₦airaland Forum

The Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) Women Mobilisation Directorate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) says it has activated women across 176,846 communities as part of its grassroots engagement and mobilisation efforts ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The Directorate said women’s groups in Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Jigawa, Kwara, Abia, Rivers and other states have been holding action meetings and community-level engagements over the past month as part of efforts to build a sustained grassroots structure.

The structure, according to the Directorate, is designed to establish committed grassroots mobilisers who will maintain contact with households and communities while encouraging women and other eligible voters to participate in the electoral process.

Dr Betta Edu, Director of Women Mobilisation, PCC, working under the guidance of the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has charged women across the country to strengthen grassroots engagement and mobilise fellow women and other citizens around the programmes and policies of the President Bola Tinubu administration.

From Afaka Ward in Kaduna State to Kemanji Ward in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, Angwa-Katsinawa and Daura in Katsina State, Dutse in Jigawa State and communities in Abia and Rivers states, women’s groups have continued to hold meetings and sensitisation activities.

The Directorate said the engagements are intended to connect government policies and programmes with the everyday economic realities of women in their communities.

It said the grassroots mobilisation structure would focus not only on political participation Campaign Rallies and election-day mobilisation but also on helping women understand the Achievements of the President Tinubu administration, government programmes, identify available opportunities, determine eligibility, access relevant interventions and engage implementing institutions.

Dr. Edu said the Directorate would continue to promote practical information-sharing, particularly on initiatives and reforms that could affect household incomes, businesses and livelihoods positively.

She identified the Renewed Hope Initiative programs, transportation, enterprise development, agriculture, energy and community development among areas where women could benefit from emerging opportunities.

The Directorate also highlighted the planned expansion of the National Affordable CNG Transit Programme, noting that improved access to affordable transportation could benefit women who depend on public transport to reach markets, farms, workplaces and schools.

The Directorate said the nationwide engagements would continue as part of its strategy to deepen grassroots contact, communicate information sharing on the many achievements of this administration to mobilise support for President Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima ahead Of the 2027 elections.

Hon. Temilola Odetola
Ondo State Coordinator
Women for Tinubu -Kashim 2027

On behalf of the Sustainable Development Goals 16+ Club, Nigeria, we extend our sincere appreciation to His Excellency, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, the Executive Governor of Ondo State, for appointing Mrs. Temilola Odetola as the first female Special Assistant on Civil Society Organisations in Ondo State.

This landmark appointment is a clear confirmation of His Excellency’s commitment to promoting gender equality, open civic space, and meaningful participation of Civil Society Organisations in governance for sustainable development in Ondo State.

We strongly believe that Mrs. Temilola Odetola will represent the CSOs sector with excellence, integrity, and dedication. Her appointment will further strengthen collaboration between government and citizens towards achieving the SDGs and good governance in Ondo State.

Once again, congratulations to Mrs. Temilola Odetola on this well-deserved appointment.

Congratulations to the people of Ondo State on this progressive step.

Signed:
Oyedeji Olufemi
National Focal Point
SDG 16+ Club, Nigeria

The Ondo State Coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) warmly appreciates and commends the Executive Governor of Ondo State, His Excellency, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, for the historic appointment of Activist Temilola Abigail Odetola as Special Assistant to the Governor on Civil Society Organisations (CSOs).

The Coalition considers the appointment a significant milestone in the history of civil society engagement in Ondo State, particularly as Odetola becomes the first female Special Assistant on CSOs in the state. We see this as a demonstration of Governor Aiyedatiwa's recognition of the important contributions of women, civil society actors and grassroots stakeholders to governance and sustainable development.

Activist Temilola Abigail Odetola is a familiar and active voice within the civil society community. Her experience as the Ondo State Coordinator, Civil Society Strategy Group on the SDGs, under the office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on the SDGs confirms her world of networking at national level.

Comrade Kayode Bode Ariwajoye
National President
Ikaram Youth Forum

Ondo State Government Restores Hope in Ilaje as NEMA, ODSEMA Roll Out First Phase of Flood Relief Materials

ILAJE, ONDO STATE

The atmosphere at the Ilaje Local Government headquarters was a moving mix of deep relief, quiet reflection, and communal gratitude today as a high-powered delegation stormed the coastal community to bring succor to families battered by recent natural disasters. Led by top officials from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Ondo State Emergency Management Agency (ODSEMA), alongside the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Emergency Response and Safety Enforcement, Hon. Wellington Oriade Adebawo, the visit marked a critical turning point for residents reeling from devastating seasonal flooding.

The local government executive leadership, comprising the Chairman, Hon Maurice Arah, Vice Chairman, and all honorable council members, were on hand early to receive the delegation. The turnout of community elders, youths, market women, and affected residents underscored the magnitude of the crisis that has gripped the riverine settlements over recent months. For a people whose livelihoods, homes, and daily routines have been upended by rising waters and relentless ecological challenges, the arrival of the relief convoy provided a tangible sign that they have not been forgotten by the government.

Setting the tone for the engagement, the NEMA boss, Mr Kazzem Olarewaju, addressed the crowd with words of empathy and reassurance. Acknowledging the profound grief and economic disruption experienced across the local government area, the agency head emphasized that the items being distributed represent only the first phase of a broader intervention framework. While candidly admitting that the relief materials cannot fully replace or equate to the massive cumulative losses suffered by families, the NEMA boss stressed that the gesture stands as a powerful testament to partnership. It signals clearly that both the Federal Government, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the Ondo State Government stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the people of Ilaje, sharing their pains and committed to their long-term recovery.

Speaking passionately to the beneficiaries, Hon. Wellington Oriade Adebawo shifted focus to the urgent necessity of preventive action and environmental stewardship. Grounding his appeal in practical safety enforcement, Hon. Adebawo urged residents to take personal and collective ownership of their immediate surroundings. With another heavy phase of rainfall fast approaching, he implored community members to strictly observe environmental sanitation, dispose of waste only in designated areas, and actively clear drainage paths around their homes and walkways.

Crucially, Hon. Adebawo brought reassuring news regarding long-term structural solutions from the state executive. He announced that the administration of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa is fully committed to ensuring that comprehensive channelization works are achieved across all communities in Ilaje Local Government. Clearing waterways of debris and blocking silt remains a top priority to protect vulnerable settlements from repeat catastrophes, ensuring that the coastal terrain becomes safer and more resilient against future environmental shocks.

In his response, the Chairman of Ilaje Local Government warmly welcomed the visiting dignitaries, expressing profound gratitude on behalf of the entire populace. He thanked the federal and state authorities for their swift intervention and kind gestures during one of the most challenging periods in the council's recent history. Echoing the sentiments of the visiting leadership, the Chairman managed expectations by assuring residents that more support is still in the pipeline, even as he acknowledged that current supplies cannot single-handedly mitigate every loss incurred by the victims.

To ensure absolute transparency, equity, and trust in the distribution process, Hon Arah, announced a major administrative framework: a comprehensive, inclusive distribution committee is being established immediately. This body will not operate behind closed doors; rather, it will incorporate the revered traditional stool of the Olu of Igbokoda, local Baales, representatives of the Landlord Association, women’s groups, and vibrant youth leaders. This grassroots-driven committee has been mandated to ensure that relief items reach the actual victims of the natural disasters, extending street-by-street through Igbokoda and reaching deep into outlying communities and remote settlements that often struggle to access centralized aid.

As offloading commenced and the first bags of essentials exchanged hands under the watchful eyes of community leaders and security details, a palpable sense of renewed hope settled over the headquarters. Today’s event in Ilaje is more than just a distribution exercise; it represents the intersection of compassionate governance, proactive safety enforcement, and resilient community partnership working hand-in-hand to rebuild Ondo State.

The Architecture of Principled Stewardship: Honourable Akinjo Kolade Victor PhD (VAKAMA) and the Blueprint of Nigerian Democracy

Written by - Omoduni Olamide


When history undertakes the solemn task of cataloging those rare individuals who infused true purpose into public service, the name Honorable Dr. Victor Kolade Akinjo rises with unassailable clarity as a defining benchmark of leadership. He is, by every metric of ideological conviction and practical application, a quintessential democrat whose lifelong commitment to the Nigerian project transcends the transient boundaries of partisan politics. To trace his trajectory from the vibrant shores of Itebu Kunmi in Ilaje Local Government Area to the hallowed green chambers of the National Assembly is to witness a masterclass in progressive stewardship. Akinjo has never viewed political office as an entitlement or an instrument for self-aggrandizement; rather, he treats it as a sacred trust, a platform dedicated exclusively to the upliftment of the common man and the aggressive defense of marginalized populations. Throughout his political journey, particularly as a steadfast pillar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and beyond (Now APC), he has championed the foundational tenets of internal democracy, institutional integrity, and grassroots inclusion. Where many treat political platforms as mere vehicles for personal ambition, Akinjo has consistently utilized his standing to advocate for systemic reforms, bridging the often-wide chasm between the governed and the governing. His fidelity to democratic principles is matched only by his fierce independence of thought, ensuring that his loyalty to the Nigerian state and his immediate constituents always supersedes narrow political expediency, establishing him firmly as a stabilizing force and an indispensable asset to our national democracy.

What fundamentally sets Akinjo apart in the crowded arena of Nigerian politics is his rare fusion of world-class intellectual rigor and unyielding grassroots empathy. A quintessential scholar-politician, he understood early in his public journey that effective representation requires more than mere populist rhetoric; it demands deep cognitive preparation and structural mastery of governance. Balancing the rigorous demands of active public service with relentless academic pursuit, he systematically equipped himself with a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics from Obafemi Awolowo University, a Master of Public Administration from the University of Abuja, a Master’s in Legislative Studies, a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), a Bachelor of Laws from Adekunle Ajasin University before proceeding to the Nigerian Law School, and an exemplary year at Harvard Business School earning his Program in Leadership Development (PLD) alumnus status as an Ivy League graduate, a monumental investment of over $76,000 back in 2009 to pursue a global standard of excellence. This formidable educational arsenal has never been deployed for personal elitism; instead, it has served as the engine room for his legislative brilliance. National newspapers and seasoned political observers have rightly described him as sui generis, a spellbinder whose contributions combine forensic analysis with a visionary grasp of national development. Whether he is dissecting complex budgetary allocations, evaluating macroeconomic frameworks, or formulating structural policies, Akinjo brings an analytical depth that elevates the quality of public debate and forces systems to reckon with intellectual rigor rather than political patronage.

During his two consequential terms representing the Ilaje/Ese-Odo Federal Constituency in the 8th and 9th National Assemblies, Akinjo’s legislative footprints spanned critical sectors of national life, demonstrating a rare capacity to balance macro-national oversight with micro-local advocacy. As the Chairman of the Ad Hoc Committee charged with investigating federal budgetary provisions, approvals, and international donor funds for skill-acquisition programs, he displayed remarkable courage and probity, dragging opaque institutional practices into the searing light of parliamentary accountability. He did not shy away from entrenched bureaucratic interests, fearlessly challenging irregular executive actions, such as his memorable and principled opposition to the rushed concession of national airports that bypassed statutory oversight bodies like the Bureau of Public Enterprises. Yet, even as he engaged in these high-stakes national battles, his heart remained tethered to the harrowing ecological and economic realities of his immediate constituency. With unwavering persistence, he used the formidable instrument of legislative motions to draw federal attention to the apocalyptic sea incursions threatening the survival of historical coastal settlements like Ayetoro and the broader oil-producing communities of Ondo State. Where others saw distant environmental challenges, Akinjo saw an existential emergency, consistently rising on the national stage to demand ecological justice, remediation, and federal intervention for a people whose land literally washes away beneath their feet.

Beyond the grandeur of legislative halls and policy papers, Akinjo’s truest legacy is etched indelibly into the physical infrastructure and human capital landscape of his constituency, where his interventions translated directly into restored dignity and expanded opportunity. Recognizing that sustainable development begins with the foundational empowerment of the mind, he revolutionized educational support across Ilaje and Ese-Odo, facilitating the construction and comprehensive renovation of modern primary school classrooms in communities like Obinehin, Ugbonla, and Inikorogha, while distributing millions of naira worth of educational materials to keep children in school. His understanding of community advancement extended gracefully to the institutional pillars of society; he broke barriers by providing utility vehicles, such as brand-new buses, to critical professional bodies including the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), recognizing that those who mold our minds and dispense justice deserve unhindered mobility and operational respect. Economically, he conceptualized and drove grassroots intervention frameworks like the Mekunu Koya micro-credit cooperatives, directly injecting capital into the hands of market women, local fishers, and agrarian farmers, alongside the systematic distribution of vocational work tools such as sewing machines and motorcycles. These were not mere vote-buying gimmicks, but meticulously designed pathways to self-reliance that transformed passive recipients into active, thriving economic agents.

As we reflect on the totality of his journey, from his formative years as a dynamic youth leader to serving as Special Assistant on Student and Youth Affairs under President Olusegun Obasanjo, blossoming into a towering federal legislator, and continuing his relentless developmental impact long after leaving the National Assembly, it becomes profoundly evident that Victor Kolade Akinjo is much more than a political figure; he is a national asset whose life and career offer a compelling blueprint for how Nigeria ought to be served. As local observers rightly note, true leadership is defined not by the office one occupies, but by the impact made when the position is gone, and Akinjo continues to prove this daily by funding scholarships, sustaining educational pathways, and investing directly in the youth who need it most. Long after the noise of partisan campaigns fades into history, the integrity of his voice, the depth of his intellect, and the sincerity of his service will continue to resonate across the Niger Delta and the wider Nigerian federation. He has proven, through decades of unblemished dedication, clean hands, and a bleeding-heart devotion to the public good, that principled leadership is an attainable reality when anchored in genuine love for the people. For his unwavering courage, his global academic pedigree, his fierce defense of the marginalized, and his enduring contributions to our democratic experiment, Honorable Dr. Victor Kolade Akinjo stands tall as a beacon of hope, a true statesman whose monumental impact on our collective destiny will be celebrated by generations yet unborn.

Military Overthrows in Africa and the Nigerian Nightmare for ECOWAS: A Regional Crisis

Over the past few years, West Africa has witnessed an alarming resurgence of military coups, calling into question the resilience of democratic governance across the region. As nations such as Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, Guinea, Gabon, Guinea‑Bissau and most recently Benin experience unconstitutional power seizures, the regional body charged with safeguarding democracy, Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), faces its most severe challenge yet. For Nigeria, the bloc’s largest economy and self‑declared leader of West Africa, these developments present a mounting nightmare with political, security, and economic implications.

Why the Coup Wave? Underlying Drivers

The resurgence of coups in Africa, especially in West Africa, cannot be attributed to a single cause. Rather, a convergence of long‑standing structural weaknesses has opened the door for military interventions:

ECOWAS’ Role

Since its founding over 40 years ago, ECOWAS has prided itself as a regional bulwark for economic integration and democratic governance. Historically, it intervened, sometimes militarily to restore order and support civilian rule, such as during the civil war in Liberia through ECOMOG.

However, the recent wave of coups puts ECOWAS’ capacity and unity to the test and the results so far have exposed serious shortcomings:

- Sanctions, threats and condemnation but mixed effectiveness : After the 2023 coup in Niger, ECOWAS closed borders, threatened military intervention, and imposed sanctions on the junta. Yet authoritarian regimes have persisted, and in some cases, countries like Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have formally exited ECOWAS to form new alliances.

- Digital diplomacy and public messaging but no structural prevention: Recent scholarship points out that ECOWAS has increasingly relied on digital diplomacy, statements, condemnations, social media diplomacy, rather than investment in preventive structural reforms.

- Regional fragmentation and exit of key states: The withdrawal of multiple junta-led states from ECOWAS dramatically weakens the bloc’s legitimacy and bargaining power.

- Erosion of democratic norms and rise of military‑backed alliances : As more states fall under military rule, the model of institutional coups, constitutional manipulation, and political interference becomes normalized, undermining ECOWAS’s raison d’être.

In effect, sanctions and diplomatic pressure ECOWAS’s traditional tools, increasingly appear inadequate against well‑entrenched military regimes with internal and external backing.


Why Nigeria Should Fear

For Nigeria, the escalating wave of coups across ECOWAS territory represents a mounting nightmare for several connected reasons:

1. Security Spill‑overs and Threats of Insurgency: When neighboring countries destabilize, porous borders and weak regional cooperation enable cross‑border arms flow, refugee influxes, and criminal networks. This undermines Nigeria’s efforts to tackle insurgency, banditry, and organized crime.

2. Economic Disruptions and Trade Dislocation: Nigeria, as the largest economy in ECOWAS, depends heavily on regional trade. Coup‑induced instability or sanctions disrupt cross‑border commerce, affecting supply chains, trade revenue, and investor confidence, potentially derailing domestic economic recovery.

3. Leadership Vacuum in Regional Crisis Response: With former powers withdrawing from ECOWAS and military juntas asserting control, Nigeria loses reliable allies and faces greater burden in peace‑keeping and diplomatic initiatives, stretching resources thin.

4. Legitimacy Crisis for Pan‑West African Integration: The implosion of democratic norms undermines the founding ideals of ECOWAS, economic integration, collective security, and political cooperation, threatening Nigeria's leadership ambitions for the sub‑region.

5. Internal Pressures of Unrest and Ethnic/Regional Echoes: Coup narratives, corruption, poor governance, security failures, resonate with global frustrations even within Nigeria. It risks fueling disillusionment, internal group mobilization, or calls for drastic “solutions,” especially in zones grappling with marginalization.


What Must Be Done

While the situation appears bleak, Nigeria — alongside committed ECOWAS partners — still has actionable steps to reclaim regional leadership and curb the military takeover trend:

- Revitalize Institutional Strength and Democratic Governance: Domestic institutions must be fortified, judiciary, electoral bodies, security sector, civil service, to ensure accountability, transparency, and citizen inclusion. A strong internal democracy reduces the appeal of coups.

- Enhance Preventive Diplomacy and Early‑Warning Mechanisms: ECOWAS should go beyond sanctions & statements. Investment is needed in grassroots conflict resolution, civil‑military sensitization, cross‑border cooperation, and early‑warning centers to detect discontent before it becomes violence.

- Support Economic Development and Structural Reforms: Addressing economic hardship, youth unemployment, inequality, corruption is critical. Economic inclusion, rural development, and job creation will reduce the social base that often supports coups.

- Maintain Military Professionalism and Civilian Oversight: Security services across the region require depoliticization, training, and oversight to avoid becoming tools for government overthrow. Civilian command of the military must be guaranteed.

- Regional Solidarity and Adaptive Strategy: Nigeria and likeminded ECOWAS states must adopt a flexible yet firm posture, combining diplomacy, sanctions, conditional aid, and regional security cooperation to isolate and deter junta‑run regimes, while preserving citizen welfare.


The Urgent Imperative for Nigeria and ECOWAS

The wave of coups sweeping through West Africa exposes a fragile underbelly of broken institutions, misgovernance, and despair. For Nigeria, and for ECOWAS as a whole, this spells more than a political crisis. It threatens security, economic growth, regional unity, and the aspirations of millions who believe in a peaceful, integrated West Africa.

The time for reactive statements and sanctions has passed. What is needed now is a bold, comprehensive, and collaborative strategy that combines governance reform, preventive diplomacy, security restructuring, and regional solidarity.

Nigeria can, and must lead that effort. If it fails, the nightmare of instability will not only haunt its neighbors, but also come knocking at its own door.

In a bold move to safeguard the integrity of civil society operations in Ondo State, the Elders’ Council of the Coalition of All Civil Society Organizations in Ondo State (CACSOD) has suspended its executive members led by Alo Martins for a period of three months. The decision, announced in a statement signed by seven prominent elders and led by Chief Akomolafe Pius, follows allegations of political interference, partisan influence and mismanagement within the coalition’s leadership.

The suspension comes amidst growing tension after controversial press releases and counter-statements by the coalition’s leadership regarding political developments in the state. The elders expressed grave concern over the manner in which the executives engaged with the situation, leading to confusion and public distrust.

“This action is necessary to protect the name, integrity, and credibility of CACSOD,” the statement read. “We are deeply troubled by how the coalition’s executives handled communications regarding the alleged defection of some political figures. Their response lacked coordination and neutrality, two core principles that define our organization.”

The decision is seen as a significant step in resetting civil society activism in the state and reasserting the independence and neutrality of civil organizations amid increasing political tensions in the lead-up to the 2027 general elections.

According to the elders, the suspension prohibits the executives from carrying out any activities, issuing statements, or representing the coalition in any capacity during the three-month period. A Review Committee has also been set up to investigate the circumstances that led to the crisis.

“The suspended officials are not to sign or endorse any documents on behalf of CACSOD until the investigation is concluded,” the elders insisted.

The coalition reaffirmed its non-partisan nature and stated that its core mission remains the promotion of good governance, civic responsibility, and public accountability.

“CACSOD is not a political tool or extension of any party. We exist to serve the people by holding government and institutions accountable, not to meddle in political affairs,” the elders emphasized.

They called on all stakeholders—including media, government agencies, and the general public—to remain patient as the coalition works to restore its credibility and operational integrity.

Other signatories to the statement include respected civil society leaders such as Mrs. Florence Ajih, Chief Mrs. M.O. Adetula, Dr. Mrs. Jumoke Aborode, Amb. Folake Esan, Mrs. Olabisi Omolona, and Mr. Franklin Oloniju.

In a bold move to safeguard the integrity of civil society operations in Ondo State, the Elders’ Council of the Coalition of All Civil Society Organizations in Ondo State (CACSOD) has suspended its executive members led by Alo Martins for a period of three months. The decision, announced in a statement signed by seven prominent elders and led by Chief Akomolafe Pius, follows allegations of political interference, partisan influence and mismanagement within the coalition’s leadership.

The suspension comes amidst growing tension after controversial press releases and counter-statements by the coalition’s leadership regarding political developments in the state. The elders expressed grave concern over the manner in which the executives engaged with the situation, leading to confusion and public distrust.

“This action is necessary to protect the name, integrity, and credibility of CACSOD,” the statement read. “We are deeply troubled by how the coalition’s executives handled communications regarding the alleged defection of some political figures. Their response lacked coordination and neutrality, two core principles that define our organization.”

The decision is seen as a significant step in resetting civil society activism in the state and reasserting the independence and neutrality of civil organizations amid increasing political tensions in the lead-up to the 2027 general elections.

According to the elders, the suspension prohibits the executives from carrying out any activities, issuing statements, or representing the coalition in any capacity during the three-month period. A Review Committee has also been set up to investigate the circumstances that led to the crisis.

“The suspended officials are not to sign or endorse any documents on behalf of CACSOD until the investigation is concluded,” the elders insisted.

The coalition reaffirmed its non-partisan nature and stated that its core mission remains the promotion of good governance, civic responsibility, and public accountability.

“CACSOD is not a political tool or extension of any party. We exist to serve the people by holding government and institutions accountable, not to meddle in political affairs,” the elders emphasized.

They called on all stakeholders—including media, government agencies, and the general public—to remain patient as the coalition works to restore its credibility and operational integrity.

Other signatories to the statement include respected civil society leaders such as Mrs. Florence Ajih, Chief Mrs. M.O. Adetula, Dr. Mrs. Jumoke Aborode, Amb. Folake Esan, Mrs. Olabisi Omolona, and Mr. Franklin Oloniju.

A disturbing humanitarian crisis is unfolding in the oil-rich Ilaje coastal region of Ondo State, where residents have accused the Nigerian Navy of excessive force, human rights violations, and the destruction of civilian homes in a supposed anti-bunkering operation gone wrong.

The Nigerian Navy reportedly stormed Obe Jedo following intelligence reports of illegal oil refining. While the operation confirmed the existence of illicit activities, witnesses say the force extended its reach to Obe Adun—a neighboring community not implicated in any refinery activity.

Residents claim Navy personnel attempted to coerce local youths into moving confiscated materials. When they refused, violence erupted. Beatings were reported, and in the fracas, locals allegedly seized a Navy patrol boat in self-defense.

The next day, Ilaje community leaders—led by Council Chairman Baba Olubo—intervened, returning the patrol boat and initiating dialogue to calm tensions. But hopes were short-lived.

According to residents, the Navy returned in larger numbers, launching a retaliatory operation in Obe Adun. Homes were allegedly set ablaze, properties destroyed, and terrified families forced to flee into marshlands with no shelter.

Heartbreaking images show children standing barefoot amid wreckage, families salvaging burnt belongings, and entire compounds reduced to ashes. With rising tides and damaged infrastructure, many residents are now displaced in already fragile environments.

We are not criminals. We are citizens. Why should we suffer for what we did not do?” - Obe Adun resident

Activists including Omoduni Olamide, Omoregha Ayenowo and Oyekanmi Jeff have called on the Ondo State Government, the National Assembly, and the National Human Rights Commission to investigate what they describe as a “military overreach and civilian abuse.”

They are demanding:
- Independent investigation into the Navy’s conduct
- Compensation for affected families
- Reconstruction of destroyed homes
- Clear protocols for military engagement in civilian zones

This incident underscores the delicate balance between enforcing law and protecting civilian rights. As Nigeria battles oil theft and environmental degradation, communities like Ilaje remain caught in the middle—vulnerable to both criminal exploitation and state force.

Ilaje doesn’t need sympathy—it needs justice, protection, and peace.

#IlajeUnderAttack #OndoNews #NavyBrutality #HumanRightsNG #NigerDeltaCrisis

The dualisation of the Okitipupa-Igbokoda Road is set to begin soon, as confirmed during a high-level meeting between Hon. Maurice Oripenaye and a delegation from the Ondo State Ministry of Works and Infrastructure.

The delegation, led by Engr. F. M. Oluwatayo, announced that the much-anticipated project has been officially awarded and approved by the Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Ayedatiwa. The dualisation initiative is part of the administration’s broader commitment to infrastructural development across the state.

As part of the project rollout, Engr. Oluwatayo disclosed that a stakeholders’ meeting will be held on Wednesday, May 29, 2025, at the OSUSTECH Multipurpose Hall, Okitipupa. The meeting will bring together traditional rulers, religious and political leaders, and other key stakeholders from Okitipupa and Ilaje Local Government Areas to discuss the scope and community impact of the road project.

Hon. Oripenaye expressed deep appreciation to the Ministry’s team and lauded Governor Ayedatiwa for taking bold steps to fulfill his infrastructure-focused campaign promises. “This project is a significant milestone that will boost economic activity and enhance connectivity in our region,” he said.

The Ministry’s delegation also included Engr. Adu Omotayo and Engr. Adebayo Erejuwa.

Recent statements by Senator Jimoh Ibrahim regarding the status of the Ilaje people in Ondo State have sparked significant debate. Senator Ibrahim referred to the Ilaje people as a "minority" within the context of Ondo's political and social landscape. While some may find the classification controversial, it's important to approach this topic with nuance, acknowledging the complexities of ethnicity, population demographics, and the evolving role of minorities in a modern society.

Indeed, the Ilaje people, a subgroup of the larger Yoruba ethnic group, can be considered a minority in terms of population size when compared to other groups within Ondo State, but this does not make them insignificant. The categorization of "minority" should not be conflated with a lack of influence or importance. Being a minority does not equate to being a "nonentity." On the contrary, minorities often possess unique cultural, social, and political strengths that contribute significantly to the broader community.

Historical Background of the Ilaje People
The Ilaje people are primarily located in the coastal regions of Ondo State, specifically in the local government areas of Ilaje and Ese Odo. These areas are characterized by their proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, which has profoundly shaped the Ilaje people's way of life. The Ilaje are traditionally fishermen and women, and their culture and economy are deeply intertwined with the sea.

Historically, the Ilaje people have been known for their resilience and strong sense of community. Despite being a relatively small ethnic group in comparison to other Yoruba subgroups within the state, the Ilaje have maintained a rich cultural identity, rooted in their language, traditions, and customs. This distinctive identity is not overshadowed by their numerical status but rather enhanced by it, allowing them to carve out a unique place within the Yoruba socio-cultural landscape.

Minority Status: A Sociological Perspective
When Senator Ibrahim refers to the Ilaje people as a "minority," he may be speaking from a numerical standpoint—meaning that the Ilaje population is smaller when compared to other groups in Ondo State, such as the Akure, Owo, or even other Yoruba subgroups. According to census figures and demographic studies, while the Ilaje people make up a smaller percentage of the overall population in the state, their presence in the political, cultural, and economic spheres is undeniable.

In the context of Nigerian politics and society, being a minority often leads to being underrepresented in the political and social power structures. In many cases, this can translate to fewer opportunities, limited access to resources, and sometimes marginalization. However, it's essential to understand that the status of "minority" does not imply inferiority or irrelevance. Minority groups, whether in terms of population, ethnicity, or language, often play a crucial role in shaping national identity and social dynamics.

The notion of "minority" needs to be contextualized beyond mere numbers. It is also about political representation, cultural influence, and societal contributions. In this respect, the Ilaje people, despite their smaller population size, have a deep historical significance and a resilient identity that ensures their active participation in both local and national affairs.

*Cultural Significance and Contributions*

The Ilaje people are not a "nonentity" by any means. Their cultural richness is a testament to their deep connection with their environment and history. Their traditional practices, art, and music are distinctive and form an integral part of the Yoruba cultural tapestry.

The Ilaje are famous for their traditional festivals, including the Malokun, which is celebrated in many coastal communities, and the Oro Festival, which is an important event that symbolizes their deep spiritual beliefs and respect for their ancestors. These festivals serve as a means of preserving their heritage and showcasing their cultural identity to the larger Yoruba community and the world.

Additionally, the Ilaje people have contributed significantly to the development of Ondo State's maritime economy. With their historical reliance on fishing, the Ilaje have an intimate understanding of the coastal ecosystems and marine life, which they have used to build thriving fishing industries. Their participation in oil exploration and maritime activities along the Atlantic coast further highlights their significant economic contributions to the state.

Political Representation and the Ilaje Voice

In terms of political influence, the Ilaje people have not been sidelined. While they may represent a smaller portion of Ondo’s overall population, they continue to play an active role in the state’s political scene. The Ilaje have had notable political figures emerge from their community, and their participation in local and national elections ensures that their voice is heard.

It is important to note that in recent years, political movements and alliances have allowed the Ilaje to amplify their presence and push for equitable representation in governance. Their involvement in the political and legislative processes demonstrates that they are far from marginalized. Their relatively small population size has not prevented them from advocating for their interests and gaining the attention of both regional and national leaders.

For instance, the Ilaje people have been vocal advocates for issues such as the equitable distribution of oil resources in the Niger Delta and the protection of their coastal environment from oil spills and environmental degradation. These issues have far-reaching implications for the entire nation, but the Ilaje people, with their deep-rooted connection to the land and sea, have been at the forefront of these advocacy efforts.

Minority Status and its Socioeconomic Challenges

Despite their rich cultural and historical significance, the Ilaje people, like many minority groups in Nigeria, face specific challenges related to their minority status. These challenges often include limited access to resources, economic opportunities, and social services. Their coastal communities are particularly vulnerable to environmental degradation, such as oil pollution and rising sea levels, which disproportionately affect their livelihoods.

Additionally, their small population size can sometimes result in underrepresentation in policy decisions, leading to neglect of their needs in infrastructure, education, and healthcare. However, such challenges are not unique to the Ilaje; many minority communities in Nigeria face similar struggles. It is through continued advocacy and political engagement that the Ilaje people can push for fair treatment and equal access to opportunities.

Conclusion: Minority Status Does Not Equal Irrelevance

In conclusion, while the Ilaje people may be considered a minority group in terms of population size within Ondo State, this status should not diminish their importance. The label of "minority" in this context refers to demographic numbers but does not reduce the Ilaje people to a position of insignificance or marginalization. Their culture, history, political engagement, and contributions to the region's economy make them an integral part of the state’s social and political fabric.

Being a minority does not equate to being a nonentity. The Ilaje people, like other minorities, have a valuable role to play in Nigeria’s development, and their unique contributions should be celebrated. As the Ilaje continue to assert their rights and push for greater representation, it is clear that they will remain an influential force in the future of Ondo State and Nigeria as a whole.

Omoduni Olamide
Write from Ugbonla Kingdom, Ilaje Ondo State

He has done well for himself to attain leadership virtue.

Competent and Compassionate
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