Oba Rashidi Ladoja was officially installed as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland in 2025, marking a significant milestone in both the traditional and political history of Nigeria’s largest indigenous city.
These are some key facts about the newly-crowned Oyo traditional leader
1. Rashidi Ladoja served as the Governor of Oyo State from 2003 to 2007 under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party.
His tenure was marked by both political achievements and controversies, including an impeachment (later overturned by the courts).
2. Aged Politician Turned Monarch
Born on September 25, 1944, Oba Ladoja ascended the throne at age 81, bringing decades of experience in politics, business, and traditional leadership.
3. Highly Educated
He studied Chemical Engineering at the prestigious University of Liège in Belgium.
He is fluent in multiple languages, including French, and has had a successful professional career before politics.
4. Accomplished Businessman
Before entering politics, Ladoja worked with several multinational companies, including Total Nigeria, and later ventured into private business, particularly in oil and gas and shipping.
5. Long Journey Through the Ibadan Chieftaincy System
Oba Ladoja began his journey to the throne over 32 years ago, following the traditional Olubadan succession line, which is rotational and seniority-based.
He held various titles, including Jagun Olubadan, Osi Olubadan, and Otun Olubadan, before becoming Olubadan in 2025.
6. Defender of Ibadan Traditional Institution
Ladoja strongly opposed the controversial 2017 chieftaincy review introduced by ex-Governor Abiola Ajimobi, which sought to elevate multiple Ibadan chiefs to the status of “kings”.
He went to court to defend the integrity and structure of the Ibadan traditional system and won.
7. Known for Calm Demeanor and Bridge-Building
Ladoja is widely respected for his moderation, diplomacy, and ability to navigate complex political and social situations.
As Olubadan, he is expected to play a stabilising role in Ibadanland and Oyo State politics.
8. He Succeeds Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin
Oba Ladoja was installed as the 44th Olubadan following the passing of Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin, the 43rd Olubadan, who reigned from 2024 until his death on July 7, 2025.
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Source: The Punch
Users of Facebook and Instagram in the United Kingdom, UK will soon start paying a monthly fee.
This would make it possible for them to access the platform advert free.
According to BBC, Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, said it would start notifying users about the development in the coming weeks.
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Sulaimon Shekoni Solomon, the Nigerian singer, better known as Khaid, who is signed to Sydney Talker’s label, has voiced his desire for freedom.
The singer disclosed on his X page that he would be needing lawyers to handle certain personal matters.
He also shared his desire for freedom while addressing the expectations he is constantly faced with.
“They want control. I want freedom. Let’s see who wins,” he wrote.
Khaid further encouraged young lawyers to consider a career in the entertainment industry, noting the growing demand for legal representation.
“These graduating lawyers better be in the entertainment scene. Y’all got work to do. Need me like five. Matter full ground. Time will tell,” he wrote.
However, he is yet to confirm or deny the speculations.
The management of Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals has initiated a major reorganisation of its operations and staff structure.
The refinery said the decision was taken in response to repeated sabotage by staff members that threatened the operational safety of the 650,000 barrels per day facility.
In a letter dated September 24, 2025, and signed by the Chief General Manager, Human Asset Management, Femi Adekunle, the refinery said it was “constrained to carry out a total reorganisation of the plant” following “many recent cases of reported sabotage in different units of the Petroleum Refinery leading to major safety concerns.”
Affected staff were directed to hand over all company property to their line managers and await clearance before receiving their entitlements, which the Finance Department would compute in line with their conditions of service.
However, a senior official of Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals dismissed reports that the company sacked workers en masse, insisting that the recent development was a reorganisation exercise aimed at curbing sabotage within the plant.
Speaking to The PUNCH on Friday, the official, who confirmed the authenticity of the disengagement letter, stressed that its interpretation had been largely misrepresented.
“Yes, the letter is correct. But the interpretation is wrong. The interpretation is that it affects some people because of certain things discovered in the refinery. It has nothing to do with unionism or anything like that,” the official said.
According to him, the move was designed to plug leakages and protect the company’s assets following repeated acts of sabotage.
“It doesn’t mean they have been sacked. That is incorrect. What was done was to put a check in place. It is more like a clean-up in the system to check where those sabotage and leakages are coming from and then address them. As soon as the issues are addressed, they will be reabsorbed. That is why it is not a sack and that word wasn’t used,” he explained.
He added that the exercise was carried out suddenly to prevent those involved in the alleged sabotage from concealing their actions.
“Some acts of sabotage have been noticed repeatedly and the company is only trying to safeguard its assets. Also, you cannot do things like this and give two weeks’ notice; otherwise, those in the act would cover up and complicate issues,” he said.
The official further clarified that refinery operations were ongoing and that both Nigerians and expatriates were still actively working at the plant.
“As we speak, people are still working at the refinery. The people affected know themselves, and those who did not get the letter are not affected. Anyone who doesn’t have a hand in sabotage has nothing to worry about,” he stressed.
When contacted, Dangote spokesperson, Anthony Chiejina, did not respond to messages sent to him by our correspondent
Nollywood actor Ninalowo Bolanle has revealed that he has been separated from his wife, Bunmi, and officially divorced since September 2023.
The actor made this known after responding to a woman who shared an untrue narrative about his past marriage.
The woman claimed that Ninalowo only fought to save his marriage after realising he had cheated, neglected his wife, and left her to carry the burden alone while he chased his dreams.
She also alleged that his wife endured the pain until she no longer recognized him, and that he had to completely change himself in order to win her back.
Reacting, the father of two dismissed the report as false and expressed displeasure over the attempt to misrepresent his private life.
He stated that his marriage officially ended and stressed that he is proudly standing by the decision.
He wrote in the comment section: “You must be a mad human to post this no..sense! Very unintelligent woman and uneducated woman you are. Get the fuck off my case and focus on your cartoon existence.
“Been separated & divorced since September 2023 and proudly bold of it. Hoping this my response for the first time ever will enlighten you. Sick, bitter and empty ass woman.”
Spanish football legend Sergio Busquets has announced that he will retire from professional football at the end of the MLS season in October.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano first revealed the news on Friday, writing on 𝕏: “Sergio Busquets RETIRES from professional football at the end of the MLS season! Decision made by Spanish midfielder… who’s leaving Inter Miami and professional football in October. Legend and icon of the game.”
Shortly after, the 36-year-old midfielder confirmed it himself with a heartfelt video on Instagram, where he wrote: “A heartfelt thank you to everyone, and to football, for everything. You will always be a part of this beautiful story.”
Busquets joined Inter Miami last year to reunite with former Barcelona teammate Lionel Messi. Known for his sharp intelligence, flawless positioning, and unshakeable composure under pressure, he has often been described as the “midfield anchor” who allowed others to shine.
His legacy, however, was cemented long before his time in America.
At Barcelona, he lifted numerous La Liga titles and three UEFA Champions League trophies, forming the spine of Pep Guardiola’s iconic tiki-taka era.
On the international stage, he played a central role in Spain’s golden generation, helping La Roja to the 2010 FIFA World Cup and back-to-back European Championships in 2008 and 2012.
Busquets will now step away from the pitch as one of the most influential midfielders of his generation.