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Dream Fulfilled As Chief Bob-Izua Purchases Rolls Royce, Jaguar, Others Worth N2 Billion  Iduozee Efe Paul, Benin  The Ayobahan of Benin Kingdom, Chief John Osamede Adun, has stated that, took him 30 years of hard work and dream before he was able to purchase his Rolls Royce 2013 model. Chief Adun also known as Bob-Izua made the statements when he hosted family, friends and associates in a lavish reception after he received the four cars that he bought recently in his residence in Benin city. The prominent Benin Chief and a Benin based transporter said he is very happy to acquire the four cars, which he said will be used in various occasions. Bob-Izua conglomerate said the Rolls Royce 2013 model will be used to attend palace activities. "I call you people to my house to come and celebrate with me because of the new cars, I bought. I am very happy today, I have been dreaming of having this Rolls Royce 2013 model, 30 years ago.  "I will drive the car...

Monday Lines 2 OPINION: A dream Of Nigeria By Lasisi Olagunju (Published in the Nigerian Tribune on Monday, 11 May, 2026).  Monday morning on the pulpit can be very surreal. Today's lesson is from Camara Laye's 'A Dream of Africa', a 1966 novel of prophecy, the black man and his future. A young man called Fatoman returns for a two-week vacation in Guinea after six years of exile in Paris. He returns to a country whose idea of mystery and power "are no longer to be found where they used to be"; a nation badly fissured by violent partisan politics.  Crestfallen, he goes to his goldsmith father who has lost his trade to wooden objects that lack spirits. Fatoman's father gives him a sacred white ball of cowrie shells. Father tells son: "Put that inside your pillow-case tonight and ask God yourself to enlighten you about the future of our native land."  Then he sleeps and in an all-night dream the young man finds himself in prison. He sees...

Monday Lines 1 OPINION: Awolowo: Legacies and prophecies By Lasisi Olagunju (Published in the Nigerian Tribune on Monday, 11 May, 2026).  An old firm of architects with a rich history of project design and delivery sent a letter to the Sierra Leonean government on September 15, 1960. In that letter, the firm listed some of the projects it was handling in Nigeria. The multi-storey building called Cocoa House in Ibadan was on that list. But the story of Cocoa House began long before that letter was written. The 26-storey structure did not emerge as an idle elephant on Ibadan’s skyline. It was Obafemi Awolowo’s answer to the need for a total-package commercial edifice. The architects described it as a multipurpose venture “aimed at providing office space as well as leisure facilities through a nightclub, swimming pool and cinema complex.” That perhaps explains why the skyscraper came with a roof garden and has in its shadows, what the Transnational Architecture Group descr...

Gov Okpebholo Leads Dignitaries To Thanksgiving Service For Edo Deputy Governor’s Late Mother Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State on Sunday led a host of dignitaries to a Special Thanksgiving Service held in honour of late Esther Imaguomwanruo Idahosa, mother of the Deputy Governor of the State, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa. The thanksgiving service, organised for the matriarch of the Idahosa family, took place at Living Faith Church, Sapele Road, Benin City, and drew prominent personalities from across the state. Governor Okpebholo’s presence at the solemn gathering underscored the solidarity and support of the Edo State Government with the Deputy Governor and the Idahosa family during the period of remembrance and thanksgiving for the life and legacy of the departed matriarch, who passed away at the age of 95. Among dignitaries present at the service were the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa; former Governor of Edo State, Chief Lucky Igbinedion; former D...

2027: APC Executives In Owan  Reject Speaker’s Third Term Bid …… Tenders Apology, Recognized Chief Lucky Ohimai As Leader Of APC Owan West By Editor  SABOGIDDA-ORA : The ward executives of All Progressive Congress in Owan West have rejected the third bid of Speaker Edo State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Blessing Agbebaku The ward executives members from ward 1-11 of the party rejected the term bid in a meeting held at Chief Lucky Ohimai’s residence in Sabogidda Ora,Owan West LGA The speaker , Hon Blessing Agbebaku earlier before the enlarge meeting of the ward executives made peace with the leaders and members of All Progressive Congress where he apologized to the leaders , executives and members of the party as well as recognized the leadership of High Chief Lucky Ohimai (Tarex) This meeting and recognition by the Speaker have finally put to rest the strained relations among key party leaders Speaking at the meeting, Rt Hon Blessing Agbebaku said he was at the reside...

NUJ Mourns ITV/Radio Correspondent Kingsley Uchegbu, Expressed Deep Sorrow Over Sudden Death  By Editor  The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State Council, has expressed deep sorrow over the sudden death of ITV/Radio staff member and Government House Correspondent, Mr Kingsley Uchegbu. In a condolence message addressed to the management of ITV/Radio in Benin City on Thursday, the union described the late journalist as a dedicated media professional whose commitment to duty and active participation in union activities earned him the admiration of colleagues within and outside the journalism profession. The condolence message, jointly signed by the Chairman of the NUJ Edo State Council, Festus Alenkhe, and the Secretary, Andy Egbon, stated that the union received the news of Uchegbu’s death with “profound shock, deep sorrow, and heavy hearts.” According to the union, Uchegbu was not only a committed staff member of ITV/Radio but also a visible and active memb...

EDSG To Support ITV GovT. House Correspondent's family Of late Kingsley Uchegbu Edo State Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo  has promised  to support the Family of Independent Television and Radio reporter and government house Correspondent late Kingsley Uchegbu ensuring that they get the necessary help needed to keep the family going following the death of the bread winner. Governor Okpebholo disclosed this during a condolence visit to Mrs. Chineyeamara  Uchegbu, the widow of the late reporter at her  residence in Benin City. This was made known by the delegation of the state governor led by his Chief of Staff  Hon. Yakubu Musa Speaking through the Commissioner for Information Hon. Kassim Afegbua who was also in the entourage said the State government will provide succour to the family of the late Kingsley Uchegbu who was dedicated and committed in his duties.  "Madam, we are sent here by the governor, we can assure you that we will not leave y...

Court Adjourns Alleged Money Laundering Case Against Jessica To June 30 By Editor  A Federal High Court sitting in Benin City has adjourned until June 30, 2026, the alleged money laundering case instituted against Jessica Iguodala Oghomwen. The adjournment followed an oral application by the prosecutor, P. Odion, who when the case was mentioned sought more time to enable him gather additional information in furtherance of an earlier order of the court. Prior to Wednesday’s proceedings, the court had granted the order for substituted service.  The prosecutor had at the  last court sitting informed the court that the order had been executed through publications in The Nigerian Observer and Vanguard newspapers, as well as by pasting notices on the Federal High Court’s Notice Board. Odion told the court that his application was anchored on Section 80, Part 7 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, which empowers a prosecutor to seek the attachme...

  ECOWAS Parliament Orders Probe Into Rising Terror Attacks, Xenophobic Violence In South Africa The ECOWAS Parliament has ordered an investigation into escalating terrorist attacks across West Africa and the ongoing xenophobic attacks targeting African migrants in South Africa. The decision was taken during the First 2026 ECOWAS Parliament Ordinary Session in Abuja after Ghanaian MP Alexander Afenyo-Markin raised what he described as a matter of “urgent direct and profound importance.” Lawmakers directed the Committee on  Political Affairs to investigate recent terror attacks in Mali and Burkina Faso, alongside xenophobic violence in South Africa affecting ECOWAS citizens. Afenyo-Markin cited the killing of 18 Ghanaian traders by Al-Qaeda-linked terrorists in Burkina Faso and condemned the repeated attacks, looting, and displacement of Nigerians, Ghanaians, Zimbabweans, Ethiopians, and other Africans in South Africa.Nigerian political analysis He also criticized ECOWAS for fa...

‎Enabulele Hosts AFFAN, Reaffirms Commitment To Encouraging Women’s Participation In Sports Growth  ‎By Iduozee Efe Paul, Benin  ‎The Executive Chairman,Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, on Tuesday received the leadership of the Association of Former Female Athletes of Nigeria (AFFAN) during a courtesy visit to him in his office. ‎ ‎The leader of the delegation and the state coordinator of the association Mrs. Abudu Faith said the visit was aimed at briefing the Commission chairman on their activities and to explore areas of collaboration to advance sports development, particularly for women in Edo State. ‎ ‎Receiving the AFFAN’s Executive , Hon. Enabulele welcomed the initiative and reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to promoting female participation in sports. ‎ ‎The Edo State Sports Commission boss disclosed that a dedicated committee has already been  instituted to drive the process of the policies and programs tha...

Gov Okpebholo Receives ICAN Leadership, Reaffirms Commitment, Transparency By Editor  Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, on Tuesday said the state’s consistent top ranking on the accountability index reflects his administration’s commitment to transparency and prudent financial management, as he received the leadership of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) at the Government House, Benin City  The delegation, led by ICAN President and Chairman of Council, Haruna N. Yahya, paid a courtesy visit to the governor, during which they presented the institute’s incoming president, Hajia Queensley Safuratu Seghosime, an indigene of Edo State. Welcoming the delegation, Governor Okpebholo expressed delight at hosting the body, noting his long-standing interest in the accounting profession.  He emphasized the close relationship between accounting and his background in ICT, describing both as disciplines that demand precision and integrity. ...

Court Remands Tunde Ayeni In Kuje Prison Over ₦15.6bn Fraud  By Editor  A Federal Capital Territory High Court in Apo, Abuja, on Monday remanded a former chairman of the defunct Skye Bank Plc, Tunde Ayeni, in the Kuje Correctional Centre over alleged N15.6bn fraud. Ayeni was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission before Justice Jude Onwuzuruike on 17 charges bordering on criminal breach of trust, misappropriation, and conversion of investors’ funds amounting to N15,665,085,429. A statement by the EFCC spokesman, Dele Oyewale, said the prosecution counsel, E.E. Iheanacho (SAN), told the court that the matter was set for arraignment and that the prosecution was ready to proceed to trial. “We have before the court a 17-count charge dated April 28, 2026. We humbly apply that the charge be read to the defendant,” Iheanacho said. However, the defence counsel, Ahmed Bashir (SAN), informed the court that the charge had been served on the defendant on a p...

Poor Asset Valuation Delaying Progress, Restricting Credit Access — Surv. Isiokherhe ,,,Urges Urgent Reforms In Land Administration  By Iduozee Efe Paul, Benin  The Chairman of the Edo State Branch of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV), ESV Rogers Isiokherhe, has identified robust valuation practices as a critical lever for unlocking Nigeria’s vast but underutilised wealth, urging urgent reforms in land administration and asset documentation systems. Speaking during the 2026 Valuation Day celebration and awareness march in Benin City, Isiokherhe said Nigeria’s economic constraints are less about resource scarcity and more about the failure to properly account for and optimise existing assets. Despite the country’s abundance of natural and economic resources, he stated that weak valuation frameworks continue to constrain growth, widen inequality, and limit access to finance. “Valuation is fundamental to economic planning, investment dec...

CRPP Threatens To Petition EFCC To Investigate  Govt  Okpebholo Projects  ...Lampoons On  Him For  Single-Handedly Picking Candidates Iduozee Efe Paul, Benin  The Coalition of Registered Political Parties (CRPP) has condemned governor Monday Okpebholo's over his undue interference and single-handedly picking candidates in the forthcoming primaries elections in Edo state APC, and urged him to let democracy breathe.  The Coalition therefore blamed the regime of Governor Monday Okpebholo, rating its performance as below public expectation while raising concerns over transparency in key infrastructure projects in Edo State. This follows a communiqué issued at the end of its second general meeting held in Benin City and signed by its National Chairman, Dr. Samson Isibor, the coalition said citizens of Edo state have shown “resilience and endurance” despite what it termed economic hardship and rising insecurity, particularly in Ekpoma, Edo Centra...

Legal Net Tightens: Defamation Suit Against Jessica Iguodala Adjourned  ... As She Evades Service, Criminal Charges The legal walls are closing in on Jessica Iguodala, as she faces mounting pressure in both civil and criminal courts. Today, the civil suit involving the alleged malicious character assassination of Elder Francis Omoruyi Oloton with suit number B/167/2026, took a brief pause before Honourable Justice E.O. Ahaomoje at the Edo State High Court No. 4, following Iguodala’s continued absence. When the matter was called for mention, the claimant’s legal representative, Samson R. Osagie, Esq., was present and ready to proceed. However, the court was informed that Iguodala has yet to be formally served with court processes. Despite repeated efforts to bring her to account for the damage caused to Elder Oloton’s reputation, every attempt at service has "proved abortive." Justice Ahaomoje has adjourned the matter to June 16, 2026, for mention, giving the legal...

TUESDAY FLAT OUT OPINION -Tinubu: Borrowing Is Leprosy   By Suyi Ayodele (Published in the Nigerian Tribune on Tuesday, May 5, 2026) https://tribuneonlineng.com/tinubu-borrowing-is-leprosy/   “Neither a borrower nor a lender be; For loan oft loses both itself and friend, And borrowing dulls the edge of husbandry.” William Shakespeare, Hamlet (Act 1, Scene 3)   Nigeria has shifted from incurring debt as an instrument of policy to embracing it as a condition of survival. It is a dangerous evolution—made worse when President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appears to regard debt not as leprosy, but as ornament.   Greek philosopher, Plutarch (before AD50-after 120), wrote a piece titled: “That We Ought Not to Borrow.”   What the old Greek philosopher said in the piece, published in Vol. X of the Loeb Classical Library edition of the Moralia, 1936 (Pg. 315-339), shows that borrowing is worse than leprosy in all ramifications. Plutarch’s piece summarises the Greeks...

Monday Lines OPINION: APC’s Politics Of Consensus By Lasisi Olagunju (Published by the Nigerian Tribune on Monday, May 4, 2026) In a democracy, victory won through real elections brings enduring legitimacy. ‘On Your Mandate We Shall Stand’ was composed and sung for Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola because he submitted his ambition to a competitive process: he had a competent opponent, votes were cast, counted, and he won. The song, its defiance, and resilience followed that mandate because it was legitimate. Those who chant similar slogans today may find themselves clutching empty matchboxes tomorrow if they continue to sidestep competitive elections. A democratic seat secured through elite manipulation and backroom agreement cannot command enduring popular support, especially when those same elites decide to take it back. Nigeria today stands in the grip of what is called consensus politics; choosing candidates without the 'trouble' of voting. We are even scheming ...

Dispute In NDC Registration As ADA questions Process ... Dickson Reacts To Allegation   Fresh controversy has erupted over the registration of the Senator Seriake Dickson-led National Democratic Congress, with the All Democratic Alliance raising concerns about the legitimacy of the process. It will be recalled that a few weeks ago, a chieftain of the All Democratic Alliance, Umar Ardo, alleged that the NDC’s registration by the Independent National Electoral Commission did not follow due process. Ardo claimed there were irregularities in the documentation submitted by the NDC and questioned the speed of INEC’s approval. “We have written to INEC to ask for a review. Political parties cannot be registered through the back door,” he said in a statement last month. Dickson : “I’m disappointed in my friend Ardo” However, his claims were dismissed by former Bayelsa governor and NDC convener, Senator Seriake Dickson, who expressed disappointment in Ardo. “I’m disappointed in my friend Uma...