Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has approved the appointment of Prince Abimbola Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo.

The announcement was made in a statement on Friday by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade.

Oyelade stated that Owoade was chosen after extensive consultations and traditional divinations conducted by the Oyo kingmakers, the Oyomesi.

“Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade, after thorough consultations and divinations, has been recommended by the Oyomesi and approved by Governor Seyi Makinde as the new Alaafin of Oyo,” the statement read.

The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ademola Ojo, in his remarks, said the announcement ends the legal and social disputes that followed the passing of the former Alaafin, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, who died on April 22, 2022.

“This decision has put to rest all the socio-legal controversies that have arisen since the transition of the late Oba Adeyemi. We urge the people of Oyo State to support the new Alaafin and join the government in celebrating this historic moment,” Ojo said.

Oyelade expressed optimism that the reign of the new Alaafin would usher in peace, unity, and prosperity for the Oyo Kingdom.

“We pray that his reign brings progress and harmony to the people of Oyo and strengthens the historic legacy of the Alaafin institution,” he added.

Residents of Oyo State have been called upon to rally behind the new monarch as he begins his reign over the ancient kingdom.

After the death of the previous Alaafin, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, the selection process for his successor sparked controversy.

Makinde recently directed a fresh selection process, but five prominent kingmakers rejected this move on Thursday.

The kingmakers include the Basorun of Oyo, High Chief Yusuf Akinade; the Lagunna of Oyo, High Chief Wakeel Akindele; the Akinniku of Oyo, High Chief Hamzat Yusuf; a warrant chief standing in for Asipa of Oyo, Chief Wahab Oyetunji; and a warrant chief standing in for Alapinni of Oyo, Chief Gbadebo Mufutau.

They asserted that Prince Lukman Gbadegesin is already the Alaafin-elect, citing ongoing legal proceedings regarding the selection process.

The kingmakers’ legal counsel, Adekunle Sobaloju, described the governor’s actions as illegal and urged that the process be suspended until the court resolves the matter.

Acclaimed Nollywood filmmaker Kemi Adetiba has unveiled the release date for the highly anticipated third installment of her blockbuster series, King of Boys (KOB).

Titled “The Beginning of the End,” the movie is set to premiere in cinemas on December 25, 2025, promising fans an unforgettable Detty December experience.

Adetiba shared the exciting news on her Instagram page during her birthday celebration, posting, “KOB Army… ARISE!!! It’s time… We MOOOOOOOVE. Signed: Your General. #KOB3 #TheBeginningOfTheEnd #DettyDecember25 #KAV25.”

The new installment will continue the gripping tale of Alhaja Eniola Salami, played by Nollywood legend Sola Sobowale. As the powerful businesswoman and philanthropist, Salami finds herself embroiled once again in a treacherous political power struggle.

Fans can also look forward to a blend of new characters and familiar faces from the franchise. Previous installments featured celebrated actors like Nse Ikpe-Etim, Richard Mofe-Damijo, Adesua Etomi, and Jide Kosoko.

The King of Boys saga, which began in 2018, has garnered critical acclaim for its intense storyline and stellar performances. Its sequel, King of Boys: The Return of the King, released on Netflix in 2021, shattered viewership records and solidified Adetiba’s reputation as a trailblazer in Nollywood.

Adetiba’s journey from a radio presenter to an internationally recognized filmmaker is nothing short of inspiring. Her early works, including The Wedding Party and Across a Bloodied Ocean, laid the groundwork for her rise to global fame.

Beyond King of Boys 3, Adetiba has teased upcoming projects, including To Kill A Monkey and Welcome to the Fourth.

As the December 25 countdown begins, expectations are sky-high for King of Boys 3. Will it meet the high bar set by its predecessors? Fans are ready, and so is Adetiba.

The Nigerian government has announced that the national minimum wage will now be reviewed every two years, replacing the previous five-year cycle.

The Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, disclosed this on Thursday during an event in Abia State. She explained that the change aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s promise to improve workers’ welfare and ensure regular wage adjustments.

READ ALSO: Report: $15 minimum wage bill would benefit 20.7 million workers

“It used to be reviewed every five years, but now, in less than two years, we will revisit the minimum wage,” Onyejeocha stated.

This decision comes amid calls from the Trade Union Congress (TUC) for yearly reviews to address rising inflation, which hit 34.60% in November 2024.

President Tinubu had previously approved a ₦70,000 minimum wage in 2024, committing to a three-year review. The new two-year timeline reflects efforts to better respond to economic realities and support Nigerian workers.

Tension gripped the Atikankan area of Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State, on Thursday following a violent clash between individuals suspected to be members of the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC) and motorcycle riders.

The altercation, which sources attributed to allegations surrounding the death of a motorcycle ticketing officer, escalated as the opposing groups reportedly wielded weapons, including cutlasses and knives.

Eyewitnesses claimed the motorcycle riders accused the OPC of being responsible for the officer’s death, while others suggested the chaos stemmed from criminal activities.

Men of the Rapid Response Squad from the Ekiti State Police Command intervened to restore order. The police arrested six suspects in connection with the clash, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing individuals.\

READ ALSO: OPC, Riders Clash in Ado-Ekiti Over Officer’s Death

Police Public Relations Officer, Superintendent Sunday Abutu, confirmed the arrests, stating, “The command received a distress call that hoodlums were attacking and robbing innocent people in the Atikankan area. Operatives were deployed, and six suspects were arrested. Investigations are ongoing.”

Calm has since returned to the area as police intensify efforts to prevent further unrest.