

The claimant seeks the court’s interpretation of Sections 36, 90, 92(2)(c), 101, and 311 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), in relation to Order V, Rule 18(2), and Order II, Rule 9(1)(ii)(iii)(iv)(v)(vi)(vii)(viii) of the Lagos State House of Assembly Rules, which have constitutional status.

“Obasa is pressing further with the case as an insurance back up in case the lawmakers attempt to impeach him again. He does not trust them either because he has made overtures to them individually and collectively without success. This means they are still adamant in their stance against him. So, for him, the lawsuit is ostensibly designed to protect him against any possible impeachment. Hence, he is not likely to withdraw the lawsuit,” the source volunteered.  

However, The Snoop gathered the opposing lawmakers reportedly accepted the Abuja Peace Deal out of respect for the president but not out of their conviction Obasa would turn a new leaf and let bygones be bygones. They were said to hold fervently to the belief that the speaker would come back to haunt them for their role in his earlier impeachment.

A source close to one of the lawmakers told our correspondent that the lawmakers have lost trust and confidence in the speaker as they believe his return as speaker holds no peace for them. “They are not comfortable with the presidential directive but they agreed out of respect for the president because they know Obasa would come back to haunt them. They know the peace deal is just a smokescreen because they do not trust him to keep his words and that’s why all of them have been avoiding him. They do not want him to sweet talk them into compromising on their collective stance against him,” says our source.