Politics
Owoeye Emerges Osun 7th Assembly Speaker
The 7th Osun State House of Assembly was yesterday inaugurated to commence its legislative duty in earnest, as the former house leader in the 6th Assembly, Hon. Timothy Owoeye, emerged as the Speaker.
Owoeye, who won election to return to the house in the March 9 election for the fourth term, represents Ilesa East state constituency.
The Clerk of the House, Mr Samuel Amusan, presided over the swearing-in ceremony at the instance of the governor of the state, Gboyega Oyetola.
Hon. Samuel Olufemi Popoola, who represents Boluwaduro/ Boripe state constituency, emerged as the Deputy Speaker.
Others are: Hon. Olanrewaju Moroof from Irewole/Isokan state constituency, as the leader of the house, and Hon. Babatunde Olatunji representing Ife North state constituency as the chief whip.
Hon. Kunle Akande from Olorunda state constituency emerged as the Deputy majority leader even as Hon. Gbenga Oguntomi from Ayedire state constituency was nominated as the deputy chief whip.
Meanwhile, Hon. Adewunmi Babatunde representing Ede North state constituency, who is a member of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, was nominated as the minority leader of the house among others.
The governor, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola, in his remarks, urged members of the house to uphold the tenets of democracy and parliamentary ethos for the purpose of fast-tracking development.
He promised to adhere strictly to the principles of checks and balances, recognise independence of legislature and support the legislative arm.
Oyetola however implored them to optimally contribute their quota to the growth and development of the state through masses-oriented legislation.
Politics
Alleged Coup: Protests Rock N’Assembly As Detained Officers’ Children, Wives Demand Justice
Scores of children and wives of military officers detained over an alleged coup plot yesterday staged a peaceful protest at the National Assembly, demanding a speedy trial and the release of the accused officials.
The protesters who gathered at the entrance of the National Assembly complex, moved in a slow procession while clutching placards with inscriptions such as “Don’t Kill Our Daddies,” “Detention Without Trial is Injustice,” and “Six Months of Torture: Enough Is Enough.”
Amid tears and trembling voices, the children appealed for justice and access to their detained fathers, many of whom they said they had not seen for months.
The appeal was made during a press briefing in Abuja attended by no fewer than 20 wives and several children of the detained officers, including a two-month-old baby.
The families were accompanied by human rights lawyer, Deji Adeyanju and activist Omoyele Sowore.
At the briefing, the families lamented that the officers had been held for over 160 days without trial or contact with their relatives, describing the situation as a violation of their fundamental rights.
Speaking on behalf of the families, Memuna Bashiru said the prolonged detention had thrown their households into uncertainty and emotional distress, noting that while allegations had been widely publicised, families remained in the dark about the fate of their loved ones.
The arrest of the indicted officers was first announced on October 4, 2025, by the then Director of Defense Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, who disclosed that 16 officers were taken into custody for alleged breaches of military regulations and acts of indiscipline.
However, an interim investigation later suggested the existence of a clandestine network of officers, allegedly coordinated by a senior Army officer, which had begun preliminary planning for a coup.
According to the report, the alleged plot involved surveillance of key national assets, including the Presidential Villa, Armed Forces Complex, Niger Barracks in Abuja, and major international airports, with October 25, 2025, cited as the planned date for the operation.
Those reportedly in custody include Brig Gen M. A. Sadiq, Col M. A. Maaji, Lt Col S. Bappah, Lt Col A. A. Hayatu, Lt Col P. Dangnap, Lt Col M. Almakura, Maj A. J. Ibrahim, Maj M. M. Jiddah, Maj M. A. Usman, Maj D. Yusuf, Capt I. Bello, Capt A. A. Yusuf, Lt S. S. Felix, Lt Cdr D. B. Abdullahi, Sqn Ldr S. B. Adamu and Maj I. Dauda.
The alleged plot, according to findings, targeted senior government officials, including President Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima.
In a statement issued yesterday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mr Felix Morka, said the exercise would take place in all wards and designated centres nationwide.
He called on existing members to update their records, while encouraging new entrants to join the party through the digital platform.
“As the electronic membership registration exercise resumes in all wards and designated locations nationwide, we urge existing members to validate their membership while new members are encouraged to register and join the progressive family,” Mr Morka said.
According to him, eligibility for registration is limited to individuals aged 18 and above who possess a valid National Identification Number (NIN).
The party said the initiative is part of efforts to modernise its operations by transitioning to a digital database that would enhance record accuracy and accessibility.
Mr Morka noted that the e-registration would “digitise the party’s membership register, ensure the integrity of records, and enhance efficient access to membership data for planning and management decisions.”
He added that the move is also aimed at promoting internal democracy within the party and strengthening its commitment to democratic innovation.
The APC had previously introduced electronic registration as part of broader reforms to streamline its membership system and improve organisational efficiency.