Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has ordered a probe into the disputed kingship of Koka town in Obokun Local Government.

This was contained in a statement signed by the spokesperson to the governor, Olawale Rasheed, obtained in Osogbo on Sunday, where he also disclosed that Adeleke has commenced vacation.

Olawale said Adeleke left the country for vacation in Europe, during which he will also embark on medicals.

The governor’s spokesperson said during the vacation, the governor will be spending time in the United Kingdom and other destinations that will be announced.

“I am taking a short break to refresh and get further prepared to serve the good people of Osun State,” the governor stated.

The statement further read, “He, however, directed the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs to probe the circumstances surrounding the reported appointment of another king for Koka Ilase, leading to alleged two kings in the same town.

“The ministry was instructed to review the situation and enforce due process of the law in respect of the chieftaincy law and tradition.”

Commenting on the said appointment of another Onikoka, the statement quoted the governor as saying, “I read of another king appointed outside the one on the stool. The ministry is hereby directed to look into the dispute and issue a report to set the records straight.

“I, however, urge all stakeholders to remain peaceful as the ministry does the needful. Kingship is governed by extant laws and regulations, and the government will stand by the law and tradition of our people.”

Source: punchng.com

FOLLOW US ON:

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

PINTEREST

TIKTOK

YOUTUBE

LINKEDIN

INSTAGRAM

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale adjourned the Pacific nation’s parliament indefinitely on Monday, after staring down a no-confidence vote closely watched by China and US allies.

The political drama unfolded as US deputy secretary of state Christopher Landau arrived in the Solomons on Sunday, pledging the return of the Peace Corps to the island nation where US Pacific forces fought a pivotal battle in World War II.

Wale is reviewing a security pact struck with China in 2022 as he steers his nation closer to the US and Australia and was forced to abruptly leave a Pacific islands leaders summit last week to fight the no-confidence motion.

Diplomats at the Pacific Islands Forum told AFP that the survival of Wale’s government, three months after he embarked on a course to reduce reliance on China, would have security consequences for the region.

Several Pacific leaders avoided the summit after China bristled at Taiwan’s presence.

Elected in May, Wale’s government is negotiating a new treaty with Australia, struck a deal to allow US Coast Guard patrols and is in talks for US investment in a port development previously eyed by China.

The motion against him was withdrawn Sunday by Manasseh Maelanga, its instigator who was sacked as home affairs minister as more lawmakers crossed over to Wale’s coalition.

Parliament adjourned indefinitely on Monday, preventing another challenge.

“We hope to come back before Christmas to pass the budget,” Wale told parliament.

“The pace of change is fast.”

The pause will allow time to consider major policy changes including mining reform and the introduction of free education, he said.

“I imagine that the Australian government will be very relieved,” said James Batley, Australia’s former high commissioner to the Solomons.

“The general public reaction to the idea of a motion of no-confidence would have been very hostile so soon after Wale’s election,” he told AFP.

Australia has criticised the presence of Chinese police in the Solomons, agreed by former leader Manasseh Sogavare, and is working with Wale’s government to train more Pacific police.

AFP

Source: punchng.com

FOLLOW US ON:

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

PINTEREST

TIKTOK

YOUTUBE

LINKEDIN

INSTAGRAM

Former President Goodluck Jonathan on Sunday saw off ex-Sierra Leone President Ernest Koroma as he returned to his home country after Sierra Leone discontinued criminal proceedings against him.

Jonathan disclosed this in a post on his X handle on Sunday, describing Koroma as his “dear friend and brother.”

“This morning, I had the pleasure of seeing off my dear friend and brother, His Excellency President Ernest Bai Koroma, as he begins his journey home to Sierra Leone,” Jonathan said.

He said Nigeria had been Koroma’s “home away from home” for more than two years, adding that he was grateful Nigeria had been able to offer him friendship, support and solidarity during that period.

“Working quietly with others, we encouraged dialogue and engagement with the Sierra Leonean authorities to help create the conditions for his safe and dignified return.

“As we say farewell today, I am particularly happy that he is returning home to Freetown,” Jonathan said.

He added, “President Koroma, I wish you a safe journey, peace of mind and every success in this new chapter. May your return be a moment of renewed hope and reconciliation for you, your family and the people of Sierra Leone.

Koroma, who served as Sierra Leone’s president from 2007 to 2018, left the country for Nigeria in January 2024 after being charged with treason and other offences over the November 2023 attacks in Freetown.

The Sierra Leonean government discontinued the criminal proceedings against Koroma in July 2026.

The Attorney-General’s office said the proceedings were no longer before the court and that Koroma was free to return to Sierra Leone.

Koroma had travelled to Nigeria after receiving permission from Sierra Leonean judicial authorities to undergo medical treatment.

He subsequently remained in Nigeria for more than two years.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan on Sunday saw off ex-Sierra Leone President Ernest Koroma. PHOTOS: Goodluck Jonathan | X

His return came after Sierra Leonean Vice President Mohamed Jalloh announced on Friday that Koroma would return to the country in the spirit of peace and national cohesion.

Source: punchng.com

FOLLOW US ON:

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

PINTEREST

TIKTOK

YOUTUBE

LINKEDIN

INSTAGRAM