Benny News Hub

By Feyisetan Hamzat/ Benny News Hub Ibadan Mega Voice (IMV) has formally decorated Alhaji Qazeem Ayobami Olaniyan, Chairman of Omoola Travel and Tours, as one of its Patrons, in recognition of his support for community development and his commitment to the progress of Ibadan. The decoration ceremony took place at his office along Iwo Road, Ibadan, in a warm and symbolic setting that reflects IMV’s culture of honouring individuals whose values align with its mission of promoting positive narratives, cultural pride, and people-centred initiatives for the advancement of Ibadaland. Alhaji Qazeem Ayobami Olaniyan is widely regarded as a visionary entrepreneur whose consistency, humility, and business insight have earned him respect within and beyond the travel and tourism sector. His love for Ibadan and its people resonates deeply with the ideals of Ibadan Mega Voice. Members of the association present at the ceremony included Ms. Feyisetan Hamzat, Secretary of Ibadan Mega Voice; Saheed Ala...

The Oyo State Government, through the Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority (OYRLEA), has commenced prosecution of 13 individuals over the alleged wilful and malicious damage of government road infrastructure in parts of Ibadan. The enforcement exercise, led by the Chairperson of OYRLEA, Hon. Justice Aderonke Aderemi (rtd.), alongside officers of the Authority, took place on Tuesday, January 20, 2026. Those arrested include Farinde Lawal, Akanji Kazeem, Abidemi Isiaq, and ten others. The suspects were arraigned on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, before the Chief Magistrate Court, Ibadan Magisterial District, sitting at Iwo Road, on charges bordering on conspiracy and wilful damage to public property. According to the charge sheet, the defendants allegedly conspired to damage road kerbs constructed by the Oyo State Government at Odejayi Area along Old Ife Road and New Gbagi Area, Ibadan. The offences are said to contravene Sections 516 and 451 of the Criminal Code, Cap 35, Vol. II, L...

  By Feyisetan Hamzat Benny News Hub | Ibadan The Progressive Forum, Ibadan (TPFI), has expressed deep concern over the rising wave of insecurity in Ibadanland and its surrounding communities, calling on relevant government agencies to urgently step up efforts to protect lives, farmlands, and property. The Forum also decried the continued rise in food prices across Ibadan, noting that the situation has become increasingly burdensome for residents despite relatively stable petroleum prices and transportation fares. It urged the government to intervene decisively to address the widening gap between income levels and the cost of food. These concerns were raised during the Forum’s 51st General Meeting held on Friday, January 16, 2026, at the Omo Aj’orosun Club House, Ibadan. The meeting, which had the theme “Why We Are Here,” brought together prominent Ibadan indigenes, professionals, and community leaders. In a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting and signed by the Forum’s Secr...

  Award ceremony highlights commitment to culture, community service, and grassroots development By Feyisetan Hamzat Benny News Hub | Ibadan Honourable Ezekiel Temitope O-Otope, Director-General of the Oyo State Liaison Office (Lagos and Abuja), has been honoured by the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) with the prestigious Icon of Ibadan Heritage Award in recognition of his sustained contributions to grassroots development, philanthropy, and dedication to the preservation of Ibadan’s cultural values. The award presentation formed part of activities geared towards setting the tone for the 2026 Ibadan Cultural Festival, an annual celebration that showcases the rich history, traditions, and collective identity of Ibadanland. The President-General of CCII, Chief (Barr.) Ajeniyi Ajewole, while presenting the award alongside the Chairman of the 2026 Ibadan Cultural Festival Planning Committee, Mogaji Moshood Gbolagade Akere, described Hon. O-Otope as a man whose life reflects s...

  By Prince Oluyedun Bello Babatunde Oyewumi JP Ibadan Icon The Disintegration of Old Oyo and the Collapse of Central Authority The period between 1835 and 1893 marked a defining era in Yorubaland’s history. It was an age of disintegration, transition, and realignment of power. By 1835, the once-formidable Oyo Empire had begun to crumble under the weight of internal crises, external pressures, and the collapse of its central authority system. Out of this collapse emerged successor states—most notably Ibadan, Ilorin, and Abeokuta. Among these, Ibadan quickly rose to prominence, becoming the most militarily formidable and politically influential power in Yorubaland. By 1840, it was clear that Ibadan had become the most capable successor to the Oyo hegemony, particularly in defending the Yoruba people against Fulani incursions from the north. Its strategic location, strong warrior culture, and disciplined military structure positioned it as a stabilising force in a volatile era. Ibada...

By Feyisetan Hamzat | Benny News Hub | Ibadan Chief Ashagidigbi Olatunde Bello, Governor of the Agbekoya Farmers’ Society of Nigeria, Oyo State Chapter, has praised Governor Seyi Makinde for his decision to reinstate and strengthen the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs, and for appointing the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, Arusa I, as Chairman of the council. The Council, which had been dormant for several years, was recently inaugurated by Governor Makinde at the House of Chiefs in Agodi, Ibadan, marking its official return to active service. Under the newly adopted structure, the leadership of the council will rotate every two years among the three foremost traditional rulers in the state — the Olubadan of Ibadanland, the Alaafin of Oyo, and the Soun of Ogbomosoland — with the Olubadan taking the first term. Chief Ashagidigbi described the appointment as a welcome development that will usher in renewed collaboration between traditional ins...

  By Prince Oluyedun Bello Babatunde Oyewumi JP | Benny News Hub Prince Tunde Bello Oluyedun, an Ibadan icon, has extended heartfelt congratulations to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, Arusa I, on his appointment as the Chairman of the Traditional Council of Obas and Chiefs in Oyo State. Oluyedun acknowledged the efforts of previous administrations, noting that former Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala made attempts to inaugurate the council but was unsuccessful. He also observed that the subsequent progressive era failed to actualise this vision for eight years. He, however, credited the present administration under Governor Seyi Makinde for finally making it a reality, stating that God has used him to accomplish this historic milestone. According to him, the Olubadan’s appointment is a significant development that will further promote unity, harmony, and cooperation among traditional institutions across Oyo State. He described the inauguration...