General News
SUPREMACY BATTLE ERUPTS IN DELTA TRADITIONAL COUNCIL AS MONARCHS, CHIEFS TRADE WORDS
A supremacy battle has erupted in the Delta State Traditional Council between the Forum of Urhobo Kings, also known as Ukoko r’ivie, (FUK), and the Traditional Chiefs of Urhobo Land Association (TCULA), over parallel chieftaincy associations. While FUK has placed a ban on what it described as “parallel chieftaincy associations” in Urhobo land, TCULA insisted the ban is null and void and unconstitutional.
FUK, under the leadership of His Royal Majesty Dr Emmanuel Sideso, Abe I, the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, had through its spokesman, His Royal Majesty, Obukowho Monday Whiskey, Udurhie I, the Ovie of Idjerhe Kingdom, declared that no association known as the Traditional Chiefs of Urhobo Land Association exists. He insisted that no Urhobo chief is permitted to belong to or form a chieftaincy association outside his kingdom.
But the National President of TCULA, Chief Omene, described the ban as unconstitutional and unenforceable, insisting that only the government has the authority to dissolve a legally registered association. He warned that TCULA would not hesitate to seek legal redress against any traditional ruler who attempts to stop its activities. According to him, TCULA is duly registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and operates within the confines of the law. “The association will continue to exist. Only the government has the power to dissolve an association. TCULA is registered, and the government is aware of it. They don’t have the right to disband it,” Omene said.
“Nigeria has a constitution, and it is binding on everyone. You cannot wake up and take actions that are against the constitution. Freedom of association is guaranteed. If they think they have such powers, let them try it. We will take them to court,” he stated.
Chief Omene further argued that traditional rulers do not possess the authority to strip chiefs of their titles, noting that chieftaincy matters are regulated by the state government. “My king does not have the right to disrobe me. Once a staff of office is given, it cannot be withdrawn arbitrarily. The same applies to chiefs. When a kingdom confers a chieftaincy title, the state government issues a certificate. Only the state government can withdraw such recognition,” he explained.
Expressing disappointment over FUK’s directive, Omene accused the Urhobo kings of selective intervention in critical matters affecting the Urhobo people. “When the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) was being formed, these same kings fought it. During the Okuama crisis, did they issue a communique? When Urhobos were killed in Warri, did they speak? During INEC delineation in Warri, did they say anything? No,” he alleged.
Despite the opposition from FUK, the TCULA leader expressed confidence in the resilience of his members. “Our members are rock solid. They are not moved by this action,” he said. He further claimed that the traditional rulers were hesitant to confront issues involving neighboring ethnic groups. “They are afraid of the Itsekiri and Ijaw kings,” Omene added.
General News
Alue-Do Festival Assault: First Lady Oluremi Tinubu Condemns Attack on Women, Calls for Justice
The First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu, has strongly condemned the reported assault of women and girls during the Alue-Do Festival in Ozoro, Delta State, describing the incident as “horrific” and unacceptable.
Reacting to viral footage from Ozoro, the First Lady expressed outrage over scenes showing young girls being physically and sexually assaulted, as well as subjected to degrading treatment during what was meant to be a cultural celebration.
While acknowledging Nigeria’s rich cultural diversity, Mrs. Tinubu stressed that no tradition or custom should be used as justification for violating the dignity and rights of women and girls.
She commended the efforts of the Nigeria Police Force for making arrests in connection with the incident and urged authorities to ensure that all perpetrators are brought to justice.
The First Lady also called on victims to seek immediate medical and psychological support, offering prayers for their healing, peace, and strength in the aftermath of the ordeal.
The incident has sparked widespread concern and renewed calls for stricter measures to protect women and girls during cultural and public events across the country.
General News
World Water Day 2026: Oluremi Tinubu Calls for Gender Equity Through Improved Water Access
The First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu, has called for collective action to promote gender equality through improved access to water and sanitation, as the world marks World Water Day 2026.
In a message commemorating the day, Senator Tinubu highlighted this year’s theme, “Water and Gender,” alongside the campaign slogan, “Where Water Flows, Equality Grows,” emphasizing the strong link between water access and gender equity.
She noted that in many communities, women and girls bear the burden of sourcing water, often trekking long distances to streams, a situation that negatively impacts their education, health, and economic opportunities.
“When we ensure safe, clean, and accessible water, we do more than quench thirst; we open doors for girls to stay in school, for women to pursue livelihoods, and for families to live healthier lives,” she said.
The First Lady urged Nigerians to work together to ensure equitable access to water resources across the country, stressing that improved water systems can drive social and economic development.
She concluded by encouraging citizens to embrace the spirit of the global observance and reaffirm commitments toward building a more inclusive society.
“Let us work together to ensure that where water flows in Nigeria, equity truly grows,” she added.
World Water Day is observed annually on March 22 to raise awareness on the importance of freshwater and advocate for sustainable management of water resources worldwide.
Fresh hostilities in the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict intensified early Sunday, with Iran launching strikes near Israel’s main nuclear research centre, leaving dozens injured and raising fears of wider regional escalation.
According to reports, missiles hit areas close to the nuclear facility in Dimona and the southern city of Arad. Rescue services confirmed that nearly 70 people were injured in Arad alone, with several in serious condition and multiple residential buildings severely damaged.
The Israeli military said it had begun retaliatory strikes targeting locations in Tehran, further escalating the conflict, which has now entered its fourth week.
Iran warned that any attack on its energy facilities would trigger retaliatory strikes on U.S. and Israeli infrastructure across the region. The threat followed a statement by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who warned that the United States could target Iranian power plants if Tehran fails to reopen the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours. Iranian authorities described such threats as provocative, vowing a firm response if carried out.
Saudi Arabia also confirmed that its air defence systems intercepted missiles and drones targeting its territory, including areas near key oil installations, with no casualties reported. In a separate incident, a projectile struck near a commercial vessel off the coast of the United Arab Emirates, causing an explosion but leaving the crew unharmed.
Iran’s state media reported that the death toll within the country has surpassed 1,500 since the conflict began, raising humanitarian concerns. Legal experts have also warned that targeting civilian infrastructure such as power plants could violate international law.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the situation as “a very difficult moment,” as emergency teams continued search-and-rescue operations in affected areas.
In Yemen, Iran-backed Houthi rebels warned they could join the conflict if attacks against Iran intensify, cautioning that further escalation could disrupt global energy supplies and economic stability.
Despite diplomatic signals, including a temporary U.S. move to ease sanctions on Iranian oil shipments, there are no clear signs of de-escalation, with both sides continuing military operations. Analysts warn the conflict risks expanding into a broader regional war with significant global implications.