Oyo State Police Command has recorded yet another significant breakthrough in its sustained efforts to combat cultism, violent crimes, and other criminal activities across the State.

On Wednesday, June 17, 2026, operatives attached to the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), Oyo Base, acting on credible intelligence, apprehended two suspected members of a notorious cult group at their hideout in the Oke-Apo area of Oyo Town.

The suspects, identified as Oparemi Kabiru, alias “Ikebe”, and Fasasi Taofeek, alias “Bufalo”, were arrested following intelligence indicating that they and their associates had been involved in activities threatening public peace and security within Oyo Town and its environs.

A search conducted on the suspects led to the recovery of one locally made pistol and two live cartridges. During preliminary interrogation, the suspects confessed to being members of the Eiye Supremo Confraternity and admitted involvement in several violent criminal activities within Oyo Town and surrounding communities.

The successful operation underscores the effectiveness of intelligence-led policing and the critical role of actionable information provided by members of the public in combating crime. The Command notes that the arrest was made possible through credible intelligence, further reinforcing the importance of sustained cooperation between the Police and the communities they serve.

The Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command CP Abimbola Ayodeji, Olugbenga psc, mnips, reassures residents of the Command’s unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property and to ensuring that criminal elements have no safe haven anywhere within the State. He emphasizes that security is a shared responsibility and calls on all residents to remain vigilant and actively support law enforcement efforts through timely, accurate, and credible information.

The Commissioner further urges members of the public to embrace the principle of “See Something, Say Something,” stressing that prompt reporting of suspicious persons, movements, and activities enables proactive police intervention and helps prevent crimes before they occur. He assures citizens that all information received by the Police will be treated with the utmost confidentiality and professionalism.

The Oyo State Police Command remains fully prepared, strategically positioned, and operationally equipped to respond swiftly to security threats across the State. The Command therefore encourages residents to continue partnering with the Police in building safer communities and maintaining the peace and security currently being enjoyed in Oyo State.

The Command remains resolute in its determination to rid the State of cultism, armed violence, and all forms of criminality.

Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC), led by its Chairman, Dr. Afeez Adeniyi, on Thursday, June 18, 2026, held an interactive meeting with representatives of registered political parties in Oyo state as part of preparations for the forthcoming local government council elections in the state.

During the meeting, which took place at the Commission’s headquarters in Ibadan, copies of the election guidelines were distributed to political parties by OYSIEC ahead of primaries scheduled to hold between June 29 and July 27, 2026.

Addressing the participants, Dr. Adeniyi emphasized the critical role political parties play in the electoral process, urging them to diligently discharge their constitutional responsibilities to ensure a credible and peaceful election.

He stressed the importance of conducting party primaries within the stipulated period and forwarding the names of successful candidates to the commission as required by the electoral law.

The OYSIEC Chairman also urged political parties to carefully study and adhere to the election guidelines issued by the commission, noting that compliance would help prevent avoidable pre-election disputes and litigation.

Responding to questions and concerns raised by party representatives, Dr. Adeniyi reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to strictly adhere to the laws governing the conduct of local government council elections in Oyo State.

He called on political parties to promote greater inclusion of women in leadership and elective positions, describing women as vital contributors to national development.

“Today, we engaged representatives of registered political parties under the umbrella of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC). This meeting is part of our preparations for the local government council elections scheduled for December 29, 2026,” he said.

“We had fruitful discussions and exchanged ideas. Our officials will be available during the party primaries to monitor the process and provide necessary guidance where required.”

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) and National Rescue Movement ( NRM), Oyo State , Mr. Kabiru Akinade, expressed concerns over some of the challenges associated with the conduct of local government council elections in Nigeria.

Also speaking, the Oyo State Woman Leader of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Chief Mrs. Olajumoke Odususi, advocated increased inclusion of women in electoral processes and decision-making structures as preparations for the elections gather momentum.

The Permanent Secretary of OYSIEC, Mrs. Abisola Kafayat Ogunmola, advised political parties to ensure accuracy in the personal data of successful candidates to be submitted to the commission in the interest of the parties and their candidates.

She appreciated the participants for their attendance and valuable contributions during the engagement.

The meeting also featured special prayers for the safe and speedy release of the abducted school children and teachers from Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

Oyo State Government has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to efficient service delivery, human capital development, and sustainable economic growth, as the newly appointed Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, Alhaja Faosat Joke Sanni, formally assumed office.

Speaking at her maiden meeting with the Ministry’s management staff held inside the Conference room of the Ministry, the Commissioner expressed profound appreciation to His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde, for the confidence reposed in her, pledging to consolidate on existing gains and drive policies that will further strengthen the State’s economic landscape.

Hon. Sanni outlined a clear policy direction anchored on capacity building, institutional efficiency, and technology-driven governance. She emphasized that continuous professional development and the integration of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) remain critical to modern public service performance.

As part of her agenda, the Commissioner disclosed plans to introduce structured in-house training programmes aimed at enhancing staff productivity, while also encouraging officers to embrace self-development and skills acquisition as tools for career advancement and improved service delivery.

Reiterating the administration’s commitment to a result-oriented public service, Hon. Sanni charged staff to uphold the highest standards of diligence, integrity, and teamwork. She stressed that a culture of mutual respect, collaboration, and accountability is essential to achieving the Ministry’s mandate.

Drawing from her extensive experience within the Oyo State Civil Service, the Commissioner commended the professionalism of officers and underscored the importance of mentorship, particularly in grooming the next generation of public servants for greater responsibility.

On stakeholder engagement, Hon. Sanni highlighted the Ministry’s resolve to deepen collaboration with traders, cooperative societies, investors, and other critical stakeholders through sustained dialogue and inclusive engagement. She noted that strategic consultations with market leaders and relevant groups would be intensified to stimulate economic activities and boost the State’s internally generated revenue.

The Commissioner further assured that resource management would be guided by prudence, transparency, and strict adherence to government regulations. She also emphasized the need to strengthen security within the Ministry to guarantee a safe and conducive working environment.

In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Olajide Mahmud Okesade, welcomed the Commissioner and congratulated her on her appointment. He assured her of the unwavering support and cooperation of the management and staff, expressing confidence in her capacity to advance the Ministry’s strategic objectives in line with Governor Seyi Makinde’s sustainable development agenda.

The meeting featured detailed presentations by Heads of Department, outlining their mandates, achievements, and operational priorities. Responding, Hon. Sanni commended their contributions and reaffirmed her commitment to providing the necessary leadership and support to enhance institutional efficiency.

The Governorship Candidate of the Action Democratic Party (ADP) in Oyo State, Hon. Kunle Olatunji, has urged eligible residents across the state to take advantage of the ongoing voter registration exercise being conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead of the July 10, 2026 deadline.

In a statement he personally issued on Thursday, June 18, 2026, Olatunji called on all citizens who have attained voting age of 18years, as well as those seeking to transfer their voter registration, replace lost or damaged Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), or update their voter information, to complete the process before the registration window closes.

The ADP governorship candidate emphasized that voter registration is a fundamental civic responsibility of the citizenry and a critical step in strengthening democracy and ensuring that citizens actively participate in determining the future of Oyo State and Nigeria.

He further appealed to community leaders, youth organisations, women groups, market associations, religious bodies, civil society groups, and political stakeholders to intensify efforts in sensitising and mobilising residents across the state to register.

According to him, Permanent Voter Card remains one of the most powerful tools available to citizens, enabling them to exercise their constitutional right to vote and influence leadership choices and public policies.

Olatunji noted that meaningful development in areas such as infrastructure, education, healthcare, security, youth empowerment, and economic growth can only be achieved when citizens actively participate in the democratic process.

He therefore urged residents not to wait until the last minute before registering, stressing the importance of obtaining a PVC and encouraging others to do the same.

The governorship hopeful maintained that no eligible voter in Oyo State should be left behind in the registration exercise, adding that widespread participation would contribute significantly to the advancement and development of the state.

He concluded by encouraging all residents to register, mobilise others, and prepare to make their votes count in future elections.

The Chairman of the Oyo State Pension Board, Hon. Tunji Rafiu Adekunle (JP), has announced that the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, FNSE, DSC, GSSRS, has approved the immediate commencement of the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) in the State.

Hon. Adekunle disclosed this on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, through the Permanent Secretary, Post Service Board, Rev. Adekunle Victor Adesola, in a circular with Reference No. OYPB/G/24/VOL.IV/11, issued to inform all stakeholders, Ministries, Commissions, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), as well as civil/public servants across the state.

According to the Chairman, the scheme will apply to officers employed into the service of Oyo State with effect from January 1, 2025, while the Contributory Pension Scheme will officially commence on July 1, 2026.

He explained that the pension contribution rate will be 12 per cent from the employer (Oyo State Government) and 8 per cent from the employee, in line with the approved contributory structure in the state. He added that the state government will ensure the immediate payment of accrued benefits to all affected employees upon the commencement of the scheme.

Hon. Adekunle therefore directed all MDAs to forward a comprehensive list of employees recruited into the Oyo State Civil/Public Service from January 1, 2025, using the attached proforma to the circular, in Excel format. The submissions are to be made in both hard and soft copies to the Board.

He further stated that each Ministry, Department and Agency is required to designate a Pension Desk Officer to serve as a liaison between the respective MDA and the Board.

“This measure is aimed at facilitating effective coordination, capacity building, accountability and the seamless processing of all matters relating to the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS). The details of the nominated Desk Officer should include full name, designation/post, grade level, WhatsApp number, email address and phone number,” he said.

The circular also directed that all requested information and relevant documents be submitted to the Board on or before Monday, June 22, 2026.

The Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers Union of Nigeria (RATTAWU), Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS) Chapel, and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), BCOS Chapel, have raised concerns over what they described as growing challenges affecting workers’ welfare, industrial relations, and administrative processes at the corporation.

In a joint statement issued on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, the unions called on the Oyo State Government, labour authorities, and relevant stakeholders to urgently intervene, warning that the situation could undermine industrial harmony at the state-owned media organisation.

The unions expressed concern over what they termed the “continued silence” of BCOS management, following a letter submitted to the management challenging disciplinary actions taken against some elected union officials and highlighting issues affecting workers’ rights and welfare.

According to the statement signed by the NUJ BCOS Chapel Chairman, Comrade Ademola Balogun, and RATTAWU BCOS Chapel Chairman, Comrade Adeniyi Faleti, efforts by the unions to resolve the matters through dialogue had not yielded any positive result.

The unions specifically cited the suspension of Comrade Aliyu Bashiru, Secretary of RATTAWU BCOS Chapel, as well as warning letters issued to Comrade Adeniyi Faleti and Comrade Ademola Balogun, over activities they described as part of legitimate union responsibilities.

They argued that such actions had raised concerns among workers and created the impression of interference with lawful trade union activities.

The statement stressed that recognised trade unions remain important partners in maintaining industrial peace, promoting staff welfare, and ensuring constructive engagement between workers and management.

“Any action capable of discouraging legitimate union activities or intimidating elected representatives is detrimental to healthy labour relations,” the unions stated.

They maintained that sustainable industrial harmony could only be achieved through inclusiveness, mutual respect, and continuous engagement between management and workers’ representatives.

The unions also expressed concerns about administrative and financial issues within the corporation, including transparency, accountability, and the need for broader stakeholder participation in matters affecting staff and the institution.

On workers’ welfare, the unions lamented the alleged delay in payment of May salaries, unresolved deductions, and outstanding allowances, noting that the situation had placed additional financial pressure on members of staff and their families.

They called for urgent steps to address workers’ concerns, stressing that staff welfare remained critical to productivity, commitment, and peaceful labour relations.

Among their demands, the unions called for the immediate withdrawal of disciplinary measures against affected officials, the restoration of rights and benefits suspended following the suspension of Comrade Aliyu Bashiru, and respect for workers’ constitutional rights.

They also demanded the inclusion of recognised unions in meetings and consultations affecting staff, payment of outstanding salaries, allowances, and welfare packages, review of disputed deductions, and greater transparency in the administration of the corporation.

They further urged the management to embrace dialogue as the preferred means of resolving industrial disputes.

During further investigations, some of the affected staff members who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said the hardship had become unbearable and that they could no longer continue to endure the situation.

They lamented that they could barely afford three meals a day, adding that some lives had been lost in the last few months due to the management’s maltreatment and neglect of workers’ welfare.

They questioned why staff welfare conditions had continued to deteriorate and called on the appropriate authorities to urgently intervene before the situation worsens.

They, however, reaffirmed their commitment to peace and the continued progress of BCOS, stating that industrial harmony could only thrive where workers’ welfare was prioritised and their representatives were accorded due recognition.